Self-imposed limitations are limits that have been set, based on the way we think about ourselves or our surroundings. They are usually thoughts of being inferior, inadequate, or unprepared. They are thoughts that lead to feelings of intimidation, fear;  of rejection,  failure, and insecurities. They are thoughts and feelings that are  false and unfounded. Breaking limits demands that you stop setting self-imposed limitations for yourself and start believing in what you can achieve through the power of focus. Are you so wrapped up in day-to-day life that you stop paying attention to WHY you are feeling the way you do? Something goes wrong and you blame other people? The key to getting back on the right track is simple: break the limits of inferiority and inadequacy by focusing inward, on what it would feel like to have your good life right now.  Invite the life you want into your presence by focusing on your why.
Allow yourself to start believing in what you can accomplish instead of what you cannot and cut down on those self-imposed limitations in your life now.  Follow William’s time tested codes and soon you will be attracting the things you really want.”To be great, you must keep great company! Trash makes more trash, but steel sharpens steel!” You can break your limits by trustlng in yourself and use your inner potential. Sometimes we are too critical of ourselves and live with limiting beliefs: “you cannot do this, you are not experienced enough, you do not have the ability, etc”. Moreover, those around us want to protect us and discourage us because of their own limiting beliefs.  But each of us has their own strengths and unique potential.
First, trust in yourself and explore your inner potential by doing new things or doing things differently. Prove to yourself that you are able to handle new challenges. You are capable of more than you would ever think! Secondly, you have got to think big and start with small steps. Do not be afraid to set high goals and define a vision for yourself. The limits are your thoughts. Believing in something and thinking big is the first step towards your vision. Towards realising your goals, do not put yourself under pressure just a start with small steps. For example, go first for a 10-minute run and set your goals higher and higher step by step. All big things start with small realistic steps, which set the base for preparing oneself for bigger steps. There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking.
Lest we forget, fear is a natural and essential part of our individual growth. Our fears stop us from going one step further.  Nevertheless, each time we consciously choose to step out of our comfort zone, the next uncomfortable thing becomes a bit smoother, and we know that we can overcome our fears. The more you face your fears, the more you will see that you can control your emotions, and that your fears are a perspective of your thinking, which could be changed. You actually need to break your routine culture by exploring yourself in different ways.  Drive through a different route to work, run the opposite way of your usual running route or do your hobby in a different time of the day. Put yourself in new environments. This will enable you to think differently, get inspiration from different circumstances, and give yourself the possibility to explore yourself in different situations.
Meanwhile, you have got to give up control and trust the process. If you are a control freak, you have to learn that you cannot control everything in your life. You can control your mind, your body, your emotions, what you eat, what you drink, what you do, where you work, with whom you speak etc., but there are also external factors, which make life more complex and at the same time more interesting. I love the main rule of Design Thinking: “Trust the process!” Sometimes, you need to accept the unclear uncertainty zone, let things go from time to time. Do everything you can do, believe in what you do and want, also be open to letting things go and trusting the process. At the end, magic can happen, like the creative new ideas in the Design Thinking process.
Try something new and agree to something you would not normally consider. Every unique experience shapes our thoughts and opens us up to different perspectives in life. Therefore, ask questions even if it is uncomfortable. Do not be afraid to ask tough or even stupid questions like a child. There is a saying  that  “the better the questions, the better the answers “, ask yourself and others challenging questions and try to see things from a different angle.  Also ask for feedback. Ask what you feel without hesitation. The basic question “why” defines the purpose of each action. Stop and ask yourself why you are doing the things you do and how you could improve yourself and others.
Take  time to identify your real passion and go for  it . If you do not know it already, do not worry. Try different things and reflect on how you feel. What is your energy source, where you feel strong and happy?  Identify activities that energise you and make you feel happier and stronger in your overall life. Be mindful and self-aware.   By keeping a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, body reactions, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens, you pay attention and accept your thoughts and feelings without judging them.
When we practise mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we are sensing in the present moment rather than digging in the past or imagining the future. To improve your mindfulness, you can start with meditation or even short self-reflection sessions. In summary, there are no limits to what you can accomplish except the limits you place on your own thinking. As the year unfolds you can be yourself by  following  your passion,  trusting the process and enjoying  every moment with confidence, balance and mindfulness without being afraid to go out of your comfort zone, transform yourself, and  explore your limits.

By: Leemene Joshua-Ene
Joshua-Ene Esq is a Port Harcourt based legal practitioner.