Buzz
Achieving a goal requires effort, but we often magnify the challenge. Ramit Sethi refers to these as 'extreme reach barriers,' and these mental obstacles can derail a goal before you even begin.
Ramit Sethi, author and entrepreneur, shares his thoughts on these barriers in the video above. He also recently elaborated on them in an email using a phrase I truly resonated with:
It’s interesting, because when I was contemplating starting a business, I was eager to take the plunge... yet my mind instantly fixated on everything that could go wrong!
I don't have a solid idea
I wish I could, but I just don't have the time. I don't want to take on a second full-time job.
Ugh, I have so many ideas... I can't even figure out where to begin.
The worst part was, I would say things like, "I don't have 20 hours a week to devote to this." I call these 'extreme-reach' barriers because we irrationally fixate on the worst-case scenarios.
It’s like me walking into a gym and saying, "I'll never be able to bench 300lbs. So, forget it!" and then storming out, leaving my Gatorade bottle still open.
Absurd... but how many of us claim we want to work for ourselves, only to let 'extreme-reach' barriers stop us?
At their core, extreme-reach barriers are false beliefs. They stem from our need to protect our sense of self. For instance: eating healthier doesn’t require completely cutting out junk food. Becoming more likable doesn’t mean sacrificing your unique personality.
Ramit primarily discusses this from a career perspective, but as shown in the video, you can apply this concept to areas like physical fitness, hobbies, dating, and every other part of your life. Stay alert for the mental self-talk that revolves around extreme-reach barriers.
