What even is potential? ‘Existing in possibility. Capable of development into actuality’. This seems pretty broad, so why did I even begin with the idea that we have more potential than we think? 

A lot of us have done this: inspired by a new hobby we join social media communities or look for videos to share that new feeling with others who appreciate it too. Inevitably, we stumble across someone who is so good it makes us feel bad about our own ability. It could be because they’re so young, and/or they make it look so easy, etc. etc. For a lot of people, myself included, this line of thought led to eventually quitting. Now, however, I see this as more proof of our own potential.

What people who quit because someone else is better than them don’t realize, is that they are observing manifested potential. It’s not like who they’re watching was able to do what they’re doing from birth. They too began because they were inspired by someone or something. In those moments, our minds are great at coming up with reasons why the other person is a genius or prodigy and we couldn’t ever do what they’re doing. Unfortunately, that’s just not true.

This leads us to two main issues:

• Belief in the doubting part of the mind
• Lack of knowledge of what manifests potential

Belief in the doubting part of the mind

Not everything that your mind thinks is true. I think what’s hardest about this realization is the regret, guilt, or shame that follows. Because if you then remember past situations where you fully believed what your mind was telling you and acted accordingly, this realization makes those past actions seem less valid. I’m speaking from experience: for years my horrible self-talk led me to believing no one liked me, which is why I spent most of my time and energy trying to get people to like me. There were plenty of other things I could have been doing.

How do I deal with the doubting mind? The first step is understanding, which means more questions. 

Why is the mind doubting anyways? This is specific to each individual’s lived experience, so it has be explored alone. Working out is a great way to do this. Meditation also works well. Each person may need to find their own medium to work through this question.

Then, spend a lot of time thinking about your unique situation and how your life now might be different from when you initially believed that conclusion. This will take time, usually years.

The next step is building proof. Put in consistent work related towards your life goals. Over time, you will build up undeniable proof that you are working towards who you want to be.

At some point, you can begin to act independently of doubt. Doubt will still make itself heard, but it no longer controls what you do.

Lack of knowledge of what manifests potential

Even if the mind wasn’t doubting, sometimes the issue is because it’s not clear how to actually manifest potential.

I think there are three main concepts to doing this:

Repetition. Adapting is a core trait of humans. Think of all the harsh living conditions all around the globe, where humans have been living for a long time. Adaptation shines through repetition. On day 100 you know more than day 50 on which you knew more than day 1. Start doing, and adapt as you do it more.

Visualization. Simulate the desired outcome in your head, and use the information you get to improve practice and performance. You get infinitely better at visualization the more you do it, but only when paired with real life action, reflecting on both.

Suffering. There is no growth without suffering. You have to realize you’re not as good as you thought, and it might take a lot of work to get there. This will feel bad. There are many other things along the manifesting potential journey that will feel bad. Be ready to get through them. It’s OK to feel bad.

Conclusion

Manifesting potential is not a quick fix. It’s simple, but not at all easy and can take a long time. Fortunately, everyone has access to this ability. 

Go ahead, watch that genius that inspired you. But afterwards, keep moving towards your own plan to greatness.