A limiting belief is like throwing a lob pass for your worst fears to slam dunk on you. You set it up perfectly—handing negativity the ball, aiming it just right—and then watch it score against you. Why would you do that to yourself?

When you say things like, “This is going to be so hard,” or “I know I’m going to mess this up,” you’re giving negativity the assist. It’s like saying, “Here’s the ball—go ahead and dunk on me.” You’re forecasting failure before the game even starts. And while you might think you’re just being realistic, what you’re really doing is stacking extra odds against yourself. Why do that? Right now, the future is wide open—it’s all in your imagination. So why not imagine something better? Why not say, “This is going to be easy,” or, “I’ve got this—no problem.” Sure, it might feel like a stretch at first, but wouldn’t you rather set up a lob for your blessings to score instead?

When you forecast negativity, you’re not just anticipating it—you’re preparing for it. You’re already thinking about it, rehearsing it, and making room for it in your mind. But here’s the thing: if you can anticipate the worst, you can just as easily anticipate the best. Even if it’s hard to believe at first, just steer your thoughts a little more toward the optimistic side. Think of it this way: even with all their tools and tech, the weatherman gets it wrong sometimes. The wind can shift, the rain can clear, and the sun can shine when you least expect it. The same can happen for you.

So if you’re going to throw a lob, make it an alley-oop for something good. Imagine great things coming your way and start feeling thankful for them in advance. Get happy about them now. Try it a few times and see what happens. Think back—haven’t bad things often happened just the way you thought they would? That same power works in reverse. Good things can happen just the way you imagine, and when they do, it’s an amazing feeling.

I know my friends sometimes get annoyed with me when I say, “Don’t say that!” or, “Don’t talk like that!” But I’m serious. It’s not just about being positive for the sake of it—it’s about giving yourself a chance. Sure, hearing me say it might get old, but doesn’t getting dunked on by negativity get old, too? Why not imagine something good for yourself? Set up an alley-oop for your own success, toss the ball high, and dunk something great into your life.

If positivity feels like a big leap, start small. Take baby steps. Even the tiniest step toward optimism is still a step forward. Plant the seeds, water them, and trust them to grow. But if you plant those seeds while doubting they’ll sprout, you’ve already sabotaged your harvest. Give it a chance. Show up with a little faith and see what happens.

Stop setting yourself up for failure. The challenges of life will throw enough obstacles your way—you don’t need to throw them at yourself. Instead, throw a lob for something good. Imagine it, anticipate it, and prepare for it. You might just be surprised how often it works.

Thank you 🙏🏾