We are our own worst enemies. We close the door — or don’t open the door — because we believe the lies about something that does not exist. We don’t need other people to tell us the lie. We self-sabotage ourselves just fine, thank you. The tragedy, though, really lies in the fact that it’s all in our heads.
Too many times, we succumb to the “I can’t…” myth.
Here are some of the standard, most popular lies on the “I can’t because…” list.
- I am not good enough. I’ll never amount to anything.
- I don’t have the money for that.
- I’m not qualified.
- I don’t have the resources.
- I don’t know how. I’m not educated.
- I know people will make fun of me.
- I’m too young — or I’m too old.
- I’m not ready.
- I don’t have time. Too many things on my plate.
Seeing anything that looks familiar?
Unbelief and doubt are two staunch enemies to living the life of your dreams, but fear is the overwhelming No. 1 answer to why people fail to get started. Fear stands in the way, whether the goal is a simple task like being on time, exercising more and going to church, or a more critical job of getting out of debt, starting a business, owning a home, or living out a dream.
While some of the things on the “I can’t…” list may be factually accurate to some extent, they are lies we tell ourselves every day, lies that stop us in our tracks. Frankly, they are nothing more than an excuse. Behind the lies is likely a fear we haven’t faced in our lives.
For example, “I am not good enough.” If you are a Christian, the Bible says you are more than a conqueror, and you are more than a conqueror in Christ. Which will you believe?
Furthermore, Nelson Mandela adds: “We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.”
The walls we build are all in our heads. Sure there may be obstacles, there may be challenges, but those are opportunities dressed up as mile markers on your journey to fulfillment.
Remember: Everything you want or need is on the other side of fear. Once you turn fear into faith and take the first step, you’re already one step ahead of the crowd.