So what's really holding you back?

You'd probably think this is an odd way to begin an article, but I bet one or two things came to mind as I asked that question. As a business owner, I'm sure you have ideas of ways to improve your operation, launch a new product or test something new.

So I ask you again, what's really holding you back?

It may be finances, resource or just plain lack of information for you to feel comfortable enough to make a decision. But I'd also bet there's more to it. It could stem from your 'way of being.' What I mean by that is that we are who we are based on our talents, skills and experiences. They shape us and form our beliefs, fears and thoughts. But they can also keep us boxed in if we're not willing to take a risk and to change.

Where will your current habits take you?
In fact, your current way of being may not be working at all anymore. The secret is to see the impact your current way of being is having on yourself and others. Take that vision to its ultimate ending. Where will your current habits take you? Could you eventually lose some of your customers? Could you perhaps lose the business? The future may actually look bleak, unless you change.

When you've associated your current ways of being with enough pain, you are actually ready to consider a new possibility or a new way of being.

Imagine that this new way of being is like a coat. You're just trying it on and seeing how it fits. You don't have to commit to it, just consider what it would be like. What new way or new possibility, can you try? Try to do it without getting sucked down by all of your limiting beliefs, just imagine what it could potentially be.

For instance, let's say your old way of being was centered around the idea of scarcity. Everything is viewed as a limited resource that must be protected.

You may be reluctant to give new computers to your staff. You may be worried about spending too much time with one client. While talking with a prospect, you may tend to cut them off mid-sentence so that you can run to the next deal, constantly afraid there is not enough money and time to go around. As a result, you may feel afraid, nervous and stressed out. You're frustrated, and concerned that there's never enough time or money. There are impacts that are even more negative on you physically. You may tend to overeat, don't sleep well, grind your teeth, etc. You may find yourself eating junk food because it's cheaper. You're afraid to be generous with other people. Your gifts seem cheap and your gestures of affection seem artificial. You spend a great deal of time and energy worrying about the future instead of enjoying the present.

Now picture your future with a new possibility
Continuing with our example, if your old way of being was that of scarcity, imagine a new possibility.

Perhaps the exact opposite could work for you, which would be abundance.

When you live in abundance you give and never worry about what you will get in return. You are more willing to help others and less worried about whether you will be compensated for helping.

You don't negotiate as hard to try to get the upper hand; you're more interested in what's fair. You tend to think long-term instead of short-term because you see the possible benefits in the months or years to come. If you were to take on this new possibility of abundance, how would that feel?

Let's go back to the first question I asked: What's really holding you back? If you do nothing, what's the inevitable future? Now turn your way of being around and imagine what it would be like if you took a risk and went forward with your idea. What does the future look like now?

'Try on' your new way of being as you picture your new future. See what feels right for you and practice wearing your new way of being as you move forward with your idea.