John Maynard Keynes
When hunters want to trap a monkey they will make a hole in a cage that is just small enough for the monkey to get his flattened hand through and place some food inside.The monkey, seeing the food, will slide his hand into the cage, grab it and try to pull it out.Remember, though, the hole is only big enough for a flat hand to get through so the monkey’s clenched fist won’t fit.The solution is simple — all he has to do is let go of the food and he is free. Most monkeys, however, won’t let go and so they will sit there with their hands stuck in the cage, trapped.
The same thing happens to us when we hold on to things in our past. We trap ourselves, unable to move forward because we are still hanging onto something that is now over.Maybe it’s a limiting belief that you are holding on to that is keeping you from reaching your potential. Or a past relationship that no longer is in your best interests.
The examples are endless.Great athletes are able to move on after a bad at-bat, pitch, pass, shot, etc. Great teachers are able to put behind them a lesson that didn’t go over with their students the way they hoped and find another way to reach them. Great salespeople know how to move on from an unsuccessful sales call.
Today, take a look at what the monkey traps are in your life. What is it that you are hanging onto that keeps you from moving forward and having success? See if you can find ways to let go so you can free yourself from your self-imposed trap.
Win Your Day!
Steve Gilbert