Once there were two men fishing on the same side of the river. The younger guy was not catching a thing, while the old man caught everything in sight. The young man noticed, however, that when the old man caught big fish he threw them back into the water and when he caught little ones he kept them. After a while, the frustrated young fisherman asked the old man, “Why are you throwing the big ones back and keeping just the little ones?” The old guy responded, “Because I only have a nine-inch frying pan at home!”
I like this story a great deal as it speaks to self-imposed limitations. Rather than seeing the possibility of obtaining a larger frying pan or cutting the fillets, the old man limited his success to only the small fish. Too often, we create similar self-imposed limitations through things like anxiety and fear of criticism, or failure. We need to learn to not become victims of such limitations. Just like the larger pan, there are other possibilities that we need to learn to see.
What size is your frying pan? What self-imposed limitations are keeping you from accomplishing your goals? We all have those little voices of self-doubt in our head. Some talk louder than others. It is how we respond to those voices that makes the difference. The voice of reason allows us to respond to a situation and not be affected by the consequences. I have to go now … I’m going to buy a bigger frying pan and a sharp knife!
Time to check in on your progress with TOPS Million Pound Mission to lose ten or more pounds or be a KOPS in leeway by the end of 2017. How are you doing?
By Arlene November 15, 2017
Self imposed limitations. Recently mine have been really on the wrong side of here! I miss so much not having a chapter in this town that was being worked at by some of the members before it was disbanded. But this has been a year now and the time of mourning is long long hanging around. The two most convenient chapters are in other small towns and means driving round trip to attend the meetings. Inconvenient but there is no remedial thoughts of a new chapter here at this time.
By Carole Hamann December 11, 2017
Our chapter too is in danger of disbanding. Scary, but I’m glad we can connect like this. I’ve been a KOPS now for 7 years and staying in leeway is as hard as getting there. I need constant, no daily accountability. I hear you.
By Jenny Lou Jerving November 11, 2017
I love the larger fry pan and sharp knife. Self control on the weekends! Thank you for helping me stay focused on a Saturday night. I read this and wanted to share. What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality. Plutarch
By Monica November 8, 2017
I struggle almost daily to fight the urge to resist putting limitations on myself. I’ve been working on erasing the bad tapes that I am in the habit of replaying in my mind. Even though I’m down 95#’s I am still trying to utilize more positive self talk rather then beating myself down.
By Barbara Cady November 4, 2017
¡Estoy muy feliz de que continúes tu viaje de salud y encuentres útiles nuestros artículos!
By Cristinita Torres Pereira November 4, 2017
Estoy siempre comenzando y recomenzando mis dietas. Fui delgada de joven, y en el correr del tiempo, acabo de cumplir 70, acumulé 77kg sobre mis escasos 1.60 metros de altura. Tengo artritis desde hace 4 años, y me pesa dolorosamente mi cuerpo. Recién descubro este sitio en internet. Me entusiasmó el punto de vista realista de los articulos. Tal vez me entusiasme nuevamente para emprender un nuevo intento. Muchas gracias!
By Neva Riggins October 31, 2017
Thank you for a helpful way to lose weight. I am alsmost to my goal, but I really do have to be careful of what I eat and get plenty of exercise.
By Charlotte Perkins October 30, 2017
I read about Self Imposed Limitations many years ago, and have tried to question myself whenever I think…you can’t do this. Why not, my inner voice says. Down 27#’s this year, goal is getting closer!
By Barb Cady October 31, 2017
So proud of and happy for your, Charlotte! Reach for the stars and you will surely catch the moon… and beyond!