Each Friday I share one favorite of mine, whether it be a blogging tip, another blog post, a personal development tip, or something else altogether.
Today I am going to share a personal development technique that I’ve recently learned about and have found to be life changing. It’s a way that allows us to unlock our true full potential.
So often we limit ourselves with our thinking, our beliefs, our expectations, and how we think others will perceive us.
We even limit ourselves when we think about or focus on what we should be or how we wish we were. We even deceive ourselves into thinking that we are doing ourselves a service by thinking about our ideal selves.
What we believe to be our ideal self may not even be our true ideal self, more than likely it is an image that we have based on our perceived failures and shortcomings and what others have expressed to us. Some of what we perceive as failures and shortcomings are actually not.
The Key to Unlocking Your Potential
The key to unlocking our full potential is actually very simple, in fact it looks too simple and sounds like it would not work at all. If you give it a real try you will find that it holds a lot of power and leaves you feeling very free.
So then what is the key? The key to unlocking your full potential is awareness without judging.
What does that mean exactly? It is simply being aware of what you consider to be your failures and shortcomings without judging yourself.
For example let’s say that you just spoke badly about your friend behind his back. Suddenly you feel guilty because you feel like a lousy friend and a gossip. You don’t believe that you should act that way and you get down on yourself for not living up to your ideal image of yourself.
You’ve just judged yourself, you’ve labeled yourself, and you feel trapped and discouraged. You’ve locked yourself up rather than freed yourself to reach your full potential. You’ll probably continue to make what you view as poor choices through the day because of your current state of mind.
Instead, let’s imagine that you used awareness without judging after you spoke badly about your friend behind his back.
Rid yourself of the need to believe that there is something wrong with yourself. Just look at your action and be aware of it, don’t place and judgment on it at all. Just be aware, if you feel the need to say something you can simply say, “Isn’t that interesting?” or “Hmmmm.”
Be aware, release the judgment.
The power is that when you take away the judgment the power is taken away from what you perceive as negative. It just is what it is – “¡Que sera, sera!”
I encourage you to try this over the long weekend and see if you don’t start to see the results even before Monday arrives. If you find yourself judging yourself then just stop and be aware of that, don’t let yourself fall into a vicious cycle.
Be aware, don’t judge. Watch yourself discover your true full potential, not your idealized image of yourself. Become your best you, what you were truly meant to be!
¡Que Sera, Sera!
I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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Great concept- tough to effect!
That does NOT mean we shouldn’t try!
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Stacy Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Hi Roy,
It really is a great concept and I am constantly amazed at how well it works!
Stacy
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Justin Tillman Reply:
August 10th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Very nice informative article. It just goes to show what a strong will, mind, and determination can get you to. Great job with your concepts.
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Stacy Reply:
August 10th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Thank you, and you are very right!
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Great concept. Does take a bit of work, though. We really are our own worst crtics, aren’t we? It’s something I’ve definitely been working on lately.
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Stacy Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Hi Marie,
It really does take work, especially in the beginning! Sometimes I have to remind myself to think like this but it is so effective and now comes so much more naturally!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… How to Turn Your Blog Into a Thriving Success
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How to Unlock Your Full Potential « Grow With Stacy…
I share a technique that I’ve recently learned about and have found to be life changing. It’s a simple way that allows us to unlock our true full potential….
Hi Stacy,
Glad that I found your blog:)
Awareness..how many great things could be realised in this world being aware.Sometimes I catch myself judging or feeling uncomrtable about a person/situation.I guess that is my ego that want something negative to stick with.I’m working to be more aware day by day.Just noticed that life flows more interesting ,easily and beautiful things show up from inside when you’re aware.
Appreciate your insights!
Have a wondeful weekend,
Radu
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Stacy Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Hi Radu,
Thank you for your comment! It does take practice to put the awareness into practice but it does become more natural with practice!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… How to Turn Your Blog Into a Thriving Success
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I used to call my inner critic “Mrs Patronizing Know it All” she doesn’t rule my life anymore yet she is still there. Taking out the condescending critics I am pleased that Mrs Patronizing is now my guarding warning me of risks but not withholding opportunities anymore!
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Stacy Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Hi Paula,
Those are great insights, thank you so much for sharing!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… How to Turn Your Blog Into a Thriving Success
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Terrific, Stacy! For years, I lived trying to reach the ideal image and you’re right – it only leads to disappointment and discouragement. Now that I’m getting older (*cough), I try to stop myself if I do something unsavory or unkind. Often I place myself in time-out! It helps to separate the action from the person (that being me). It has taken years for me to learn to accept myself – faults and all – and to not equate my improper actions to my whole self. My thanks for the encouraging post! And guess what?!? I finally, prayerfully, successfully migrated my site to Word Press! Yay! Check it out when you get the chance. I’ve still got kinks, but it feels fantastic to be on WP and off Blogger. Have a wonderful holiday weekend, Carrie
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Stacy Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Carrie,
Congratulations on your move to WP! How are you liking it? I saw your site right before my computer died. I’m not sure if I even left you a comment to say that I liked it, but I do like it!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… How to Turn Your Blog Into a Thriving Success
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Carrie Reply:
July 23rd, 2011 at 9:09 am
Stacy,
I love WordPress! I thought that I’d miss the features in Blogger, but I’m pleased with my simple, clean site. I am slowly adding plug-ins. What has been the most pleasant surprise is the support for the theme I purchased! I can submit a question on their forum and have it answered quickly! Could you redirect me to the “thank-you creation page” on your site? I remember your giving a tutorial but I couldn’t find it. Do you also use a plug-in for sending thank-you emails to your readers? As I’ve said quite often, I have you to thank for recommending the move to WP.
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Hi Carrie,
I know that you asked these questions a long time ago (about the time my computer died). Did you find the answers you were looking for? Let me know and I can still help out!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… How to Turn Your Blog Into a Thriving Success
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Carrie Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Thanks for your reply! Did you get your computer fixed? I found a plug-in for what I want but it hasn’t been verified for my version of WordPress, so I guess I’ll go without for awhile!
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
Hi Carrie,
Is it Thank Me Later? I’m using that plugin and it’s working fine with the newest version of WP. (As far as I can tell!)
Stacy
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Carrie Reply:
August 10th, 2011 at 8:07 am
No, that doesn’t sound familiar. I’ll look up that plug-in! I’d be excited if it works for me! Thank you!
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Carrie Reply:
August 10th, 2011 at 8:13 am
Stacy, Thank Me Later is compatible with my version but it shows a warning that it hasn’t been tested. Are these types of plug-ins safe to use then? I’ve seen this warning on other Plug-ins as well. Scared that my site will crash! Thanks!
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Stacy Reply:
August 10th, 2011 at 8:36 am
I’m not really sure…and I have had issues lately. You can go to the WP support forums and ask!
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Very powerful idea, Stacy, and I am going to try it this weekend, just as you suggested!
I also LOVE the possibility that the “ideal me” might not be real. Maybe the image I have constructed based on judgement is not who I am meant to be.
Maybe the me with foibles is who I am meant to me. Love that thought! Very freeing possibility.
Jeanine
Jeanine Byers Hoag @ Dressing My Truth invites you to read… New Blog Plan for this Summer…
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Stacy Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Hi Jeanine,
How did it go? I have found the awareness exercises to become more natural with time and they become more and more effective too.
Take care,
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… How to Turn Your Blog Into a Thriving Success
[Reply]
How to Unlock Your Full Potential…
I share a technique that I’ve recently learned about and have found to be life changing. It’s a simple way that allows us to unlock our true full potential….
How to Unlock Your Full Potential « Grow With Stacy…
So often we limit ourselves with our thinking, our beliefs, our expectations, and how we think others will perceive us. We even limit ourselves when we think about or focus on what we should be or how we wish we were. We even deceive ourselves into thi…
Thank you ………What an interesting concept!
Be aware of your thoughts but don’t judge…….I usually don’t judge others but I still unconciously judge myself….Thanks for this awareness ……
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Stacy Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 6:33 pm
Hi Wayne,
It is an interesting concept – and very powerful when put into use!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… How to Turn Your Blog Into a Thriving Success
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Hi Stacy,
Removing our own self-criticism and judgment about ourselves and others would stop the endless cycle of guilt, worry and fear.
No one is perfect and we all do and say things at times that we wish we could take back. I forgive myself and others for past transgressions and this helps me sleep better at night.
Justin@Mazzastick invites you to read… What Do You Consider Successful Blogging
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Stacy Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 6:34 pm
Justin,
Those are great points and are the exact reasons why this works so well!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… How to Turn Your Blog Into a Thriving Success
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Hi,Stacy,
revealing your techniques for getting the full potential are quite interesting, as they are suggesting we should not be too hard on ourselves and be less perfectionists in what we do. Perfectionism can have good sides, though, but, it can lead to self criticism, as well. And the last thing that we need if we want to reach our full potential is to judge to ourselves too much than it is actually needed.
Kristina L.@HealthCompare Coupon Code invites you to read… HealthCompare Coupon Code
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Great points, Kristina. Balance is key with anything because most extremes are unhealthy.
Stacy
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Great Post Stacy as i read you post it’s true but sometimes we do make our selves into complicated and at the end we realized we should do that at first.and i choose to live in a simple life and just take care my family and do my own staff at the same time my work.
Cherry invites you to read… TEENS AND THE WORLD OF FINANCE
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Cherry,
The simple life has many benefits and a lot of people are choosing that path these days!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
I know you wrote interesting Post on every Friday that’s why I am very conscious to read your Friday post and like it.
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Thank you, I will get back to my normal posting schedule next month!
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Hi Stacy,
Very good advice! I heard someone say, “when you point a finger, look at how many are pointing back at you.” When you judge or criticize somebody, aren’t you somehow judging or criticizing yourself as well?
It’s best not to start this, but then, we are all human. So we have to forgive ourselves for the mistakes we are making.
Great thought-provoking post!
Happy 4th of July!
Ilka
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Hi Ilka,
That is a great point about the fingers pointing back at us! Self forgiveness can really go a long way!
Stacy
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Sometimes things are easier said than done. Easy to say but hard to walk the talk. But this should not stop us from trying most especially if we have goals in life and wants to succeed.
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
So true, it is much easier to talk about something than to put it into practice!
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Hi Stacy,
This is such a powerful point. When we find a way to release judgment, especially judging ourselves (which is at the heart of all judgment), it really frees us up for true happiness. And you’re right. It is a simple technique, but it can change our lives.
Hugs,
Melody
Melody | DeliberateReceiving invites you to read… Why You Should Take the Time to Praise Others
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Hi Melody,
It truly is freeing! When I find myself moving away from this frame of mind I feel stressed and trapped, but when I bring myself back I feel peaceful and free!
Stacy
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The difficult task in the world is to cure your flaws.Each of your mistake has potential and this potential become kinetic when you realize it.
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Great point!
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I guess it’s true, judging can only make us waste time, time taken from actually fixing thing.
I’ll give it a try on the first occasion.
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
So true, it’s wasted energy! How has it gone for you?
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Hi Stacy,
This is easy to say but quite hard to do! Awareness without judging. We normally make mistakes, while it is easy to do, it is very hard to make up for it. In the end we have to be responsible for every deed we do and for every word we speak out.
Thanks for sharing!
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Felicia,
It does take practice but it does get easier with that practice! It has made a big difference in my life!
Stacy
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Unlocking my full potential isn’t that easy. Insecurities and other negative thoughts can hinder all my plans, can also make me feel not that good. These reasons can really put me in trouble most of the time.
Antonia@Conversational hypnosis invites you to read… How to use Hypnosis Language
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Antonia,
This method may seem to simple to work but it has really made a huge difference in my life. I suggest that you give it a try for at least a week and see if you see great results too!
Stacy
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There is no doubt at all that the content is just super fine and informative as it possesses quite wide range of information and concepts. However, as a matter of fact, most of the people believes that one shouldn’t be satisfied of his working as there is a saying, satisfaction is the end of life, once you are satisfied, you are done with your life, there are not more thrill and target. Just keep competing with yourself and keep growing.
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
It is a very powerful method to use in order to bring great change in life!
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[...] How to Unlock Your Full Potential « Grow With Stacy I share a technique that I've recently learned about and have found to be life changing. It's a simple way that allows us to unlock our true full potential. [...]
Personal development tips like this are really important for most of the people because most of them are quite unaware of them. Yes in our society almost most all the people do not know about their full potential and that is the reason for their problems. Good article.
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Thank you!
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Stacy -
Thank you so much for this advice about letting go of the tendency to make judgment about oneself… I am often way too hard on myself and reading this really helped to put things in perspective – I’m going to work on it in the future, for sure!!
Lizzy
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
How has it been working for you? I hope that you’ve had as much success with it as I have!
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So all we need to do is keep a positive approach to things? Easier said than done.
We judge all the time, even without realizing. Getting rid of this bad habit may prove difficult.
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
It is much easier said than done but it is worth the effort!
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Wow, been hearing about unlocking the true potential of self but this post is easy to digest than anything else. Thank you for posting this because it will surely help a lot of people out there that are still finding their self in the dark.
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Stacy Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Thank you very much! I do hope it helps people!
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Hi Stacy. Thanks for sharing this. It’s a very motivating post!
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it is very well information all people want always to know all about things that you have been described here it is very valuable that is very nice post i will bookmark this blog
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Thanks for this great article. It really gave me a lot of motivation and also a lot information about the subject. Thanks and keep on the good work.
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Stacy Reply:
October 3rd, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Thank you, Peter!
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“Awareness without judging”.. well, that’s sounds interesting. Maybe its time to experiment doing it!
Thanks for the great advice Stacy. Hoping to read more ideas, I mean new ideas!
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Focusing on self development is the key to success!
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Stacy Reply:
December 20th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Yes, it is. It’s something that must be focused on daily!
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Hi Stacy,
This is a great way to develop a more positive attitude and way of looking at life in general. I think that guilt must be done away with altogether because it creates negative energy.
Instead of guilt it is better to just rework the thought/phrase into a positive one.
Great Article! Sally
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Stacy Reply:
December 26th, 2011 at 11:42 am
Hi Sally!
It really is an effective way to change negative attitudes, I think you’re right that it would especially help those who suffer from guilt!
Take care,
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
This is one of those techniques that masters teach their students and can take a lifetime to achieve completely. We don’t realize how much of our world is made up of how we judge things, not the things themselves. Go to a public place, like a mall, and watch the people for 15 or 30 minutes. See how long you can watch them without judging them in some way. When you can drop the judgements you will have made a huge step forward to freeing yourself.
Great post.
Wayne
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Stacy Reply:
June 7th, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Hi Wayne,
It’s very true, all we need to do is watch people for a short time and it’s very evident that people are full of self judgment! It is a difficult habit to overcome but it is very much worth it!
Thank you for stopping by!
Stacy
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