SMARTCUT #10: Get Out of Your Own Way

The last smartcut is perhaps the hardest to hear: GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY.

This is a dose of tough love because many of the speedbumps and pitfalls we encounter along the way were actually built by us. We often tell ourselves the same story so many times that we believe it to be true, even when it’s not:

“I can’t ask for help.”

“I can’t make any mistakes.”

“What happens if this doesn’t work? It’s better not to try.”

“My work must be perfect.”

“A person like me doesn’t deserve this.”

And so on.

Recognising when we’re holding ourselves back because of a false belief can help reduce stress levels and remove our self-imposed blinders. What opportunities might we see when we’re not so focused on these limiting beliefs?

This may mean being more aware of when we engage in self-sabotaging behaviours, such as procrastination or perfectionistic tendencies, then taking the necessary steps to avoid them in the future.

It may mean intentionally planning your day by using the right tools (Smartcut #4) and positive habits (Smartcut #5). Proactive planning and organisation are not optional extras or simply “nice to have”. Continuing to do the same thing won’t bring you new results. Instead, it’s often necessary to adopt new behaviours to bring about change.

And it could mean finding a coach you click with to help you navigate life’s challenges. After all, asking for help is another important smartcut (#8 to be precise), and learning from others is one of the most effective ways to smooth the path in front of you.