Does lack hold you back?

Alexis Rae Baker

Dear Lexis,

What do you think is the top thing that holds people back?

Thanks,

Curious in Lacey

Dear Curious,

The number one thing that holds people back is the belief in lack. Lack is a hugely prevalent idea in our world and, at times, justifiably so. We only live for so many years, we only have so many hours in a day, and we only have access to certain resources at any given time. 

There’s no doubt that “lack” is a real thing. However, it’s usually not a hugely important factor when it comes to success in any given avenue. Tony Robbins says, and I agree, that it’s not a lack of resources that causes you to fail. It’s a lack of resourcefulness. 

Yes, creating a piece of artwork is easier when you have canvases and a plethora of pens, paints, and tools, but that doesn’t stop the truly dedicated (as evidenced by the slew of artists who create utilizing recycled materials, salvaged garbage, and foliage picked up off the ground. 

We tend to use lack as an excuse. “There’s too much competition and too small a client base,” “I don’t have enough money to pay for that,” “I’m not attractive enough to appeal to a potential mate.” On the surface, all of these statements could be true, but the fault lies in the fact that they are all one-dimensional objections. 

If everyone had to attract clients the same way, maybe the first statement would stop you, but you’re unique and can come up with novel presentations that appeal to the people you want to work with the most. 

Yes, you may not have enough money to purchase something, but could you possibly find a solution that doesn’t require financial exchange? Or even a way of bringing in more money to compensate? Given the plethora of ideas that do generate income, I can virtually guarantee that there is a solution out there. 

Sure, you may not have a face that causes someone’s jaw to drop, but are you really going to tell me that there is absolutely nothing appealing about you? No kindness, intelligence, or humility that you could highlight? Yes, dating might be harder, but isn’t everyone looking for a deeper connection anyway? You just have to approach dating from a different angle. 

Lack stands in every path. It gives us a reason not to try, and we all take advantage of that fact at one time or another. I know that for me as I work to build a digital advertising agency, I’ve utilized lack as a reason to not put forth the effort. “There are so many other advertising agencies out there. Why would anyone want to work with me?” But the truth of the matter is I do have something to offer, and if I want to improve my life, I have to be willing to risk my comfort in order to move forward. You can to do the same. 

Deep down, I think we all know that there aren’t really limits on what we can accomplish. What limits us is our own belief and willingness to do what’s required to achieve our ends. We feel that we lack the talent, the knowledge, and the follow-through, but when we push forward anyway, we discover fortitude that we never knew we had. 

~ Lexis

Lexis is Alexis Rae Baker. She writes from her home in Olympia. Got a question about life, relationships, spirit? Visit her at lexisrae.com or write to Lexis at  mailto:Lexis@theJOLTnews.com.