Robin Johnson, ACC • February 14, 2023 • 6 Minute Read
Upper Limits
As I train life coaches, I teach about barriers. That is one of the greatest things we do for our clients as a coach – to help them overcome their barriers. Sometimes the barriers are internal – the thoughts, doubts, fears, limiting beliefs that they face within. Sometimes the barriers are external – the resources of time, money, knowledge, manpower or support.
I had never considered another type of barrier until I read the book, “The Big Leap” by Gay Hendricks. Similar to an internal barrier, Gay suggests that we often determine an upper limit for ourselves of what we think we deserve, or are capable of, or able to achieve. If we achieve more than we see is right, we may even sabotage the success to lower the overall result. A self-imposed barrier, these upper limits create our own glass ceiling of sorts. Understanding that you have upper limits is a powerful first step to solving the problem.
To help your clients identify and change their upper limits, here is a coaching tool based on the concepts in the book:
Step 1: Identify Your Zone of Genius
The first step is to help your client identify their Zone of Genius, as described by Hendricks. This is the area where they can truly excel and feel fulfilled. Encourage your client to think about the times when they feel most alive, happy, and fulfilled. What are they doing during those moments? What skills or talents are they using? Guide them to make a list of these activities and skills.
Step 2: Identify Your Upper Limit Problem
The second step is to help your client identify their Upper Limit Problem, which is the self-sabotaging behavior that prevents them from achieving their full potential. Encourage your client to think about the times when they have experienced a sudden dip in their happiness or success, despite their best efforts. Ask them to identify the thoughts, feelings, or actions that led to this dip.
Step 3: Address Your Limiting Beliefs
Once your client has identified their Upper Limit Problem, help them address the underlying limiting beliefs that are holding them back. Ask your client to question these beliefs and challenge their validity. Encourage them to reframe their limiting beliefs into more empowering statements that support their growth and success.
Step 4: Create a Support System
Creating a support system is essential for overcoming limiting beliefs and achieving success. Help your client identify the people in their life who support their growth and success. Encourage them to seek out mentors, coaches, or other professionals who can guide and support them in their journey.
Step 5: Set Goals and Take Action
The final step is to help your client set goals and take action towards their desired outcomes. Encourage them to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) that align with their Zone of Genius and challenge their Upper Limit Problem. Help them create an action plan with specific steps they can take to achieve their goals.
By following these steps, your client can overcome their limiting beliefs and achieve their full potential. “The Big Leap” is a powerful tool for life coaching clients that can help them transform their lives and reach new heights of success and fulfillment.
Enjoy this powerful tool as you help your clients remove their upper limits!
