Paradigm Paralysis

The futurist Joel Barker offers an interesting perspective on a phenomenon that he calls “Paradigm Paralysis”. He says,

“Whatever our current level of success, we accept it as ‘normal’ and so continue with the activities, actions, and behaviors that keep us at that point.”

That is paradigm paralysis – being crippled by our own limiting self-perspective. Do you accept your current level of performance as being all you are capable of achieving? If so, your actions and behaviors will follow suit. Our actions and behaviors are always consistent with the way we see ourselves.

This phenomenon works both ways. Think of something that you are really good at: listening skills, or golf, or demonstration technique. If you think you are successful in any of those things, a very large portion of your success is based on your self-perception. That is, you are good at something because you first believe that you are good at something. Your mind accepts that as reality and your actions and behaviors follow.

The converse is also true. If you believe you struggle with a task, or skill, or personality trait, you will in fact struggle.

Do you have a desire to excel in 2010 – to make it your best year ever?You might need to start by seeing yourself as a superstar, and by setting aside self-limiting paradigms of mediocrity.

Watch this week’s video entitled “Talking to Yourself” for more on this subject.

Then go out and change the world.