3. The Upper Limit Problem: Too Much Happiness And Joy Can Invoke Doubt And Worry
“Each of us has an inner thermostat setting that determines how much love, success, and creativity we allow ourselves to enjoy. When we exceed our inner thermostat setting, we will often do something to sabotage ourselves, causing us to drop back into the old, familiar zone where we feel secure.” – Gay Hendricks
In his book, The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks describes a common problem associated with success and happiness called the upper limit problem. Hendricks describes that it is common even in very high achievers.
In short, you may be sabotaging your success and happiness because you deeply believe that you do not deserve it.
When things are going great and you are experiencing more joy, happiness and success that you are usually used to, you may unknowingly engage in behaviors that bring you back into your familiar range of happiness.
You may express this desire for familiarity by beginning to worry or doubting your abilities.
Hendricks says that the way out of this ubiquitous problem is to get acutely aware or through the “razor sharp focus of awareness.”
Action Tips:
Are you doubting your abilities because you have had a great stretch and you are experiencing the upper limit problem?
When you begin to doubt yourself to reestablish familiar and safe zones, become acutely aware of the behaviors and choose ones that do not sabotage your success.
Remind yourself that you deserve and you are worthy of the happiness and success in your life.
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