Yes – there’s a definite point where positive thinking turns into delusional thinking, and American Idol has given us many fine examples of it.

I think one way of understanding the difference between a negative, limiting belief and a positive, empowering one is this: with a limiting belief we perceive our ability and potential to be far lower than they actually are. As a result we may become discouraged and give up on a dream very easily – that’s if we even try in the first place.

A healthy empowering belief gives us the courage to imagine and go for truly inspiring goals – and gives us the determination to make amazing achievements. But it definitely isn’t about a blind and deluded belief in abilities we haven’t got.

You are right – I will (sadly) never be able to beat Roger Federer and so attempting to do that might seem to be setting myself up for failure. However what if I believe that I can get close to him as a player? Still not likely?

How about being the best in my club? The best in Kansas City? What I am doing is believing that I can be a great tennis player and can always get better. Therefore I am driven to find my limits and maybe surpass what I ever thought I could achieve.

Ultimately there is a good chance that I will run into a Simon Cowell at some stage. We all have to accept our limitations eventually, but at least the contestents on American Idol got as far as the audition, TV etc. How many folks (some of whom could have done really well) sat at home and didn’t apply because they thought “I don’t have what it takes”?

Interesting post – lots of food for discussion!

There are far too many Americans who are indoctrinated with this kind of belief, and they constantly set themselves up for failure. You only have to watch American Idol to witness the despair when someone (usually Simon Cowell) tells some kid who’s parents have given them unrealistic expectations (even though they have no talent whatsoever) that they should give up any thoughts of a vocal career. They can, of course, continue to sing for their own amusement, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but a good dose of limiting belief would have been good for them!

Interesting that you picked that point out as it’s probably the one I’ve suffered from most. I think that sometimes it’s having the ideas that gives me the real buzz. Actually taking an idea and making it into something can seem much less exciting – though much more rewarding in the long run.