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Why Do We Tend to Limit Ourselves?

IIntroduction

The tendency to limit ourselves often stems from a complex interplay of fear, self-doubt, and escapism. This behavior can serve as a coping mechanism or simply a way to avoid uncomfortable situations.

The aforementioned term escapism is quite vital to understand in order to proceed further.

Escapism is defined as the inclination to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities. It can take various forms, such as procrastination, addiction, or engaging in fantasy activities. These distractions can include procrastination, maladaptive daydreaming, and addictions.

At times, escapism can be harmless or even beneficial, but excessive reliance on these distractions can hinder one’s ability to address underlying issues.

Research characterizes escapism as the tendency to distract oneself from real-life problems, often manifesting through passive activities (like watching TV) or active pursuits (such as hobbies). It serves as a coping strategy to evade unpleasant feelings and can lead to both positive and negative outcomes depending on its application.

Returning to the topic: Is self-limitation a personality trait?

Maybe yes, but in most scenarios, it is a learned behavior referred to as learned helplessness.

Learned helplessness is a psychological condition where individuals feel powerless due to past experiences of trauma or failure, leading them to believe they cannot change their circumstances.

A New Perspective

Sometimes limitations can be constructive, known as positive limits, which are not detrimental. We must focus on attainable goals rather than overextending ourselves, which is a common human tendency.

Recognizing which limits are beneficial versus self-imposed limits is essential to foster a growth mindset.

The Epidemic of Victimhood

Source: Pavel Kuchinski artwork

Most people are unaware of this epidemic, but it is spreading rapidly—and the etiology is not a virus, but a deficiency.

A deficiency of self-belief and courage.

Solutions: General Advice

  • Reframe your mindset: Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and see failures as part of the learning process.
  • Prioritize action over perfection: Don’t wait for the perfect moment; start now and refine as you go.
  • Regulate your emotions and try to find the root cause of such behavior. For that, you may consider reading my other blogpost on emotional intelligence.
  • Build a supportive environment: Surround yourself with mentors who can help you see your potential.

Conclusion

No conclusion this time—just quoting Marcus Aurelius:
"Get busy with life’s purpose, toss aside empty hopes, get active in your own rescue."

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