Today, I’d like to take a brief moment and do something a little differently. Specifically, I want discuss the ways conventional wisdom could be keeping you from achieving your highest potential. What I mean by conventional wisdom is this: Habits, customs, cultural milieus, or generally held beliefs. While conventional wisdom can help order and maintain society, other times, it can limit our creativity and expression. What is so powerful about conventional wisdom is that it is usually formed subconsciously, which means that we often take it for granted as being universal rather than as a social construct.
For example, consider the conventional wisdom that states that “fat is bad.” For decades, we have all been told how bad fat is, and how it hampers your health. If we take a closer look at this proposition, we find that fat in its natural state is actually necessary for optimal health because it is a vital part of countless, crucial physiological reactions. In this case, conventional wisdom is clearly conventional nonsense. This advice is seemingly universal; however, it does not make sense.
Let’s now consider conventional wisdom that may limit you in your thinking patterns. Say, for example, that you fall for the commonly held belief that you are limited by you genetics. For years, you have been told by your family, and maybe even your doctor, that you have a “slower metabolism.” Given this mandate, you begin to act accordingly by exercising less and making less healthy nutritional choices.
You can apply this to any area of your life, and I challenge you to do so! Where are you limited in your thinking? Where have you told yourself that you are not good enough? Where have you bought into a limiting belief that was promulgated by another person?
My ultimate challenge to you is to begin challenging conventional wisdom by asking a very important question: IS THAT TRUE? Are you really limited by your genetics, or do you have some control over the situation? Are you really a failure at goal setting, or is that just a false story that you tell yourself based on the past? Are you really not “good enough,” or have you just come to believe that because you have told yourself that for years on end?
When you begin to question conventional wisdom, you will find that you are capable of far more than you have been giving yourself credit. You will find that you do not have to always conform to what other people believe. There is nothing wrong with thinking outside of the box and allowing yourself to dream. Remember, dreaming always precedes your reality whether it be blissful or nightmarish! Go ahead . . . give it a try. You will be glad that you did!
Enjoy, and always remember . . . Life is Good!
Griff