Which is why, on the International Day of Disabled Persons I wanted to acknowledge all the people whose starting block may seem a little further back because of health issues that create difficulties, but who not only join the race, but steam past all of the people who say they can’t, because quite simply they believe in themselves.
From personal experience I see every day the difficulties that a child who is different to other children manages that kind of set back, and it inspires me. I am inspired as she plays in the playground, with no judgement of other children she tries to latch on, tries to make friends, and her unawareness of personal space and the fact she looks and speaks differently to them make others shy away, often curious but keeping a distance. Sometimes I see a look pass her face, which neither she nor I can fully explain, but it’s a knowing. She knows she is different, but she keeps trying. I asked her once what she wants to be when she grows up, she said she wanted to be herself. I thought that the perfect answer. Now she says a doctor, or a police officer, like any child she has aspirations, and because I don’t believe in limitations either I suspect that by the time she really decides I will help her get there.
Whenever I question myself, these are the people I want to remember and pay attention to.
Here is an amazingly simple way of shifting perspective to help you achieve your goals.
Think about the person who has achieved a goal that you would like to achieve. Really see them, perhaps hear them, you may know them, but they could just as easily be celebrities or well-known people that you aspire to. When you really have them in your mind, think about their personal qualities that they have that you could work on and improve – what do they have that you think you don’t? The term fake it until you make it applies to a degree, what if you acted as if you have those qualities, how would that look, sound and feel like for you? Would you stand taller, smile more, give random compliments. Would your voice be a little louder, or softer? Would you make more time, be more grateful or present? And what piece of advice would that person give to you, if you were to know, that would help you to move forward?
Take that advice now. Be your own hero and go achieve your dreams. There really are no limits.