How I bent this spoon and how you easily can too

I did a thing.?

A mind bendy thing.?

Specifically, I'm now a spoon bender. I have an official T-shirt to prove it.

Here's how it went down:

In the midst of a business conference a couple of weeks ago in Phoenix, I embarked on a transformational meditation with at least 2000 other participants. At the start of the meditation, I had doubts which I soon proved to myself early on in the meditation. I couldn't budge the spoon I was holding in my hands.

But I went along with the meditation, following the prompts, and I saw clearly all that I had achieved so far. My body filled and soon overflowed with gratitude. It was at that moment the spoon felt so pliable in my hands, almost like silly putty. Up to that point, I had already told myself a dozen times I couldn't bend the spoon, but then in that huge moment of gratitude for everything I had done so far, I was able to do more in that moment and bend the spoon.??

Here's the lesson:

Like me, you are setting limits for yourself constantly. It's the super ego keeping you safe, and it's excellent at its job.

Know this; those same limits are keeping you in a box, away from doing a job search and finding that next role that stretches you because it's very comfortable staying in your current job.

As my T-shirt reads:

Our limits are only the ones that we choose to believe. Your success is inevitable.

The Combined Power of Your Body AND Mindset

What I experienced during that spoon-bending session wasn't just a parlor trick. It was a powerful demonstration of how our mindset shapes our reality. As an executive career coach, I've seen time and time again how our beliefs can either propel us forward or hold us back.

Think about it: How many times have you told yourself "I can't" before even trying? How often have you stayed in your comfort zone, afraid to reach for that next big opportunity?

Breaking Through Self-Imposed Limitations

Just like I initially couldn't bend that spoon, you might be facing challenges in your career that seem insurmountable. Maybe it's:

• Applying for that C-suite position you've always dreamed of
• Negotiating a higher salary
• Pivoting to a new industry that excites you

These goals might seem as impossible as bending a spoon with your mind. But here's the truth: The only real obstacle is your belief that you can't do it.

The Gratitude Shift

What changed for me during that meditation wasn't the physical properties of the spoon. It was being in my body and paying attention to my mindset. When I shifted into a state of deep gratitude, suddenly what seemed impossible became effortless.

In your career, gratitude can be a powerful tool for transformation. Take a moment to appreciate:

• The skills you've developed over the years
• The challenges you've already overcome
• The network you've built
• The impact you've made in your current role

This isn't just feel-good advice. Practicing gratitude has been shown to increase resilience, improve decision-making, and enhance leadership.

Practical Steps to Bend Your Career "Spoon"

Identify Your Limiting Beliefs: What "spoons" in your career do you think you can't bend? Write them down.

Challenge Those Beliefs: For each limitation, ask yourself, "Is this really true? What evidence do I have that contradicts this belief?"

Cultivate Gratitude: Start a daily practice of acknowledging your achievements and strengths.

Visualize Success: Just as I visualized the spoon bending, picture yourself succeeding in your career goals.

Take Inspired Action: With your new mindset, take one small step towards your goal today.

Remember all that you've already achieved so far. You have the power to reshape your career just as I reshaped that spoon.

The Ripple Effect

When you break through your self-imposed limitations, you don't just transform your own career. You inspire and empower those around you. As a leader, your growth creates opportunities for your team to grow as well.

Are you ready to bend some spoons in your career? Remember, your success isn't just possible – it's inevitable. All you need to do is believe it and act on that belief.? Let's connect on LinkedIn and continue this conversation. I'd love to hear about the "spoons" you're planning to bend in your career journey.