If you think you can, or you think you can't - either way you are right

There is this great story about a guy who had started his own business.

Back in the early 1900s, this guy had had a great idea and setup his own business. As with most small businesses, there was not enough capital to pay all the startup costs, and it was not very long until the businessman got to the point where he thought he might have to pack it all in.

One lunchtime he decided to get out of the office to just have a think about what he was going to do. He really did believe in his product, but he needed a bit more time to win his first few customers. He walked through a nearby park and sat down on a bench to just dwell on his disappointment at having to close his business, and for the future potential he would not be able to realise.

Sitting there, he did not notice an old man come up and sit beside him, until the man turned to him and asked him why he looked so glum. For some reason, our businessman decided to tell this stranger about his business, the potential, the lack of capital and his sorrow at not being able to fulfill his plans. The stranger smiled and nodded as he listened to the story. When the businessman had finished, the old man slowly took a cheque book out of his coat pocket and started to write out a cheque.

The stranger said to the businessman, "Here is some capital to help you keep your business running. I don't want to know how you spend it but meet me in this park at this same time in one years time and tell me what you have done with your business." He then handed the businessman the cheque he had written, and got up to walk away.

The businessman looked down at the cheque he was holding. It had been made out for $500,000 and it was signed John D Rockefeller. He gasped in astonishment as he watched the retreating figure. John D Rockefeller was an American Industrialist famous for his philanthropy and support of pioneers. The businessman did not recognise his face, but he certainly knew the name and was astounded at his luck at running into him!

The businessman pocketed the cheque and walked briskly back to his office, full of plans for what he would do with Rockefeller's generous support. As he sat down at his desk, however, he had a new thought. Rather than banking the cheque straight away, he decided to wait until he really needed the money and perhaps draw down on it bit by bit.

That afternoon and for the weeks to come, our businessman made sales calls and organised meetings, knowing that if he needed it ,he had access to Rockefeller's $500,000. He was able to face potential customers without the desperation of really needing to make the sale today, and he was able to negotiate harder with suppliers.

Over the course of the next year the businessman turned his business around completely, receiving orders from large customers, setting in motion all the necessary operations of the business. By the end of one year, his business was profitable and growing. And he had never had to draw on the $500,000!

However ,as promised, on the date of the next year as planned, the businessman returned to the park where he had first meet Rockefeller. And at the appointed time, the businessman saw the old man walking slowly towards him. As the businessman stood up to greet Rockefeller and shake his hand and tell him of the success of his business, a nurse came from around the corner to help the old man as he walked.

The nurse turned to the businessman and said, "I am so sorry if he has been disturbing you. He suffers from delusions and he believes he is John D Rockefeller. He is always wandering off from the nursing home to talk to people, so please excuse him."

The business man of course could not believe his ears! So the cheque had been nothing, yet he had had it tucked in the top drawer of his desk as his security for over one year.

Isn't that a great story? The lesson is that our beliefs - whether they be REAL or FALSE drive our ability or lack of ability to achieve what we set out to do.

Taking the time to reflect on our fundamental beliefs and whether or not they are real or false (or whether or not they work for you or against you) can be hugely beneficial in understanding what may be holding you back from doing what you really want to do.

For me, one of my false beliefs is that ultimately I am alone. The impact of this shows up in lots of sly ways. When I feel stressed or under pressure, I immediately withdraw. I immediately find being with people tiring, as if I am having to work at the image that I believe they need to see of me. I don't ask for help, and it can degenerate into further depression. Linked to this belief is also a belief that I am not worthy of being loved.

Where did these beliefs come from? Likely my childhood and adolescent experiences. But irrespective, having identified them I am now empowered to decide whether I want to keep these beliefs. Do they work for me? Well no. So now starts my process of being conscious of when I am making decisions using those beliefs as filters. And when I do become aware of this, to change the filter, and make better decisions!

Here's hoping that tomorrow you too may uncover some limiting beliefs that are holding you back!

Cheers
Jane