We create such limiting perceptions around what’s truly possible. And, in our comparison of others, we tend to limit that view even more.
I see it all the time. And, truthfully, I have been guilty of it myself.
We observe what someone else is doing, and immediately we think, “oh, I need to do that, too” … and, FOMO (fear of missing out) kicks into gear.
What we never consider to ask ourselves is, “Do I even really want that? Or, is that aligned with what I am trying to do?
There is an example of this I use in my workshops and with my 1:1 clients.
First, I ask them the question:
“Mathematically speaking (because if we were talking philosophically or spiritually, I would have a different answer), what is 1+1?”
I then assure them that I am not asking them a trick question.
I ask again, “Seriously, mathematically, what is 1+1?”
Of course they all answer: “2”
“Correct,” I tell them in an effort to reinforce the fact that I am, indeed, not trying to trick them in anyway, but rather trying to make a point.
“Ok,” I then add, “What’s the square root of 4? How about 3–1? Or, 298–296?”
“2, 2, and 2,” come the answers.
“Great, then let me ask you another question … is it also true, mathematically, that there are an infinite amount of numbers available in the number system?”
“Yes,” they respond, not sure of where I am taking this exercise.
“Ok, then, if that is also true … wouldn’t it be fair to say that there are infinite ways to get to 2?”
Quiet and a little puzzled, everyone just nods their heads.
“So, then, let me ask you one last question,” I continue, “why is it we get hell-bent on the fact that 1+1 = 2 … that 1+1 has to be 2?”
Think about it, we get fixated on 1+1 = 2 as the only equation … especially when we are watching what others are doing. We think if that’s the way they are doing it, the has to be the way we do it, as well.
We so easily forgot that there are different equations to get to the same answer. That there are many paths that drive us to the same location.
And, we also forgot to check in to see if that’s what we even want.
Because the kicker of this entire conversation that I then throw into the discussion is: “Not only are there infinite ways to get to 2 … but, have you considered whether 2 is what you really want? Or, perhaps 3, 4, or 5 is a better outcome … or even 67,891 is what you are really looking for.”
“Wouldn’t it also be fair to say that, not only, are there an infinite number of ways to get to 2 … they also an infinite options and outcomes available to us, too?”
Mic drop. This is when the training kicks in and starts to get really good.
It’s the exact moment where the team I am training or the client I am working with begins to get it. Their wheels start turning.
The equation now becomes: infinite x infinite (whether you are talking about infinite numbers, infinite equations, or infinite solutions … it’s all infinite).
Limitless possibilities. Limitless potential. Limitless outcomes.
This all leads to rich, juicy discussions around limiting beliefs, fixed vs. growth mindsets, unlimited potential.
They start to recognize new opportunities, reframe the old narrative, and rise above the imposter syndrome, comparisonitis, and defeating programming and conditioning they have been carrying around.
We then start playing if the power of potential and possibilities.
Now, imagine if you applied that same logic as I illustrated above to everything in your life and business. Revolutionary, isn’t?
It’s similar to the concept of time. Being, are you in the camp of Newtonian time, where time is a fixed, limited resource that is slipping away from us?
Or, do you belong the camp of Einsteinian time, wherein time is something that resides in the quantum field and actually can bend, collapse, expand, and is something we create?
I personally subscribe to the camp of Einsteinian time, as I have seen it play out over-and-over again when either I, myself, am aligned and in perfect flow, or I watch my clients do the same.
It’s those moments where you feel you just got 3 weeks worth of work done in 3 hours, then you look at the clock to see that only 30 minutes went by.
Einsteinian time.
So, imagine if … you changed your equation. You first start by asking yourself what’s the outcome I really want. Then, you start to play with the potential options for how to get there.
Which equation (or path) lights you up? Which one feels aligned? Which one feels exciting and fulfilling? Which one helps you stand out?
Because if we were all mean to live life by the equation 1+1 =2, why then do we have an infinite pool of numbers to choose from, and so many paths that will get us there?
Sure 1+1 =2 … or, does it?