The saying goes that the only limits we have are the ones we set for ourselves, the ones we believe. Of course, some limits are harder to overcome, when we perceive that something is hard it usually is, but the question is, is it possible? If someone else has done it, usually the answer is yes. For some it may take longer to achieve… beliefs may be ingrained a little deeper and getting past the people who say you can’t may take longer to break free from. I will always remember a young man who wanted to do an apprenticeship that I worked with whilst doing career engagement work; he hadn’t done well at school, it wasn’t the right learning environment for him, but he was a practical and enthusiastic worker when it came to the idea of being a builder. I took him into my office where we did a CV, these pieces of paper really are a powerful tool to instil confidence when done right. We talked and I wrote, I translated what he told me into professional words that were totally accurate, and at the end he puffed right up, full of pride, recognising himself, words taken from his examples that I could back up, but also unsure whether it was OK to be that person somehow. When I took him home, he showed his mum, who read the first line and immediately ridiculed him. “You…hard working?!” she said, laughing. And that was that. Negatives are four times stronger than positives, and so much easier to believe. So yes, some people must fight a little harder, some people may need more time, more money, more confidence…but if you believe something it possible, then it is, and you just have to find a way. The perfect way for you.
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.
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.
A few weeks ago, I met Ariadne; she was the chattiest of all the children I have met on the #giraffedreams project, her confidence shone out of her like rays of sunshine as she rocked and rolled in front of the camera with Taylor Swift as her inspiration. Not only was she aware of her disability but she was passionate about being involved in the project to raise awareness, not only amongst her peers, and others with disabilities, but to reach as far as possible to let all adults know that they shouldn’t let anything stop them from achieving what they want.
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.
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.
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