How to Use the Power of Your Limitations to Achieve Your Goals
Bob Lucchesi
Hi everyone, Bob Lucchesi here, and I’m happy to be with you this week. I’m going to show you how to use your limitations – real or self-imposed – to propel yourself to achieve greater success throughout your life.
I know this sounds counter-intuitive and flies in the face of what a lot of “motivational” gurus would tell you. But, rather than looking at your limitations as something that’s holding you back, I want you to look at them as fuel for your fire and guideposts on your journey to writing success.
First let’s talk about the limits or constraints we writers – or anyone for that matter – face when trying to achieve a goal …
Here are some of the usual suspects …
- I don’t have enough time.
- I don’t have enough money.
- I don’t have the resources.
- I don’t have the education.
- I don’t have the right contacts.
- I don’t have enough experience.
- I don’t have the talent.
That’s a whole lot’a don’ts!
Now, this is where those well-meaning “motivational” gurus would say, “Turn those don’ts into dos!”
To which I say … Don’t!
Let those don’ts guide you and inspire you!
Here’s what I mean …
You’re five-feet, seven-inches tall – that’s your limit or constraint. And, you want to play professional basketball. So, let your limit guide you to use your size to be more nimble, move faster and have better ball-handling skills … to out-maneuver your opponent, pass sharply and sink the 3-pointers better than anyone else. Let your limitation inspire you to beat the giants at their own game!
Don’t think it can happen?
NBA player, Spud Webb – at only 5’-7” – “overcame” his height limitation. He won an NBA dunking contest in 1986 – not bad for someone “too short for basketball.”
Here’s an example from the writing world …
A publisher commissions you to write a book … and, since you’re such a great writer, they expect the book to be one of the bestsellers of all time.
You’re excited and can’t wait to run off to your writing cave to start your literary masterpiece … when the publisher gives you some “parameters.”
You can only use first-grade vocabulary, and … you can only use 50 different words. Huh? Yep … now, go write that masterpiece, you writer you!
Well … do you think that puts a constraint or limitation on you? Are you going to allow that to stifle your creativity? Or, are you going to let it guide you and inspire you!
A creative author named, Theo Geisel, was inspired by these limitations imposed on him by his publisher and decided to write that book. You may have heard of it … Green Eggs and Ham … and you may know Theo by his pen name, Dr. Seuss.
Given those constraints, which may have stopped most writers dead in their tracks, Theo allowed them to guide and inspire him to write Green Eggs and Ham, which has gone on to sell more than 200 million copies, making it one of the best-selling children’s books in history!
So, today, start thinking about your current limits and constraints … and start thinking how you can use them to inspire you … to be more creative, get more done, and enjoy life more! Please share in the comments.
Tomorrow, I’ll share my strategy for building a game plan to achieve your goals without a lot of stress and strain.
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This is great! I feel truly inspired.
Thanks, Janet
Guest (Janet) –
I know I can write but I don't have the training to know what clients are looking for. Where do I start?
superdave –
BRILLIANTLY penned - my favorite AWAI newsletter yet - can't wait <3
Kitto
Guest (Kit) –
I write every day on 750words dot com no matter what or where else I might be writing. This is a portion from today. Don't think of past hurtful experience as something to stop you but to fuel you from having it happen again or to someone else. We, you have the power for change and it all starts with one. Today's experience is not the same as yesterday's unless you choose to have it be the same. If you could choose what you wanted for this day, what would it be?
Jessica Summers –
Hi, thanks for the help. My main constraints right now are time and experience. I'm working on clearing all hurdles. Since last weeks lessons I am starting on my web site and my linked in profile. I think my biggest thing is that there is so much to learn and so many different possible avenues. I have got to stay focused on one at a time.
Thank You, Sarah F.
Guest (Sarah F) –
I love this thought. We all have limitations. But as Bob suggests and teaches we can turn our limitations into platforms for our own unique version of success. For instance, at 64 I am starting my writing career later than most. But that gives me a wealth of experience and a unique perspective from the length and stage of my life. What better time to start than now!
Tom Schenk –
Excellent
Guest (Rohit Gehani) –
Dyslexia sure had imposed its limits. But in processing how it only meant that I was wired differently actually enabled me to see both sides of even the most one-sided arguments. Literally. It also got me bent on drawing. Like a regular Leonardo, who was arguably dyslexic himself. I mean, just look at his notebooks! And ne'er the twain even HAS to meet till that which shan't renders clear Heisenberg's uncertainty. Suddenly, I'm a rocket scientist. Where doubts can serve to stipple the tonal clarity of dreams.
Guest (Chris Morris) –
I emigrated in USA from Transilvania/Ro. I wrote and published 2 books with short tales in Ro, before emigrating, and one here (at Halo Publishing, Int.), in USA. until now I can say that I published for the "sake of writing", only. I would like, also, to publish for the "sake of money", too. My limitation is I do not write as an native English speaker. I am thinking that would be best if my rough English letter to be "glamourized" by a native speaker, then to split the money...
Guest (Camelia Frentiu) –
Bob, it is amazing what, when and where I learn things.
First off, in past years I read this book to my grand kids. Great story as I recall. I did not know of the authors challenges. A great accomplishment, and a proof that this works.
Second, I have spent time with, progress blocks, and I like this tactic. It is very difficult to totally dismiss the progress blocks, but with this tactic these blocks front and center and become incentives. I like that. I will be listening and learning.
Guest (Dale - NoMoHype) –
Nice! With this said, I have no excuses. Thanks for sharing.
Guest (she) –
Very good article Bob! Many times people tend to focus on the problem rather than the solution. Your insights are about making the situation manageable and formulating an answer. Spud Webb situation is right on!
Joe Reto –
thanks for all your help.this is grat i know bootcamp is over the top.
Guest (annie l douglas) –
Come face to face with my limitations and turn them into positive ways to help me develop and grow? Thank you! I'm looking forward to this week's articles and I thank you very much!
JudyB-Raleigh –
That is just TOO funny, Bob! A lot of those items on your bullets list are some of my own excuses! But I never quite looked at my limitations being a hindrance. Thanks for the insight!
RockyBallad –
Thank you for such a freeing, refreshing approach! This is very inspiring! My biggest challenge is my full-time job. My schedule often changes without warning. That is a part of my canvas,for now.
KarenB –
Its nice to see the positive things, and nice to think about how to use my short comings to my advantage, but what is the first step? How do I even knock on the door without fear of rejection? Yes I have something of a gift with the use of words and a descent vocabulary. I want to write, but how I start? I have little time and less money, and am not getting any younger. What is the first small step I need to take?????
tooldandtopoor –
Yes sir Bob I am doing this with my music. I, Paul Lawrence Allen/Pauly am a CANCER SURVIVOR, and I am entertaining my fans with my posts. If you get a chance hit me up at www.reverbnation dot com/disgent for Pauly CANCER SURVIVOR. Also I have written my Skin Cancer Book. At the present time I am writing a GOSPEL/JAZZ/R&B SOUL MUSIC BOOK, WATCH OUT FOR IT Bob Luchessi
Guest (Paul L Allen) –
i love all the help you have give me.this have help me to know i will be a write.i see some of the up and downs and the thang some incount but did not stop i am a write.with in with and out dont stop one day i can tell some one you can make it
Guest (annie l douglas) –
It's funny you mentioned the restriction of language and how you may be asked writing with constraints. I just got finished reading "Old Man By the Sea" by: Ernest Hemmingway. I was a little taken back by the way it was written. I felt like I was reading a second to third grade reader. Even though I knew the novella won the 1954 Nobel Prize for literature. It was surprising to read that Hemmingway wrote in this manner. As I read the back history of the book it was said this was intentionally written this way. He needed to write the story in language of simplicity.
Guest (Therea Schevis) –
I'll be looking more closely at how I view my limitations and how I can use them to guide me
Thanks for this
Guest (Vincent) –
I am very impressed with the positive attitude and fortitude seen above. I am currently unemployed as a Mental Health Therapist, struggle with chronic pain, and needed that extra boost of encouragement to try something I already love to do. Writing!!
Twmyth –