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Overcoming Self-Sabotage in Your Handmade Business: The Upper Limit Problem

The world of handmade business can be challenging, especially when you're trying to turn your passion into profit. If you're feeling stuck or disrupted in your journey, you're not alone. Many handmade business owners experience the phenomenon known as the Upper Limit Problem, which can hinder your progress and success. In this post, we'll explore this concept and provide actionable steps to help you move past self-sabotage and thrive in your handmade venture.

Understanding the Upper Limit Problem

The Upper Limit Problem, coined by Gay Hendricks, refers to the subconscious barriers we create that prevent us from fully embracing success, happiness, and abundance. Here’s how it typically manifests:

• Self-Sabotage: After achieving a milestone, you might find yourself engaging in behaviours that undermine your success.
• Comfort Zones: Your brain naturally wants to keep you in a familiar state, often leading to feelings of anxiety or discomfort when things start going well.
• Fear of Success: You may subconsciously believe that with success comes negative consequences, leading to a self-imposed ceiling on your achievements. 

Common Signs of the Upper Limit Problem

If you’ve ever experienced any of the following, you might be facing your own Upper Limit Problem:

• Anxiety about things that never used to worry you.
• Procrastination or avoidance of new opportunities.
• Physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue before major events.
• Conflicts in relationships when things are going well for you.
• Minimising achievements or downplaying your successes.

Why Do We Self-Sabotage?

The root of self-sabotage often lies in limiting beliefs formed during childhood. For example, if you grew up hearing phrases like "money is the root of all evil," you may subconsciously associate financial success with guilt or discomfort. Here’s how to identify and address these beliefs:

1. Reflect on Early Memories: Think back to your earliest interactions with money or success. What beliefs did you internalise?
2. Challenge Your Fears: Recognise that having more—whether it's money, love, or success—is safe and achievable.

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Steps to Overcome the Upper Limit Problem

To break free from self-sabotage and set a new standard for success, follow these steps:

1. Develop Self-Awareness

• Journal Your Thoughts: Write about your past successes and any feelings of discomfort that arose during those times.
• Identify Patterns: Look for recurring themes in your behaviour when you experience success.

2. Acknowledge and Address Your Fears

• Identify Specific Fears: What are you afraid of losing or how do you fear you might fail?
• Reframe Your Beliefs: Challenge these fears with evidence of your achievements.

3. Gradually Expand Your Comfort Zone

• Take Small Steps: If you struggle with saving money, start by setting aside small amounts regularly.
• Incremental Upgrades: Make small changes in your life to acclimatise to abundance.

4. Document Your Feelings

• Keep a Journal Handy: Write down your emotions when you experience success. This helps you recognise patterns of discomfort.
• Ask Deep Questions: Reflect on how much happiness or success you feel safe having in your life.

5. Reframe Your Discomfort

• Recognise the Signs: Understand that discomfort is a natural part of growth.
• Sit with Your Feelings: Allow yourself to feel uncomfortable without reacting impulsively.

Conclusion

The Upper Limit Problem can be a significant barrier to your success as a handmade business owner, but recognising it is the first step toward overcoming it. By developing self-awareness, addressing your fears, and gradually expanding your comfort zone, you can create a more abundant life for yourself and your business.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, consider reading Gay Hendricks's book on the Upper Limit Problem. Remember, the world needs your unique creations, and overcoming these mental barriers is essential for you to share your gifts with the world.

Love Steph xox

👋 Welcome everyone! My name is Steph, I've been running my handmade business full time on Etsy since 2016, and I'm here to help you! 

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