How are you keeping yourself small?

If you don’t believe the impossible can happen, then you are right.
Shannon L. Alder

I didn't hear the phrase 'limiting beliefs' until a few years ago. Before I heard those words, I believed my thoughts. I accepted everything that my mind told me as fact.

Things like "I don't have enough originality to be an artist" and "real artists haver been to art school" and "artists can't make a living."

And because I accepted those things as givens, I didn't even try. What would be the point of trying to be a good painter if I lacked originality?

And even if that was somehow wrong, what would be the point of trying to make a living from art when that's not possible?

Things only changed for me when I recognised those beliefs for what they were - stories I had made up in my mind. Just stories! Not facts - just made-up stories. Stories that limited what I tried. 
Stories that kept me small.
Those limiting beliefs had been like a straight jacket, restricting my movement, making it impossible to grow. But as soon as I dropped them, things began to change. 

Once I opened my eyes I saw that there were all kinds of artists making a living from art in all kinds of different ways. And once I allowed the possibility that I might have some originality, I started finding ways to explore it. 

Every year at this time, I welcome a new group of students into my annual free course and every year, I am reminded of all the ways I used to keep myself small. 

I meet people who are nervous to speak up, afraid to join the Facebook group, or worried about showing their paintings. They may post a painting but preface it by saying "I know this isn't very good but ..." or they may simply avoid posting things altogether. 

I know they feel their limitations are real - but I also know that they are wrong. 100% WRONG!

(sorry for shouting but really, they are so wrong!)

Because when I look at them, all I see is untapped potential.  

I know they have wonderful things to offer and I know those wonderful things will emerge as soon as they are allowed. 

This is always a good reminder to me that what is true in art is also true in life. If we believe something is possible, we make the space to allow it to happen. If we are convinced that is is impossible, we close off all avenues and prove to ourselves that we are right.

Or as Shannon Alder said: "If you don’t believe the impossible can happen, then you are right."

So my question to myself (and to you) this week is: What are you blocking from happening?