There’s a saying that’s common. You’ve probably heard it:
The sky’s the limit.
It’s said to encourage someone, to inspire him or her to aim as high as possible. The irony is, the saying itself is limiting in a subtle way. I’m sure it’s expressed with good intentions, but suppose the recipient dreams of becoming an astronaut, wants to be the first to set foot on Mars? Would the phrase be relevant then? Would it inspire?
I’d like to believe the saying appeared before man learned to fly, because then it does invoke a sense of no-limit dreaming for the people of that era, that anything was possible. If, however, it originated after man first flew through the sky, then the phrase’s meaning loses some luster since it was coined in a time when we knew flight was possible, but apparently only believed the sky was as high as we’d ever get.
But regardless of its origination, at some point in time it etched itself into society’s collective phrase-book, passing from generation to generation without a second-thought given to the fact that it doesn’t make sense anymore when used today. We simply accept it as a positive phrase without considering its true meaning.
So what does this have to do with you?
Everything.
There is something you were meant to do. Don’t ask me what it is because only you know. Perhaps it’s not apparent now, but one day, if you listen to the part of you that knows what is right for you—that inner compass—you’ll discover it.
But, after that enlightening moment when we finally determine our mission in life, obstacles start to mount. External barriers rise to challenge us. As formidable as these obstructions seem, none are as monumental as the ones in our heads, those feelings we know as doubt.
However, like the phrase that’s been handed down through the generations, without consideration for its original meaning, self-doubts are passed the same way. To reach our grand potential, we must recognize that doubt is a seed usually planted by someone else. It may feel as if it’s ours, when it whispers within our head using our voice, but if you look hard enough at your past, you will find a time when someone slipped that foreign seed into the fertile ground of your young mind.
It may have been a well-meaning parent, or a not-so-well-meaning teacher. It could have been a person who didn’t want to see you hurt, mistakenly believing the universe would crush your dream. But the universe doesn’t crush dreams, people do. And mostly, they crush dreams because people in their lives crushed their dreams years ago.
It’s time we as a society break the cycle of doubt. Two ways come to mind and they both start with the person in the mirror.
First, we must conquer our own doubts. Seeds of doubt only grow when we water them with mental energy, when we give them focus. Resolve to pull the focus away from the doubt and direct it toward the steps to reach your dream. The doubt, losing nutrients needed to grow, will wither and disappear. But even if the doubt has grown into a gnarled dark mass within, we are, and will always be, bigger than that doubt. We can rip that doubt out by its roots. The next time a doubt trips you in pursuit of your dreams, see yourself tear it out from within, roots and all. Then, mentally watch yourself sling it far behind where it will affect you no more.
But it’s not enough to tend to our own doubts. We must also become vigilant that we don’t pass them to our children, our friends, or even those that first handed them to us. Everyone you meet with an honorable dream deserves encouragement. It’s not up to us to decide if the dream is attainable. It’s our job as humans to help others believe in themselves. That person you inspire to act may one day create a cure for a disease that would have cut your life short in the future. Or she may be the first to set foot on Mars, a stepping stone to the stars that opens other worlds for your children’s children. We as humans never lose when we help someone else succeed.
So the next time someone tries to discourage you from your dream, or you feel the urge to talk some sense into others regarding their dreams, remember that the sky is NOT the limit. And, it never was.
This piece reminded me of a terrific movie and If you ever need a kick in the pants, rent it! Better yet, buy it as I did and share it with others. My kids enjoyed it and it provided a great segue for some positive reinforcement.
Regards:
sony cyber shot dsc s2100
As a marketing consultant I say "The Sky’s Limitless, when your Market’s in it"! to inspire to all those dreamers out there!
Funny that you should write this. A couple of weeks ago I was helping put together a Quicksilver on floats. It has a Rotax engine, and I noticed that the Rotax motto is "The Sky is the Limit."
I immediately thought– whoah Rotax!– shouldn’t you say that parts of the sky are well within your operational envelope??
Great imagery!! I believe in the power of visualization, but visualization of an abstract concept like "doubt" or "worry" has always been difficult. Now, with the imagery you’ve provided, I have an image – dark, gnarled, dead tree – to represent those abstract concepts. I can visualize ripping it out by its roots and start with fresh ground for more positive thoughts.
Very nice entry! Thanks for your visit too.
The message, the sky’s NOT the limit, applies to so much, and especially to people. The person you see and the image that you’ve formed…well, that’s only the beginning of the limitless depth to be found in every individual you meet. I’ve been acquainted with Chris for years, seeing him annually at a conference we mutually attend. I know his face and his name. I’ve formed an impression of his personality and his presence as a pleasant individual. Then, a random comment followed through in a casual conversation, opens an entirely new spectrum. He mentioned this blog; we very briefly talked about a little more than the business at hand; and a whole new view of Chris has been revealed. There is such an infinity of spirit in every human being. Scratch the surface even the slightest bit, and an amazing wisdom and experience and limitless diversity is revealed. What a joy to be part of this community of humanity. How wondrous that we can find such treasures in every fellow human being. The blog was wonderful, Chris, and I really enjoyed reading it!
Chris … I love the line " We as humans never lose when we help someone else succeed." Isn’t that what we are really here for ?
Thanks for your post …. keep going !
Doubt is insidious. Very undercover ….. It never hurts to get the reminder to throw it away…
It makes people make bad decisions….. Hang onto what you know is true for you.
When you feel the doubt….grab onto what you KNOW… God your family, children….just find something to ground who you are ….
Encouraging post
Melissa
I have a poster in my office that reads: "INSPIRE…Many people have gone further than they imagined they could because somebody else thought they could." It’s very true and I like the reminder.
This piece reminded me of a terrific movie, "Rudy". If you ever need a kick in the pants, rent it! Better yet, buy it as I did and share it with others. My kids enjoyed it and it provided a great segue for some positive reinforcement.
Go Christopher!!
Wonderful post. I especially like this: "Seeds of doubt only grow when we water them with mental energy." I’m going to work on creating a "doubt draught." Thanks.