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Life has a funny way of throwing challenges at us just as we start to hit our stride. Whether it’s launching a podcast, creating a new product, or taking the next brave step toward a dream, there’s often a point where things feel too good—and that’s when the self-doubt creeps in. If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. What you’re experiencing is what psychologists and self-help gurus often call the upper limit problem.

In this article, we’ll explore what upper limits are, how they manifest, and—most importantly—how to push through them to reach the next level of your personal or professional journey.

What Is the Upper Limit Problem?

The concept of the upper limit problem was popularized by Gay Hendricks in his book The Big Leap. Essentially, it’s the self-imposed ceiling we place on our success and happiness. It’s that sneaky voice in your head that says, “Who do you think you are to deserve this?” or “Something bad is bound to happen now.”

Why Do We Have Upper Limits?

• Fear of Success: Success comes with responsibility. Often, our subconscious associates “more” with “harder,” which can trigger resistance.
• Comfort Zones: Growth is uncomfortable. Staying within your comfort zone, even if it’s less fulfilling, feels safer to your brain.
• Conditioning: Many of us grew up with limiting beliefs about money, relationships, or career success. These old stories resurface when we start to break through barriers.

Signs You’re Hitting an Upper Limit

It’s not always obvious when you’re facing an upper limit problem. Here are some common indicators:

1. Self-Sabotage

You might find yourself procrastinating on critical tasks, like sending a simple email or finalizing a project. These avoidant behaviors are your brain’s way of pulling you back into familiar territory.

2. Overcomplicating

Instead of sticking to the mantra “Done is better than perfect,” you aim for perfection—and end up doing nothing at all. Sound familiar?

3. Negative Self-Talk

Phrases like, “I’m going to fail,” or “Who am I to do this?” loop in your mind, making you question your worthiness or abilities.

4. Emotional or Physical Resistance

You might feel unusually irritable, tired, or anxious. Sometimes, these feelings are your body’s way of resisting change.

5. External “Problems”

Ever notice how your technology seems to malfunction or little inconveniences pile up just when things are going well? While frustrating, these moments can often signal an upper-limit problem.

My Personal Upper Limit Story: Lessons From Launching a Podcast

When I relaunched my podcast recently, I hit an upper limit hard. Everything was going right: I’d created a product I was proud of, my investments were thriving, and my podcast episodes were live. Yet, amidst all this success, I found myself spiraling.

• I couldn’t log into my email, despite following every troubleshooting step.
• I delayed sending a W-9 to book a photography gig, even though it was a simple task.
• I was procrastinating on promoting my podcast because I was trying to match the polished efforts of podcasters with entire teams behind them.

It wasn’t until a heart-to-heart with my fiancé and best friend that I realized what was happening: I was trying to keep myself “safe” by sabotaging my own success. Thankfully, their support helped me shift my perspective and take the next brave step forward.

Strategies to Break Through Your Upper Limit

If you’re experiencing an upper limit problem, don’t worry—there are actionable steps you can take to push through it. Here’s what worked for me (and what might help you, too):

1. Acknowledge the Problem

The first step is recognizing when you’re hitting an upper limit. Self-awareness is crucial. Ask yourself:

• What am I avoiding?
• What negative thoughts are dominating my mind?
• Am I resisting my own success?

2. Simplify Your Actions

When I was overwhelmed by my podcast promotion plan, I realized I needed to scale back. Perfection isn’t necessary; consistent effort is. Break tasks into manageable chunks and focus on progress, not perfection.

3. Lean on Your Support System

Surround yourself with people who can remind you of your potential. My fiancé and best friend were instrumental in helping me reframe my thoughts and take action.

4. Challenge Your Negative Thoughts

When your inner critic pipes up, challenge it. Replace thoughts like, “This won’t work,” with, “I’ve overcome challenges before, and I’ll do it again.”

5. Celebrate Wins, Big and Small

Take time to acknowledge how far you’ve come. Whether it’s a successful launch, a good return on investments, or simply finishing a task you’ve been avoiding, celebrating wins reinforces positive behavior.

6. Visualize Your Next Level

Picture the life you’re working toward. Visualization is a powerful tool to help your brain acclimate to new levels of success and happiness.

7. Take Immediate Action

Procrastination feeds upper limit problems. Whether it’s sending that email or making that phone call, small, immediate actions build momentum.

Why Breaking Through Upper Limits Is Worth It

It’s tempting to stay in your comfort zone, but growth lies on the other side of fear. Breaking through upper limits allows you to:

• Achieve your goals and dreams.
• Create a life aligned with your values.
• Build confidence in your abilities.
• Inspire others by showing what’s possible.

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FAQ: Breaking Through Upper Limits

1. What is the upper limit problem in simple terms?

The upper limit problem occurs when you subconsciously sabotage your success or happiness because it feels unfamiliar or unsafe. It’s your brain’s way of keeping you in your comfort zone.

2. How do I recognize an upper limit problem?

Signs include procrastination, negative self-talk, overcomplicating tasks, or feeling unusually anxious or irritable when things are going well.

3. What’s the best way to overcome an upper limit problem?

Start by acknowledging it. Simplify your actions, challenge negative thoughts, lean on your support system, and take immediate steps to move forward.

4. Can upper limit problems affect personal relationships?

Yes! Upper limits can show up in relationships through self-sabotaging behaviors, like picking fights or withdrawing, especially when things are going well.

5. Is the upper limit problem a one-time challenge?

No. As you grow, new upper limits will appear. The key is to build self-awareness and resilience to push through them each time.

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Final Thoughts

Hitting an upper limit isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of growth. Every time you push through, you expand your capacity for success, happiness, and fulfillment. So, the next time you find yourself stuck, remember: you’re exactly where you need to be. Take a deep breath, lean on your support system, and take that next brave step forward.

Your dreams are worth it—and so are you.

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