Dr. John Maxwell states in his tape, Learning from Your Limitations, “A sign of maturity is when we know our limitations and grow in our lives in spite of them.” He says that our limitations limit us only when we respond wrongly to them. Everyone has limitations. The issue is how we respond to them. I am sharing four of the wrong responses presented in this tape.

One wrong response is comparison. It is not beneficial to compare ourselves to others. We are individuals with different strengths, goals and aspirations. It is helpful, however, to compare ourselves to our own potential. We can always do more or find better ways to do what we are doing. We should always strive to better ourselves.

Another wrong response is intimidation. It is important that we stand in our strengths and not allow ourselves to back down from our dreams. When we are around people we consider to be more successful or more intelligent than we are, we tend to think less of ourselves and allow ourselves to be intimidated by them. Sometimes it takes regular positive self-affirmation to increase our self-confidence.

The third wrong response I wish to share with you is isolation. Running away and hiding out all alone is the worst response, in my opinion. As a natural introvert, I am one who draws strength from alone time. I believe it is very important to have the relationship with ourselves that lets us realize the inner fulfillment that comes from knowing who we are as a person. This shows maturity. However, just running away from the facts of our limitations does not show strength of character.

Dr. Maxwell states that “rationalizing our limitations creates a fog that hinders us from finding answers, and recognizing our limitations clears away the fog and allows us to find the answers.” It is often easier to explain away a limitation, or find an excuse for allowing it to keep us from pursuing our dream. But rationalization, the fourth wrong response, also shows emotional immaturity.

Can you think of other wrong responses to limitations that you have seen prevent someone from living their fullest life?