Accepting You Can Change

Accepting You Can Change: The Illusion of "Set in Stone"

Do you ever find yourself saying, "That's just who I am"? Or perhaps you've heard others justify their actions or inactions with a similar phrase, maybe even throwing in their astrological sign for good measure. It's a common refrain, a seemingly innocent declaration of self-acceptance. But what if this seemingly harmless belief is actually a self-imposed ceiling, a barrier preventing you from becoming that person you wish to become?

In some areas of our lives, growth feels natural and effortless. We embrace a varying degree of challenges, seek out new skills, and push ourselves to improve. Maybe it's in the gym, in the kitchen, or simply in our daily routines. We can see the progress and, at times, feel the momentum.

But then there are those other areas, the ones where change feels out of reach, where our deeply ingrained beliefs about ourselves hold us back. We tell ourselves, "This is who I am…," or "I'm not the kind of person who [insert reason here]" We build walls around these aspects of our identity, convinced that they are fixed and unchangeable.

These walls are illusions.

They are constructs of our own minds, built on a foundation of limiting beliefs and self-doubt. And these constructs have been building since we came into this world. From how we were raised to the experiences life throws at us. When we cling to these beliefs, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to grow and evolve in aspects of our lives, some known and some unknown.

The Mirror Test: Where Growth Meets Identity

Think about the areas where you excel, where you effortlessly embrace growth. What do these areas have in common?

Chances are, they don't challenge your core identity. They don't force you to question who you believe you are at your core.

For example, if you're into fitness - pushing yourself to lift heavier weights or run faster times doesn't fundamentally change your self-perception. You're still the same person, just a stronger and faster version.

But what happens when growth requires us to confront our deeply held beliefs about ourselves? What if we need to become less impulsive, more assertive, or more open-minded? This is where the mirror test comes in.

The mirror test is the moment we are forced to look at ourselves and question our own identity. It's the point where growth collides with our deeply ingrained self-image, and we must decide whether to cling to the familiar or embrace the unknown.

Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs

If you find yourself hitting a ceiling in any area of your life, it's time to examine the beliefs you have of yourself and look to understand what may be holding you back.

Are you truly "too emotional," or have you simply not developed the skills to manage your emotions effectively?

Are you really "not a risk-taker," or are you simply afraid of failure and having to try again?

These beliefs are not facts. They are stories we tell ourselves, based on past experiences and societal expectations. But just like any story, they can be rewritten.

The first step to breaking free from limiting beliefs is to become aware of them.

Pay attention to your thoughts and internal dialogue. When you catch yourself saying, "I can't do that," or "I'm not good enough," ask yourself, "Is this really true, or is it just a belief?"

Once you've identified your limiting beliefs, challenge them. Look for evidence that contradicts them. Seek out conversations with those who have overcome similar challenges. And most importantly, be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things.

Embracing Change

Change is not something to be feared, but rather embraced.

When you open ourselves to the possibility of change, you gain the chance to see the world differently. You discover new strengths, overcome old weaknesses, and change the way you see your ability to steer your own ship.

The journey of personal growth is not always easy. It requires ruthless honesty, perseverance, and a willingness to confront who you believe you are. But it’s a necessity.

Your Story Begins Here

The path to personal and professional growth is rooted in a powerful realization: we are not fixed, but rather, ever-evolving beings capable of transformation. This understanding is the cornerstone of the Playbook Papers.

Whether it's navigating the complexities of business, building meaningful brand partnerships, negotiation, or cultivating an action oriented mindset, the key lies in your willingness to shed the limitations of who you believe you are and embrace the potential of who you can become.

Remember, the person you are today is not the final version. You are a continuous work in progress. Let go of the old stories, break down those self-imposed ceilings, and step into your future self.