Verbalize Limiting Beliefs
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A practical exercise for overcoming self-imposed limitations by verbalizing them and taking immediate action.
Core Concept
- Success-conscious people don't accept perceived limitations as real limitations
- Most people fail because they treat current limitations as permanent and real
- The key is to identify and challenge these self-imposed barriers
The "Get a Rep" Exercise
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Step 1: Identify Something You Want
- Pick any area of life (relationships, work, fitness, etc.)
- Can be something small or significant
- Should be something currently unfulfilled
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Step 2: Verbalize Your Limitation
- State out loud what's stopping you
- Make it personal and specific
- Usually when spoken aloud, limitations sound less rational
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Step 3: Take Immediate Action
- Don't just acknowledge the advice - apply it immediately
- Think of multiple solutions to overcome the limitation
- Challenge yourself to act despite the perceived barrier
Real Example from Transcript
- Want: Sam wanted to go camping
- Limitation: Fear of being in wilderness at night
- Realization: When spoken aloud, the fear seemed less rational
- Solution: Could be addressed by proper planning and bringing friends
Key Principles
- Don't just acknowledge advice - get an immediate "rep" in applying it
- Successful people ignore limitations about themselves and from others
- When someone says no, they find alternative paths:
- Ask someone else
- Try a different approach
- Persist with different timing or context
Implementation
- Make it a regular practice
- Apply it in real-time when receiving advice
- Use it as both a mental and practical exercise
- Focus on immediate application rather than theoretical understanding
36:41 - 37:04
Full video: 01:11:45SP
Shaan Puri
Host of MFM
Shaan Puri is the Chairman and Co-Founder of The Milk Road. He previously worked at Twitch as a Senior Director of Product, Mobile Gaming, and Emerging Markets. He also attended Duke University.