You know, the only real limits on what you can accomplish almost always start in your own head. It’s a powerful reminder that our biggest roadblock isn’t the market, the competition, or the economy—it’s the story we tell ourselves about what’s possible. Once you shift that internal narrative, everything else starts to change.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote means that your potential isn’t capped by external forces, but by your own self-imposed mental barriers. The ceiling you perceive is one you built.
Explanation
Let me break this down for you. I’ve seen this play out with dozens of clients and in my own career. We all have this inner critic, this voice that says “you can’t do that” or “that’s too risky.” That voice is the limit. It’s not a lack of skill or opportunity. It’s a failure of imagination. When you start to challenge that internal dialogue, when you literally change your thinking, you unlock a new level of performance. It’s like a software update for your ambition. The external world hasn’t changed, but your ability to navigate and conquer it has.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Personal Development (697) |
| Topics | belief (103), limitations (5), mindset (133) |
| Literary Style | concise (408), philosophical (434) |
| Emotion / Mood | inspiring (392), reflective (382) |
| Overall Quote Score | 83 (302) |
Origin & Factcheck
This one comes straight from Brian Tracy’s classic, “The Psychology of Selling.” The book was first published in the late 1980s in the United States. You’ll sometimes see this quote misattributed to other motivational figures like Tony Robbins or even Henry Ford, but its true home is in Tracy’s work on sales mindset.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brian Tracy (375) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Psychology of Selling (65) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Brian Tracy, a prolific author gained global reputation because of his best seller book list such as Eat That Frog!, Goals!, and The Psychology of Selling, and created influential audio programs like The Psychology of Achievement. He is sought after guru for personal development and business performance. Brian Tracy International, coaches millions of professionals and corporates on sales, goal setting, leadership, and productivity.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | The only real limits on what you can accomplish are the limits you place on your own thinking |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1988; ISBN: 978-0785288060; Last Edition: HarperCollins, Revised Edition 2006; Number of Pages: 240 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 10: Expanding Your Thinking, Page 151 / 240 |