6 Signs You Are Not Realizing Your True Potential

Written by: Eva Martins, Executive Contributor

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

Are you living your life to the fullest? Are you going beyond your comfort zone every day? Or you know deep inside of you, you could achieve much more in life. You have a calling for more, but you do not know how to realize it. Tell you what. You are not the only one taking this road. Every day, more and more women feel confused about what they are truly capable of. And it's not always your fault.

Unfortunately, environments such as workplaces, schools, and even homes have the power to box you. You might think that everything is normal. But, wait until you slowly notice that hidden factors in your life are causing a quake in your career or relationships. These limiting beliefs and unhealthy environments can make you question your inner purpose and true potential. Our life reflects our inner story, our inner beliefs, our experience. The only path towards realizing our true potential is through self-awareness and self-acceptance. If you don't see things yet, then it's because you have been blocked by the major rocks suppressing your growth ‒ the B.S.! You deserve a safe space where you can fully express yourself. For instance, companies should focus on creating a healthy environment for people to flourish instead of protecting themselves. Happiness in the workplace increases commitment, effectiveness, and results exponentially. In a study of 17,000 individuals worldwide, the Hay Group Research found that 19 percent of women executives interviewed exhibited self-awareness compared to 4 percent of their male counterparts. Independently of the gender, there is still a long journey of conscious leadership to navigate through. And yes, ladies, apparently we are still battling our way to be called executives, not 'female executives finally.' Unfortunately, it's hard for some people to understand one EASY thing. Be aware of such toxic enablers and always choose to rise beyond the others' limits for you. But before you can unlock the door to your breakthrough, you have to figure out the signs that are stopping you from your potential. 1. Life is no fun.

You wake up in the morning without feeling passionate or excited to jump out of bed. You focus more on what you HAVE to do instead of what would make you happy.

Life for you is full of commitments and responsibilities, and there is no space for fun and time to do things you love.

Question: When was the last time you had fun at work? How to overcome: Try to jot down your to-do list. Prioritize the ones that bring you the most impact AND make you feel the most excited about. Leave behind the urgent irrelevant to do's. 2. You trade inspiration & innovation to execution

You might know you have different ideas and thoughts, but you prioritize doing what others expect from you. It gives you a sense of control and safety. The thought of feeling unsafe makes you panic. Question: When was the last time you took the risk to stand up for your ideas without feeling uncomfortable? How to overcome: Fulfillment comes with the amount of uncertainty you can cope with. First, try to understand which are your deepest fears? What could the worst happen if you lost control of your life? When was the last time you felt unsafe? What happened? 3. You feel a lot of social pressure & afraid of others judgement You constantly step back. You love feeling others' appreciation and would not dare to go against it. You seek belonging and social acceptance. You are extremely demanding of yourself, never happy with your achievements. But, hey, being a YES person is not always the way! Question: When was the last time you celebrated yourself, celebrated your achievements? How to overcome: The path to freedom is self-love, self-confidence, and trust. You might ask how, well, by deep diving into your unconscious and understanding the beliefs that are constantly running and maybe reinforcing that "you are not good enough," "not smart enough"...Silence these noises and start believing in yourself more. 4. You feel you could achieve more, but something prevents you. You know deep down inside of yourself that you could do more, you could achieve more, but you lack the self-confidence to go for it. You prefer to follow the conventional path instead of creating your own. You feel frustrated at times with yourself and your life but would feel even more anxious in taking a step to change it.

Question: When was the last time you did something brave for yourself?

How to overcome: Instead of counting the reasons you can't, focus on the things that prove YOU CAN. Accept that you are capable of doing amazing things in life. There could be many things you can't do, yet there is also stuff only you can make possible. 5. You are not in control of your life.

Your quest for appreciation and acceptance leads you to fulfill others' expectations instead of your wishes and dreams. You might even sacrifice yourself at times, trying to be the best partner, best parent, best peer, best friend, best manager. But, unfortunately, in attempting to be the best, you compare yourself to others which ultimately only leads to disappointment and frustration.

Question: What would happen if you would take the lead of your life, your career?

How to overcome: Start by accepting yourself, being authentic, and releasing the need to be perfect as you no longer obey others' rules or expectations. As a result, you free yourself from constant anxiety and frustration and take control of your feelings and emotions. Your life is a reflection of your inner state. 6. You would keep your thoughts or ideas for yourself

You might be in a conversation or a meeting, but you prefer to listen than share your ideas promptly until someone else voices them and you feel frustrated with yourself. You might even feel your throat burning, your stomach tight. You are burning to share your idea, but you do not dare. Question: When was the first time you shared your thoughts openly and felt criticized and judged? How were you feeling? What did you assume? How to overcome: Acknowledge that sharing your thoughts is not a question of life or death; ignore the idea that others might have different perspectives -- it is ok. Diversity is a crucial success factor in any team and environment. And remember that you fear others' judgement because you are judging yourself so much that you cannot cope with more. The journey towards fulfilment, passion, and excitement in life is inner. You cannot always change your environment, but you can start by changing yourself, embracing your natural gifts, accepting your inner strengths and your inner shadows. Recognize all of them and turn each imperfection into your ultimate and authentic power. The external environment is only a reflection of our internal story.

No one can steal your potential and your TRUTH unless you let them.

PS: There are 3 ways I can support you to break through your own inner limitations and skyrocket your life:

1. Download my freebie to better understand how your limiting beliefs impact you and your success.

2. Sign up for THRIVE with No BS 8-week program. Achieve your life goals with a clear and effective system to cut through the B.S. that’s holding you back.

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Eva Martins, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine

Eva is the founder of the Global Women leadership Academy, a number 1 international and best-selling author, international speaker, executive leader in Fortune 500 Company, and a business owner with a mission to empower women to skyrocket their lives.

She started her career in a male-dominated corporate industry where she soon grasped that if you do not have power, you go nowhere. Her mission is to drive gender equality at all levels of society and encourage women to raise their voices and goals, that's why her Leadership Academy to empower women was created.