Every single one of us has an innate ability to access the very depth of who we are and shine. A simple truth, but one that admittedly doesn’t come easy. Reaching your full potential takes practice. Lots. There are multiple ways to reach your full potential, and for everyone it may be different; however, these six ways that I’m sharing with you today have helped me continue to blossom and grow into the person I was meant to become. As I quit my day job (read my story about it here), and pursued fashion blogging full time, I realized more than ever that it was time for me to unlock my full potential in ways I never have before. As my own worst critique, I need these tips just as much as you. If you’re looking to unlock your full potential then these six steps are for you!
1. Avoid negative “what-ifs.”
Having a positive mindset is critical in unleashing your full potential. In life, we can so easily play the “what-if” game. I know I’ve been really good at it. What if I’m not good enough? What if someone is better than me? What if I fail? These negative thoughts will only hold you back from being truly successful. Don’t let your own thoughts stand in your way! Whatever the “what-ifs” are for you in your life, I encourage you to change that mindset and turn it into something positive. Stay positive, stay present, and focus on the “what is” that is currently taking place in your life. Focusing on the facts will help you stay grounded and in the mindset of doing what you need to do to succeed.
2. Stop comparing yourself to others.
Nothing is going to put a quicker stop on your potential than a comparison of others. It is an easy habit to slip into (again, totally guilty of this), but one that can weigh you down rather than build you up. Yes, others can inspire and even motivate you to be your best, but no one is better at being you than you! Reaching your full potential comes from within, so embrace what you are great at and keep doing what you do best. You were born to shine!
3. Don’t stop working even when you think you’ve arrived.
Maybe you’ve landed your dream job. Maybe you’ve hit that goal that you’ve dreamed about and have been working to achieve for years. Don’t stop there. Continue to create new goals to push you further than you’ve ever imagined. Get out of your comfort zone and keep working hard. In whatever area you apply it in life, always have a new goal to achieve and something to look forward to. These new goals will push you to be your best and fulfill your greatest potential.
4. Approach every day like it’s your first.
Separate from the “live every day like your last” approach that so many of us live by, I encourage you to reverse this mentality and live like it’s your first. What I mean by this is never stop trying to cultivate and grow what you’re working on. I’ll never forget that day that I decided to quit my job as a Kindergarten Teacher and decided to do something so scary by working for myself. It stays at the forefront of my mind and motivates me to keep going. Recognize the future that you have and potential that your journey can take you. Do it with your whole heart and never stop learning. Let your passion drive you to reach your full potential.
5. Find support.
It’s OK to admit that we all need a little help sometimes. As much as I am motivated to do it all on my own, I know that I can’t reach my maximum potential without friends who are there to push me when I need it. There’s nothing better than having a friend at your side who encourages you every step of the way. They can lift you up when you’re discouraged, which will help keep your mental clarity strong, or they can be a partner to check in with to keep your goals on track. Whatever you need that support system for, finding an accountability partner who pushes you do be your best possible self is so vital in fulfilling your potential.
6. Define who you are. Don’t let others do it for you.
One of the quickest ways you can put a stop on reaching your full potential is by letting others define your potential for you. You know yourself best. Don’t let others put limitations on you or decide what you are capable of. Perhaps you’ve been told no by a stranger; maybe it was even someone close, which can often be the hardest to hear. Don’t let them stop you from pursuing your dreams. Prove them wrong and continue doing what you know you can do. You are full of potential and capable of great things!
I’d love to hear from you — what helps you reach your full potential?
Keep smiling!
Pleated Skirt: Dezzal | Silk Blouse: Dezzal
Dezzal Review – To be honest, I recently received these clothes from Dezzal and had no idea what to expect. I’m always hesitant when getting things online. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the clothes. The skirt is very well made and I get compliments on it all the time! There are so many ways to style it for fall; I am so excited to have this chic skirt for my fall wardrobe. The silk blouse is nothing short of perfection — it’s so soft and of course, if you know me, you know I can’t say no to bows!
Mini Avery Tote: Rebecca Minkoff
I’m Molly Lawson! I live in Seattle and am an optimist, adventurer, and bold lipstick wearer. I created this space to inspire and empower women with words of encouragement known as #MollysWords and share inspiration through my personal style. I always want my readers to leave with a smile and I hope you do!
For me #5 is the hardest and the most important to do. You look so chic and beautiful Molly. Sending you lots of hugs, Kait
http://www.baskinginburgundy.com
Author
I’m so glad you mentioned that! It’s actually pretty hard for me to do, because I tend to want to do things all myself. But it’s the only thing that’s gotten me through life lately. So thankful for dear friends! Love you girl!
Lovely outfit!
xo, Gina
http://www.artsyrunway.com
Author
Thank you, Gina! Have a lovely weekend!
This was totally what I needed to read today Molly as I’m standing in the cross roads with going on full time blogging or to have it as a part time hobby (I have a day job which well, obviously requires my presence and effort as well) and I think, with some help from your post about leaving a job you loved, I’ve now made up my mind. Now I only need to make it happen. So thank you SO much for your support sweetie!
And oh, btw, you look gorgeous! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/2016/09/22/dark-skies-bright-mind/
I LOVE #6…it is so important, but sometimes we let the voices around us get louder than our own voice…we need to speak up to ourselves:)
I love posts like these! Yes to #3 and #4. It’s always good to be in “beta mode” so you’re constantly learning, instead of thinking this is as good as you can get.
Your outfit is spot on!
Step number four really stood out to me! I love the reverse in mindset. It made me remember how much passion and excitement I have when I start something new!
Amazing post, elegant look as well, I love your blog. Thank you for sharing, you look stunning!!!
xxx
http://www.bridesonamission.com
I SO needed this post Molly! The negative “What ifs” have been running rampant in my life. I love your point about support too! I just recently started doing this with people in the “industry” for some reason I feel like I need to know it all or do it all and get nervous about asking for support or help or to bounce ideas off of because I feel like a nuisance, but they can always say no if that was true.
Rachel | http://www.theconfusedmillennial.com
Oh my goodness, Molly, this is such an important post! I loved that you mentioned not giving up on the work even when you think you’ve arrived… that’s really crucial to remember. I think so often people are just like “eh, I’ve made it so I don’t need to focus on this as much anymore” and then it all crumbles around them. Keeping that effort going and focusing on the next goal is super vital! Love these tips so much! Thanks for sharing ❤️
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
great tips and you look amazing as always! such a cute fall outfit 🙂 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/getting-ready-holidays-jenni-kayne/
Great post girl, and congratulations on going full time! Avoiding the negative “what-ifs” is SO important – a positive mindset will allow you to go so far! Love the photos too, you look gorgeous xx
I love all of these tips! They are right on! Also, love the top and pleated skirt. I am a sucker for a classic look! Thanks for sharing!
I really enjoyed this post Molly!! So inspiring and I totally agree, you can never stop! Always keep growing 🙂 PS: You look fab, that skirt is absolutely adorable!xx- Mitra
http://www.leopardcouture.com
This is great advice! I need to work on all of these, but particularly #1 and #2. I am so bad about “what ifs” and comparisons. If someone “arrives” before me I will start worrying I’ll never make it, but that isn’t even a logical train of thought.
These are such great tips. Something all of us need at some point or another. I suffer from the negative what-ifs but I am trying to go beyond it and do things I love with all my heart. You look so pretty in this outfit Molly. <3 Have a wonderful day!
Monika | http://www.palateforstyle.com
This is great! I am notoriously terrible at asking for help, but sometimes it’s exactly what is needed and there’s nothing wrong with that!
Also, that skirt is KILLIN’ IT! 🙂
xoxo
Grady
http://www.gradybirdblog.com
Great post and you look stunning! Finding support is so important and I’m glad I found you! I need to make a conscious effort to stop comparing myself to others!
This is so beautiful! You look gorgeous!
xo- Gem+Elli
http://www.gemandelli.com
Insta @gem.and.elli
These are great tips and I struggle with all of them. I’m definitely working on staying positive and to stop comparing myself to other bloggers. I absolutely love your outfit! It’s super cute!!
Oh my goodness all of these points I need to work on. They continually effect my life.
#6 is SO TRUE! It happens too often that other people try and tell you who you are and where you’re going in life. It’s so important to be confident in yourself and your decisions and not let anybody else influence you.
This look is the perfect combination of cute and office-appropriate! Love you tips, too!
Xx Taylor
http://lightscameracatwalk.com/
These are all awesome tips, especially #3! Definitely something I’ve been working on improving on lately! Also, your pics are gorgeous as always!
xoxo takingonthekitchen.com
Your tips are amazing! I really do need to listen to these tips. There are days it is harder than usual but I must push forward! Thanks for the motivation! 🙂
I absolutely *love* point #3. And it’s so stinkin hard. But we hit a milestone and think, WOW, I made it! And then it’s easy to just want a nice long vacay and cruise on by the rest of life. Gotta keep goin’ strong!
Coming Up Roses
So true it’s all about unleashing your best self! That’s so neat that you’re able to follow your passions and blog full time.
This is such a wonderful post, Molly! #1 is definitely the most difficult for me.
I love your outfit in this post! That skirt is so amazing!
Kim
http://www.mrscliftonscloset.com
Amazing tips. Love this!! xx, gracie
My dear, you are flawless. Your inspirational pieces are my favorite. I love that you tell us that it’s okay to ask for help. Totally agree. We can keep each other accountable! I’ll never stop supporting you!! XO
Amen to not playing the comparison game! It can be hard at times, but it’s always so much better not to!
Amazing post! These are all great tips for reaching your potential and often very hard to put into practice. I think number 6 is especially hard!
I love your outfit- the pleated skirt is gorgeous!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
I love these! #5 is hard for me, but I’ve definitely started working on reaching out. I lean on people in my personal life but don’t ask for help enough at work because I want to seem competent! I think never stopping even after you reached a a big milestone! These are amazing tips and ones that I really connected with, great post!
xoxo
Ashley | http://ablondeandabriefcase.com/
I LOVE this post and your outfit. It’s so chic with the perfect amount of edge. My favorite tip is to not stop working once you’ve hit a goal. Such a great advice!
Bailey | http://www.hotdresshotmess.com
Thanks so much for this read! I’ve been feeling so much negativity and stress this week. This definitely lifted my mood. Btw, loving the outfit!
Chloe
http://www.funinthecloset.com