“Whether You Think You Can or Think You Can’t, You are Right.”

– Henry Ford

I don’t know if you’re like me.  Sometimes it takes me quite awhile to understand something I read or hear.

Case in point.

I first heard the quote at the top of this post from Henry Ford quite a few years ago.  Not only  didn’t I look at it closely to see what he was actually taking about, I have to admit until recently I totally misunderstood what he meant by it.

You see – I was really upset when I first heard it.  I thought it was a put down.  I thought he was saying at any time on any issue there are people who are going to be on opposite sides.  There are those who are going to be right.  There are going to be those who are wrong.

Regardless of what anyone does it is going to be difficult to convince those whose positions are wrong that they are wrong.  The more someone tries to persuade them otherwise the more firmly they hang on to their position.

When I heard this quote again several weeks ago, a light went on in my brain.  I finally got it.  I also realized how badly I had misunderstood what Henry Ford meant.

It has to do with

A Person’s Beliefs

Frequently some people will believe they can do a certain thing.  They find that they are right – they can do it.  Other people believe they can’t do it.  They are right – they can’t do it.

Let me give you an example.

• Some people have no problem speaking in front of a group of people.  They are very comfortable doing it.
• Others fear talking in front of a group of people.  No way will they ever speak to a group of people.
• Their thoughts stem from their beliefs.  Each is right.

Frequently beliefs can be limiting.  Many never achieve what they can in life because their beliefs limit them.

The sad thing is that people rarely question how they developed their beliefs.  They never look closely to see if their beliefs are valid.  They never see if they want to hold on to them.  They never determine if they would achieve more of their potential if they worked to change their beliefs.  They don’t explore what they would have to do to change their beliefs.

Are You Open to Trying Something?

Take some time this week alone.  Look at the beliefs you have.  Are they helping you to reach more of your potential?  Do you have any which are limiting you?  If you have any that are limiting you, what can you do to change them?

After you have done this, let your spouse, a loved one or a friend whom you can trust know about the self analysis you did.  Tell them of the limiting beliefs you have that you want to change.  Ask them to support you as you work to change each.  Also ask them to hold you to follow through and change each.

What Will You Gain from Doing This?

You will achieve more of the potential that you have.  You will be more fulfilled.  You also will have more happiness and more peace in your life.

I want you to know that I support you in your efforts.  I know that you will be pleased with the results you get.

Much success in your efforts,

Bob Paroski

No tags

No comments yet.

<< Beginner’s Mind

The Value of a Support Network >>