As I opened the email, my heart sank. It was from our founder & CEO, and it said, “Congratulations to Matt & Trisha for earning the Presidential Suite upgrade to their room at pawFest!”
I knew what that meant: I had won the contest that included myself and six other top leaders of our company. And winning meant my husband and I would stay in a presidential suite at the hotel where we were holding our annual convention!
But instead of feeling excited, I felt guilty. Because the first thing I thought was, “I don’t deserve this.”
In the Suite
We have been in this room before—but not just any room. This is the room where we celebrate our wins and successes as a team. It’s the room where we have hosted our in-house dinners to celebrate milestones with team members. This is where we take a break from the day-to-day and relax with our friends, pawTree family, and colleagues.
This is the room where I have felt fancy! I’ve felt like I’ve elevated my status in this room.
The space is enormous—there’s even a separate bathroom! There’s also a kitchen area that comes stocked with all the fixings for your favorite meals and snacks and drinks for when you arrive or throughout your stay. You’ll never want to leave this suite—why would you when it has everything you need?
My Upper Limit
It’s like a little voice in my head that says, “it shouldn’t be me”, “someone else should be here,” or “you’re not good enough.”
And why does this little voice show up? Because of what I’ve learned about myself: I have an upper limit.
It’s a sneaky little bugger. And it shows up when I’m least expecting it—when I’m feeling vulnerable and afraid, like when I’m trying to put my work out there for new business. When I show up online (even when I write these blog posts!).
But why shouldn’t I be the one? I could create a long list of reasons why not but I learned that those are irrelevant. The thoughts behind them aren’t true and don’t serve me.
So, instead, I focus on the truth. Which is:
- Many members of my team are going to attend pawFest.
- Where I am now is the result of my hard work.
- Offering hope and inspiration to others that wonder if they can make it in this business is what I love to do.
- I have an incredible team filled with passionate people that make these experiences what they are.
- I work every day to improve my mind and belief in myself and improve the soundtracks I play round the clock!
Working on Myself
I’m learning to be more mindful. I’ve decided to make it a habit.
I’ve been hit with some severe upper limit issues lately. And while they’re not always easy to deal with, they’re also not going away any time soon—especially if I don’t keep trying to push through them.
So instead of fighting them, here’s what I’m learning to do:
- Redirecting my thoughts to the truth (just like I modeled above). What is true? Say it out loud or make a list.
- Find a podcast or listen to a book on mindset or self-development.
- Make a gratitude list—spend 5 minutes writing down at least 5 things you’re thankful for.
Share Your Upper Limit
I’m a work in progress just like everyone else and I also don’t have all the answers. But I’m learning as I go and have found these tools to be helpful when I’m hit hard with the upper limit along with these two books:
- The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
- Soundtracks by Jon Acuff
I also know that when I’m feeling my worst, the last thing I want to do is talk about it with someone else.
But you know what? Sometimes it’s just what we need. Besides, talking about our fears and worries can help us see them in a new light and help us break through them.
I’d love to hear how you battle the mindset stuff when it comes up!
Comment below or shoot me an email at info@trishademing.com.
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I invite you all to check out my videos on my Youtube Channel or know more about me and how I can help you with your pet’s health here!
