The lift doors opened at 1 cm/min. I squeezed out of it and ran for my life.
I was late for gym class. If I arrive over 5 minutes late, I would be barred from the class.
I would have saved myself from another torturing session and three days of muscle aches. But I’m not the kind of person to slack off from workouts.
So I ran.
Then I stopped outside the gym. I saw something that I’ve never seen.
There was a digital lock on the door.
Over 20 people were already in the class. How did they get in? When did they install this lock?
I tried pushing the door, but it wouldn’t budge.
What’s happening? Why did they lock the door?
Then a girl from inside tried pulling the door open. The first time, the door stayed put. Then she used a bit more strength. (She grew very strong from the strength classes.)
The door opened. She nearly fell backwards.
It was unlocked all along. The digital lock was always there. My eyes just chose to see past it.
But why couldn’t we open it?
It struck me that this is a literal example of invisible barriers and limiting beliefs.
Since young, we learned that doors with locks can’t be opened without a key.
When we failed our Math exams three times in a row, we were convinced we suck at Math.
When we see how our parents work and play, even if we disagree, it still influences us in many ways. It creates a benchmark and instils a belief.
And we carry these beliefs into adulthood.
I don’t know about you, but I did. I just didn’t suck at Math.
The difference between can and can’t do, is this tinted lens and a lot of hard work. Both must come together. Otherwise, you’ll either give up in 2 weeks or stay motivated in the same spot forever.
Honestly, I had always thought this mindset thing is BS. All made up by inspirational speakers who are out to earn our money.
But today, I’m thinking otherwise. I’m still learning. But I have seen it work countless times.
The next time you find yourself thinking you can’t do something, try digging into the why. Often, you’ll realise… why not?