If I asked you what prevents you from moving to your next level, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? I’ve heard people say the slow economy is causing their lack of movement. Some say they’re too busy and don’t have enough time to get everything done. Others report that they don’t have competent staff to work with, or partners who are at cross purposes with them, or any number of other concerns. To all of these, I say pooh (technical term, of course). There is one overriding factor that trumps everything.

I don’t mean to insult you or make you feel bad, but YOU are the primary barrier to your progress. Well, not you, but the you that you created in your mind. That’s right, it’s all in your head. The view you have of yourself, with all its constraints and limitations, is what prevents you from being more than you currently are.

How you see yourself is the final authority on what you will and can do and what you won’t and can’t do. If you can’t see yourself at the next level, there is no way you can get there. It’s not in you. The old adage of “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it” rings true. There is no amount of training, coaching or incentivizing that will get you to change the boundaries of your perspective.

Here’s how it works. The mental boundaries you put on yourself severely limit your possibilities. Now I’m not suggesting that all you have to do is think you can, like The Little Train That Could, and that’s it. But if you can’t first imagine yourself as being able, no amount of training, practice or mentoring will do any good.

So, what are the mental constraints you put on yourself? What do you say you can’t do or you’re not very good at? What do you think you should do, then find all kinds of “distractions” that prevent you from doing it? Get a grip on your mental boundaries and you’re well on your way to the next level.