"الشيء الوحيد الذي يمنعك من الحصول على ما تريد هو القصة التي تواصل إخبار نفسك بها"

So, let's break down this quote in a way that really hits home. Essentially, it’s saying that the main thing standing between you and your goals is your own internal narrative. The stories we tell ourselves—whether they’re about our abilities, our past, or our potential—can either propel us forward or hold us back.

Picture this: you're constantly telling yourself that you're terrible at public speaking. Maybe this stems from a past experience in school where you stumbled over your words. You keep replaying that moment, convincing yourself that speaking in front of a crowd just isn't your thing. Because of this story, you avoid opportunities that involve making presentations or leading meetings. But what if you changed the narrative? What if you started saying, "I’m getting better at public speaking every day"? Changing the story you tell yourself could open doors you’ve kept closed.

Historically, this idea isn’t new. Many self-help gurus and motivational speakers harp on the importance of mindset. Think about Henry Ford’s famous saying, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right." It’s all about perception and belief. Ford knew that the mental story we craft shapes our reality.

Let me give you a real-life example. Imagine Jane, a talented graphic designer. She loves her work but hasn't applied for any of those prestigious roles she dreams about. Why? She keeps telling herself she's not good enough, that those roles are out of her league. One day, after reading a similar quote, she decides to change her internal dialogue. She starts to tell herself that she’s a top-notch designer and deserves those roles. She applies and, guess what? She lands a job she never thought possible. The only thing that changed was her story.

So how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by identifying the negative stories you tell yourself. Write them down. Then, rewrite them in a positive light. Instead of "I’ll never be able to run a marathon," try "I’m training to run a marathon." The shift in language can begin to change how you think and act.

Here’s a relatable scenario: imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend. Your friend, let's call him Mark, is stuck in a rut. He keeps saying he’s never going to get out of his dead-end job. You tell him about this idea and suggest he starts telling himself a new story. Perhaps he says, "I’m learning new skills every day that will help me find a better job." Over time, Mark starts to feel more confident and applies for jobs he would’ve never considered before. Eventually, he lands a position that he’s passionate about.

Think about the stories you tell yourself. Are they lifting you up or dragging you down? Remember, the power to change your life starts with changing your narrative. So, what’s your story going to be?