Institute

When walking through an elephant camp, a man noticed that the elephants were only secured with a small rope that was tied around one ankle. He was confused and wondered why the elephants didn't break free from the rope, as the elephants were certainly strong enough to do so.

He asked a trainer why the elephants didn't try to break free, and the trainer responded:

"They use the same size rope for baby elephants all the way up to adulthood. Because they're too small when they're babies to break free from the rope, they grow up being conditioned that the rope is stronger than they are. As adults, they think the rope can still hold them, so they don't try to fight it."

The man was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn't, they were stuck right where they were.

We All Started Like the Elephant

We all started with big dreams, and felt like nothing could hold us back. But every time we tried to accomplish our goals, we just couldn't break through the ropes of our lives holding us back.

So we'd try and try and fail and fail to break free, and over time, we just give up and adopt the belief that it just isn't possible.

Over time, just as the elephants grew and could easily break free if they chose to, you too have grown—not in spite of those previously failed attempts, but because of them.

Failure can be a wonderful thing if perceived in the right way. We have all been conditioned to believe that failure is the opposite of success, when in reality, it's just the first part of it. Just because we failed once doesn't mean you always will.

The Limiting Beliefs We Carry

We have all experienced failures, heartbreak and disappointments. Because of these, we develop limiting beliefs and accept our failure as a part of who we are instead of realizing we now have the strength to accomplish extraordinary things.

If someone from the outside looking in saw you, would they wonder why you are choosing to stay stuck in your life, when you have so much potential and could easily break free if you tried?

You Are Not Yesterday

Right now, in this very moment, we are at a crossroads of the past and future, which presents us with a constant unique opportunity.

You have the opportunity every moment of your life to change your entire direction with one decision.

You are not yesterday. You are RIGHT NOW.

Realize that your superpower is the control you have over your life and disconnect from the narratives created by yesterday.

Calling yourself bad because you failed yesterday is like not taking off your raincoat because it rained yesterday.

The sun is out now. Adapt and move forward.