The Big Leap

1. Recognize and overcome your Upper Limit Problem

I call it the Upper Limit Problem, and I haven't met a person yet who didn't suffer at least a little bit from it.

The Upper Limit Problem (ULP) is a self-imposed barrier that prevents us from achieving and enjoying our full potential. It manifests as self-sabotage when we experience success or positive feelings beyond our unconscious comfort level. This problem stems from deep-seated beliefs and fears, such as feeling fundamentally flawed, fearing success, or believing we don't deserve happiness.

Common signs of the ULP include:

• Worrying unnecessarily
• Deflecting compliments
• Criticizing or blaming others
• Getting sick or injured after a success
• Starting arguments in relationships during good times

To overcome the ULP, we must first recognize its presence in our lives. By identifying our specific Upper Limit behaviors, we can begin to challenge and change the underlying beliefs that fuel them. This process requires self-awareness, honesty, and a willingness to embrace positive change.

2. Identify your Zone of Genius and commit to living in it

Liberating and expressing your natural genius is your ultimate path to success and life satisfaction.

The Zone of Genius is the realm where your unique abilities and passions converge, allowing you to produce extraordinary results with seemingly effortless joy. It's distinct from the Zone of Excellence, where you may be highly skilled but not truly fulfilled. To discover your Zone of Genius, ask yourself:

• What do I most love to do?
• What work do I do that doesn't seem like work?
• What is my unique ability?

Once identified, make a firm commitment to living in your Zone of Genius. This commitment acts as a catalyst, bringing forth the means necessary to achieve your goals. It may require leaving behind comfortable but unfulfilling roles and embracing new challenges. Remember, the journey to your Zone of Genius is not just about personal satisfaction – it's about making your greatest contribution to the world.

3. Embrace Einstein Time to increase productivity and creativity

You're where time comes from.

Einstein Time is a paradigm shift in how we perceive and manage time. Instead of viewing time as a scarce, external resource, we recognize ourselves as the source of time. This shift allows us to:

• Eliminate the feeling of time pressure
• Increase productivity without feeling rushed
• Create more time for creative thinking and important tasks

To implement Einstein Time:

1. Stop complaining about time
2. Take full ownership of your time
3. Ask yourself, "Where in my life am I not taking full ownership?"
4. Practice saying "I don't want to do that right now" instead of "I don't have time"

By embracing this concept, you can work less while accomplishing more, freeing up energy for creative pursuits and reducing stress in your daily life.

4. Eliminate worry and criticism to enhance positive energy

Worrying is usually a sign that we're Upper-Limiting.

Worry and criticism are common manifestations of the Upper Limit Problem that drain our positive energy and hinder our progress. To overcome these habits:

For worry:

1. Ask yourself if the worry is about something real and actionable
2. If not, recognize it as an Upper Limit symptom
3. Shift your focus to what positive thing might be trying to emerge

For criticism:

• Recognize that most criticism is not about producing results
• Sort criticisms into two categories: actionable and non-actionable
• Focus only on actionable criticisms

By eliminating unnecessary worry and criticism, you free up mental and emotional energy for more productive and fulfilling activities. This shift allows you to maintain a higher level of positive energy, which is crucial for living in your Zone of Genius.

5. Develop healthy relationships by transcending Upper Limits

Relationships—healthy ones, that is—exist only between equals.

Healthy relationships require both partners to transcend their individual Upper Limits and grow together. Key strategies for achieving this include:

1. Take responsibility: Both partners must take 100% responsibility for the relationship
2. Avoid projection: Recognize and own your own feelings and issues
3. Communicate openly: Share microscopic truths about your emotions
4. Balance closeness and independence: Nurture both the urge to merge and the need for autonomy
5. Practice non-sexual touch: Communicate love and caring through simple physical gestures

By addressing Upper Limit Problems in relationships, couples can move from unsatisfying dynamics (such as devitalized, passive-congenial, or conflict-habituated) to vital, fulfilling partnerships. This process requires ongoing commitment, self-awareness, and mutual support.

6. Use the Ultimate Success Mantra for continuous growth

I expand in abundance, success, and love every day, as I inspire those around me to do the same.

The Ultimate Success Mantra (USM) is a powerful tool for reprogramming your conscious and unconscious mind to embrace continuous growth and expansion. To use the USM effectively:

1. Repeat it daily as a formal meditation (5-10 minutes)
2. Incorporate it into your daily thoughts and activities
3. Write it on cards and place them where you'll see them often
4. Be open to "back-talk" from your old programming
5. Use it to counteract limiting beliefs and negative self-talk

By consistently using the USM, you can gradually increase your capacity for abundance, success, and love. This practice helps you maintain a positive focus and overcome the tendency to self-sabotage when things are going well.

7. Practice the Enlightened No to focus on your Zone of Genius

Saying no for that reason even has an inspirational effect on the people you're turning down.

The Enlightened No is a powerful tool for maintaining focus on your Zone of Genius. It involves:

• Turning down opportunities that don't align with your unique abilities
• Explaining your decision in terms of your commitment to your Zone of Genius
• Inspiring others to consider their own priorities and talents

Benefits of practicing the Enlightened No:

1. Increased time and energy for activities in your Zone of Genius
2. Clearer boundaries and priorities
3. Inspiration for others to pursue their own genius

By consistently saying no to activities outside your Zone of Genius, you strengthen your commitment to living and working at your highest potential. This practice not only benefits you but can also inspire those around you to pursue their own paths of excellence and fulfillment.

Last updated: August 8, 2024