One surprising thing I’ve realised recently is how our education can hold us back…

By being the origin of our limiting beliefs.

Case in point…

A belief of mine is that the best way to succeed is by doing it alone.

It’s like I wear this belief as a badge of honour.

I take pride in the fact that I do things my own way…

And figure things out by myself.

Now, there’s certainly a part of me that’s hardwired like this.

I have more energy the more time I spend alone…

So I get more stuff done.

But there’s another part of me that always thought asking for help was a weakness…

Or asking for advice was “cheating”.

This might seem a bit weird…

But perhaps it isn’t surprising.

After all, it’s what we’re taught at school.

You see, school rewards the ability to work alone…

And figure stuff out ourselves.

Like solving a problem in the classroom or doing your maths homework.

Because at school, sharing answers is cheating…

And cheating gets punished.

Even now I remember how closely I guarded my homework…

By making sure no-one else could see my answers.

I knew it could lead to trouble if someone DID copy my work…

And that was something I wanted to avoid.

Now here’s the thing…

I think I’ve carried this lesson with me ever since.

It’s only recently I’ve realised this…

And recognised it might not be serving me so well today.

Because the truth is…

Working with others is a crucial part of how we succeed. 

Now, I recognise there are nuances here.

For instance, there is a difference between collaboration and cheating.

And collaboration certainly has a role to play at school.

Like working on a project with other students…

Or being part of a sports team.

But I still think I was discouraged from helping others in the classroom...

And they were discouraged from helping me.

All because it was viewed as “cheating”.

And that’s the nub.

You see my point right?

Fast forward to today...

And now I’m trying to do things a bit differently.

I still enjoy working by myself…

But I’m also dialling up interactions with other people…

Taking on board their ideas, suggestions and advice…

Sharing my own…

And working on things together.

I know there’s much more I can do here…

But it’s certainly moving in the right direction.

I’m not sure if this is something you can relate to.

But perhaps worth bearing in mind.

Enjoy your Thursday.

- Tom

p.s. if you’d like to work together on any of your goals, you can book a complimentary Discovery Call here