We're consistently forming beliefs about ourselves and other people that limit performance.

For example:

At work when we see . . .

The boss who always has to have her way (We say she's arrogant. She doesn't care about what the rest of us think.)

At home when we see . . .

The teenager who won't fulfi ll her responsibilities around the house  (We say she's lazy. She doesn't care about the family.)

In critical performance moments when we see . . .

The musician who plays well in practice and freezes up on stage (We say she has too much "stage fright" to ever become a top performer.)

In the classroom when we see . . .

The teacher who struggles to deal with a student's learning style (We say she's stupid and lazy; she just wants to do what's comfortable for her.)

In the performing arts and sports when we see . . .

The golfer who keeps saying, "I'm a slicer!" (We say she's got a negative attitude. She'll always trail the pack.)

We form these beliefs about others. We form them about ourselves. And these beliefs not only limit performance; they also limit the way we try to help ourselves or others improve.

 What is your experience?

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