The upper limit problem: why you self-sabotage money, opportunities and success
In my personal journey of self-development, one concept stands out as particularly groundbreaking—the upper limit. If you've never heard of it before, let me introduce you to what could be a transformative idea in how you perceive success and abundance. The notion of an "upper limit" is explored by Gay Hendricks in his book, "The Big Leap." If you're intrigued, I'll provide a link to it at the end.
Understanding the upper limit
So, what exactly is the upper limit? It's an unconscious barrier each of us has that caps our ability to experience happiness, love, success, and abundance. We have a max capacity for how much abundance we will allow in before we repel it or sabotage it. Imagine a threshold for your capacity to feel comfortable with significant joy or wealth—surpass it, and enter the realm of self-sabotage. This was an eye-opener for me, as I reflected on its presence in my own life, clients' lives, and within my family.
How to recognize the upper limit
Picture a time when you achieved a financial milestone, like having $10,000 in your bank account for the first time. Did it feel unfamiliar, almost uncomfortable? Did you find reasons to spend it until you were down to a familiar $2,000?
This scenario depicts the upper limit at work. While you didn't consciously decide to squander the money, your subconscious felt more at ease with a lower balance. Sound familiar? It's a challenge at the nervous system level.
Now, let's pivot to health. Picture this: you've achieved your goal weight, "Weight B," but struggle to maintain it. Despite new routines and habits, you eventually find yourself back at your old weight, "Weight A." Upon reflection, it might seem that your mind didn't adjust to seeing "Weight B" as your normal.
It boils down to the same upper limit challenge—your mind didn't accept the new, healthier version of you as your new normal.
Identifying upper limits across life
Identifying upper limits is an enlightening exercise. Consider each area of your life: health, wealth, relationships, success. Ask yourself:
- What am I most comfortable experiencing in this area?
- What could more abundance in this area look like?
- Do I feel resistance when imagining this expanded state?
By pinpointing where you feel resistance, you begin to unveil your upper limits. Reflect on what it would take to feel comfortable with more and to embrace a broader capacity in life.
When you acknowledge your upper limits, you gain the upper hand. Recognize potential self-sabotage, work through it, and reprogram your patterns to welcome abundance in its full glory.
You wouldn't have those desires in you to have every area go as amazing as they could if it wasn't possible for you.
Your desires are divine guidance.
Journal prompts mentioned in the video:
What am I most comfortable having in this particular area of life?
If I had more than this, what would that look like?
What would I have to believe in order for me to feel comfortable with this new level of abundance?
What would need to happen for me to feel comfortable increasing my capacity in this area of life?
What needs to change?
What do I need to believe about myself and the world?
Who do I need to become?
