Are You Undermining Your Goals?

It is the time of year when everyone starts setting New Year‘s Resolutions or goals for the upcoming year.  As you look back on the past year, does Doubtful Debbie stop by for a visit or maybe Negative Nellie?  Maybe you realized you did not meet your goals for the year or those New Year’s Resolutions got a little dusty after the first few months.

The truth is, you may have sabotaged your own goals.  Have you ever doubted your performance – in a job interview or on a project – only to have others perceive it as much better than you did?  I can relate to this all the time.

Have you ever talked yourself out of an opportunity? You wanted a job, but deep down you doubted whether you were ready for it. A little more experience. Some more education or training.  Maybe you want to start your own business?  You play the comparison game when you see what others are doing, so you put it on the back burner.

Now, I know you don’t do this on purpose.  I mean we really want to achieve those goals and BIG dreams.  The negative, or doubtful conversations are actually our way of underestimating ourselves and our deepest dreams. The universe grabs onto our doubts and fears, focusing on them and our opportunities go from abundant to limited.

On a scale of 1 to 10, where are you?  I am probably about a 4 most days. Research shows women are far more likely to underestimate themselves than men – rate themselves lower on tests, tasks and projects, even when objective results show we perform at the same level or even higher than our male counterparts.

Some may feel they are being humble while others feel they are being gracious.  We are actually ignoring the frustration of missed opportunities, lower pay, and less influence. When you don’t see yourself accurately, you don’t step up for the abundant life you are uniquely designed for.  

The Universe is listening and often shows up like this:

• You downsize your goals and aim lower than your potential.
• You accept less than you deserve – in relationships, income, and career possibilities.
• You let fear and perfectionism trick you into believing you’re “almost ready” when you are ready right now.
• You communicate a lack of confidence, influencing others’ perceptions of your abilities or causing them to manipulate your abilities for their gain

You are capable of far more than you know. Believe it. When you begin walking in belief, you begin showing up in ways you wouldn’t otherwise.

What would you do differently if you didn’t underestimate your ability to get exactly what you want? Would you step out of your comfort zone?  Would you #JUMP, take the risk and do what you have always wanted to do?

I challenge you this week to give yourself more credit than you usually do.  Stop underestimating yourself. When you hear those words of fear and doubt, SQUASH them knowing you are capable of far more than you know

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!