Elephants Never Forget...

It's a known fact.

We all suffer from it.

At times, it's so powerful it causes us to literally become
paralyzed.

What is it?

It's called an "Assumed Constraint".

Let me give you an example:

When you go to the zoo, have you ever seen how the elephants
are tied down to the ground with a chain and a peg in the ground?

What's interesting about that is the fact that the elephant can literally
break free from that chain on his ankle very easily.

So why do they stay put?

When the elephant is very young, it tries to break free from this
constraint, however, at such an early age, it does not have the
needed strength to break free from it. However, the more it
tries, the more painful the experience becomes. In fact, it gets
to the point where they will literally injure themselves and go
through very agonizing pain.

As the elephant grows older, it has become conditioned and
truly "believes" that if he were to try to break free again, he
will go through that same pain.

So of course, he never tries, and therefore is a victim to his
own "Assumed Constraint".

We are the same way.

Some of the popular "Assumed Constraints" are:

I'm just too old.
I'm not tall enough.
I don't have enough money.
I can't, because...

Well, you get the point.

This way of thinking applies to everything you do in life.
That perceived self-image and the assumed constraints
that you live with, will literally prevent you from doing the
things that you want to do.

Once you realize, though, that it is all assumed or perceived
you can begin to make progress in leaps and bounds.

How is this relevant to this forum?

Simple.

When people first learn to dance they are full of
"Assumed Constraints" like not having rhythms,
being clumsy, and the list goes on and on.

You have to realize that this is all in your mind.

These constraints happen due to the conditioning
we receive from an early age and we actually grow
up to believe them (just like the elephant.)

Realize, please, that you CAN break free from them.

That you can essentially do what you want.

Is it easier said than done?

NO!!

Will it take practice and hard work?

Yes, but that only leads us to the realization, that
we are only as successful as we allow ourselves
to be. Period.

I'll repeat that:

Regardless of your endeavors, you are only as successful
as you allow yourself to be. In dance, in golfing, in basketball
in business, in relationships, in life. Period.

Can you be the next Michael Jordan?

Remember this, he was cut from his High School basketball
team. Don't you think that would have been a HUGE constraint
for him? I mean think about it. Here's a coach who is, in this
case, the "expert" telling you that not only are you not good
enough, but he will have to cut you from the team...

Did he work hard at it?

Sure he did.

However, it's pretty obvious that had he fallen victim
to this constraint, basketball would not be where it
is today.

So do yourself a favor.

Break free from the assumed constraints you may have
and you will see some incredible results.

P.S. That also goes for posting here on the forum. Do not
be mis-led by any "Assumed Constraints" into thinking that
you will not have anything of value to add. Believe me, there
is a ton of experience and knowledge you posses. So use it.
And participate more often in the forums.

Respectfully,

Follow up message:

The above post contains excerpts from a book by Joseph Sugarman.

The book is called "Advertising Secrets"

Just wanted to make sure I gave credit where it's due...

This should be an inspiration to all!
Thanks for sharing this article.
Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy dancing and realize that limitations are just illusions.

Yes. Wow. Nicely said, particularly as it applies to dance for me. I have the mind/body disconnect thing going on, at least while I'm learning a new dance or dance technique. I get really cerebral and really technical, which is okay, while I get a grasp of what I'm trying to learn.

But at some point, I've gotta let go of those assumed mental constraints, and just dance. And that's when the fun stuff happens. The mind, body and spirit connect, and I feel like I'm flying!

Thank you for sharing!

This really hits home for me today as I'm having a low self-esteem episode. I think perhaps I'll print a copy of this and paste in a few areas around my home and work...it's a gentle reminder with LOADS of wisdom.

THANKS!!!

Just found this treasure! Thanks SalsaRhythms. :banana:

What a coincidence! Last night at my dinner party, someone said how "lucky" my friend and I were to have our own businesses. This phrase, while always well intended, usually manages to upset me. Why so? Well, I didn't get here by sitting on my @$$ for the past twenty years. I am indeed LUCKY in the sense that I have no regrets and that my family is still in great health and still has their sanity. I teach 15 university classes a week and always tell my young adult students that the world is at their feet! One just has to put a little effort into getting what you want out of it!

cocodrilo said:

someone said how "lucky" my friend and I were to have our own businesses.

Click to expand...

I think that some people believe that having your own business is 'easier' than working for someone else. You are your own boss, set your own hours etc. But, what they don't realises is that in fact it can be harder as if something wrong happens, it is your business and home at risk whereas if you are an 'employee', someone else is taking the risks.

Pacion said:

cocodrilo said:

someone said how "lucky" my friend and I were to have our own businesses.

Click to expand...

I think that some people believe that having your own business is 'easier' than working for someone else. You are your own boss, set your own hours etc. But, what they don't realises is that in fact it can be harder as if something wrong happens, it is your business and home at risk whereas if you are an 'employee', someone else is taking the risks.

Click to expand...

That AND the time and energy you devote doing something you get a great deal of pleasure out of. :wink:

......not to mention the great temptation DF provides, if you work from home :roll: :lol: ......!!!!!!

*incidentally, I discoverd that the catch of 'working from home' is that you have to actually WORK :roll: :lol: *

Tonight was one of my best nights. I did things that I've never done before. Something clicked and some of the frustrations I've been feeling..tired...worn out...all melted away.

salsachinita said:

*incidentally, I discoverd that the catch of 'working from home' is that you have to actually WORK :roll: :lol: *

Click to expand...

What!!?! :shock: My illusions are shattered. I thought you just sat around all day and got paid for it. Darn!!! I guess I'll have to stick with the nine to five office scene. :cry: :lol:

salsarhythms... I relate to what you are saying... low self esteem, I cannot do this 'cause I'm old, ugly, useless... it happens to me too at times... but I keep on struggling

squirrel said:

salsarhythms... I relate to what you are saying... low self esteem, I cannot do this 'cause I'm old, ugly, useless... it happens to me too at times... but I keep on struggling

Click to expand...

WHAT?!!! Come on you guys! You're still young, you're GORGEOUS(at least that's what I can get from your posts!) and you're all OUT THERE! You're loving LIFE! Have some confidence, love yourself and enjoy it MORE! You're the only one you HAVE!