"あなたの人生で明日可能性に限界を設けるのは、今日使う「でも」だけです。"

The idea behind this quote is that the excuses or limitations we set for ourselves today will restrict what we can achieve in the future. When we say "but" — as in "I want to do this, but..." — we're essentially putting up barriers that prevent us from reaching our full potential.

Think about it: how often do you catch yourself saying "I would start my own business, but I don’t have enough money," or "I’d love to travel more, but I’m too busy with work"? Each "but" is a self-imposed limitation. By recognizing and challenging these excuses, we open up a world of possibilities for ourselves.

Historically, this concept is not new. It echoes teachings from various motivational speakers and thought leaders who emphasize the power of mindset in achieving success. It’s rooted in the idea that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality. If we believe we can overcome obstacles, we’re more likely to find ways to do so.

Let’s take a real-life example to illustrate this. Picture Sarah, a graphic designer with a dream of starting her own freelance business. She’s talented and has a good client base, but she keeps telling herself, "I’d love to go freelance, but I need the security of my current job." Every day, she repeats this to herself until she starts to believe it’s true. One day, a friend challenges her to think differently. They suggest starting small by taking on freelance projects in her spare time. Sarah begins to see that her "but" was more about fear than reality. As she takes on more freelance work, she gains confidence and eventually makes the leap to full-time freelancing. Without the limiting belief, her possibilities expand.

If you want to apply this wisdom in your own life, start by paying attention to your "buts." Notice when you’re using them and question whether they’re true limitations or just fears dressed up as reasons. Write them down and brainstorm ways to overcome each one. It might surprise you how many solutions you can find once you shift your perspective.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend, and they’re telling you about their dream to run a marathon. They say, "I’d love to, but I’m not a runner." You might respond, "Well, have you tried a couch-to-5k program? You don’t have to be a runner to start running." This simple shift can help them see their goal as achievable. They might start training, slowly building up their endurance. Before they know it, they’re signing up for that marathon, all because they challenged their initial "but."

In your own life, think about those dreams and goals you’ve shelved because of a "but." Maybe it’s learning a new language, starting a blog, or even just making more time for yourself. Whatever it is, challenge that excuse. Break it down and figure out what’s really holding you back. You might find that the only thing standing between you and your dreams is a small word with a big impact.

So next time you catch yourself saying "but," stop and think: is this a real obstacle, or just a mental barrier I can overcome? By doing this, you’ll be paving the way for a future filled with limitless possibilities.