One of the random I thoughts and doubts I had ahead of walking the length of New Zealand was…

I’m not Bear Grylls (that epic adventure man who drinks elephant dung).

So therefore, I concluded, I can’t walk 3,000km.

Have you seen what I did there?

First, I compared myself to someone who is uncomparable – we are different people on different journeys.

Second, I placed a made-up limit on myself (ie I’m not good enough) based on a comparison that shouldn’t have been a comparison (see point one above).

Third, I made a conclusion that was not grounded in fact but rather an (incorrect) assumption and I bought into a belief I was telling myself.

About 2,000 people walk the Te Araroa Trail every year – they are not all Bear Grylls.

In fact, the majority of the people I met were just run of the mill, ordinary people who had a dream or wanted to see what they were capable of.

Many even said to me if they can walk the trail, anyone can.

The point is, you don’t have to be some super star to go after what you want or dream.

All you have to do is start.

You have the capability and potential to achieve whatever you want to achieve or be whoever you want to be.

But you won’t get there if you believe you have to be an expert already or be perfect to start.

You won’t get there if you believe the limitations you place on yourself.

You won’t get there if your comparisonitis finds you lacking and holds you back.

But you will get there if you open your mind to curiosity and the possibility that the stories you tell yourself aren’t true.

You are more than all the self-limiting stories you tell yourself – so much more!

You’re more awesome than you realise.

#ownyourawesome