From: alexhormozi
Entrepreneurial growth is often bottlenecked by constraints, particularly those related to an individual’s character traits and beliefs, rather than just their skills [00:20:00]. Overcoming these internal limitations, which act as “crutches” or “superstitions,” is crucial for building resilience and achieving sustained success [04:42:00].
Identifying Limiting Character Traits
A common impediment to growth is the adoption of “I am” statements, which are powerful declarations of deeply embedded beliefs about oneself [01:55:00]. These statements can become self-fulfilling prophecies that limit potential.
Examples of self-limiting “I am” statements include:
- “We are high anxiety people” [02:04:00]
- “I’m an all or nothing type person” [02:21:00]
- “I am bad at math” [03:22:00]
- “I have a short fuse” or “I have a temper” [08:22:00]
- “I am disorganized” [08:27:00]
- “I am not good with time” or “I am not good with money” [08:29:00]
The critical question to ask about such statements is: “Does this belief serve me?” [02:47:00] If a declared trait does not support an individual’s goals, it should be abandoned [04:33:00]. Instead of “I am,” it is more empowering to say “I have a tendency towards” or “I struggle with behaviors that are this way” [03:59:00], [08:49:00]. The identity must evolve to whatever is required for growth [03:42:00].
The Dangers of Crutches and Superstitions
Crutches and superstitions refer to routines or dependencies that, when relied upon, make an individual weaker rather than stronger [04:54:00]. These dependencies can be exploited by competitors, as they render an individual non-resilient [07:21:00].
Common examples of crutches include reliance on substances or rituals for basic functions:
- Alcohol to sleep [05:36:00]
- Blunts, edibles, or pills to fall asleep [05:40:00]
- Coffee just to feel “normal” after prolonged use [06:33:00]
- Specific rituals or environments deemed necessary for productivity, creativity, or well-being [06:14:00], [09:03:00]
These dependencies lead to a self-imposed weakness [09:25:00]. The belief that one “must,” “should,” or “needs to” follow a specific routine or use a particular substance indicates a lack of control over one’s own state [05:15:00], [06:16:00].
Building Resilience
To foster resilience and independence from circumstance, it’s essential to:
- Cycle Activities: Instead of rigid routines, cycle activities to gain temporary benefits from novelty, preventing dependency [06:44:00].
- Be Flexible: Aim to be effective regardless of environment or external conditions [07:32:00]. This is likened to the difference between Rocky Balboa’s rugged training and Drago’s hyper-reliant scientific methods [07:46:00].
- Stop Self-Imposed Punishments: Avoid threats or punishments spoken over oneself (e.g., “I can’t be productive” if a routine is broken) [07:08:00]. These are weaknesses built into the self [09:25:00].
Ultimately, individuals should strive to be the source of their own effectiveness, not a reaction to external circumstances or dependencies [10:01:00].