How to Stop Holding Yourself Back | Simon Sinek 

This may have been some of the best advice in 2 minutes and 33 seconds Ive ever heard.

I've heard 'Stop getting distracted ' easily over 10,000 times in my life from at least 20 different people but never an 'I'll show you how to focus'. I had to watch RU-vid videos like this to learn that

To quote another great teacher on the same subject: "Your focus determines your reality."

"It's your choice how you choose to perceive your own career -- it's literally perspective."

He’s basically saying “What you focus on magnifies” focus on what could go wrong and the possibilities of it going wrong increase because that’s all you’re looking for, basically.

"Follow the path. Follow the path... Only follow the path... Focus on the path through the trees." Great lesson! 👍🏽

For a video like this, I wish RU-vid had an option for "I LOVE this."

This man is a frickin legend

That elephant example made me laugh but also gave me such a surprise. Our brain truly isn't capable of comprehending the negatives, it's our own narratives and choices that forces it to. 🤯

This very mentality is helping me cut back on alcohol. I don't think "don't think tonight" anymore, I think "how can I fill my evening? Which project do I work on? What fun game do I play?" I focus on what I want to do, instead of what I want to avoid

Many years ago a driving instructor, when teaching to drive in reverse through a narrow archway, told me - you go where you are looking. Much more concise.

One morning I found a drunk man lying across our yard gate. I told him several times "don't lie here" but he just remained there in his dazed state. Finally I pointed to another spot and told him "go lie there" and he instantly obeyed!

"The only thing you see is the path" perfect!!!!!!

In Only 2m , he had summed what people spend their life searching for in books and seminars.. the secret of success , what a legend🙏🔥

This applies in racing as well. Theres a saying "hands follow the eyes" which basically means you need to be focusing on where you want to go and your hands and body will generally know what to do and get you there. But if you focus on the cones or the other racers, you will inevitably hit them

when the cops go after the bad guy.. he shouted ' Freeze' instead of ' Don't run' .... this is what my English teacher taught me in the school...

This may have ended my self help binge for the day, putting this into action starting now

While studying for my exam I was telling myself "not to sleep while study" often...but did the same sh*t and became frustrated since I was unable to be consistent with myself..., but after hearing this advice I started to tell myself "be awake" and it's is truely effective. Thank you so much for your inspiration 🙏.

It's so true. Our mind can't distinguish between the positive and negative. What we focus on is ultimately what defines us. It's human nature to feel safe and avoid getting out of the comfort zone, but ultimately if we can get out of that mindset and perceive things with optimism, we can live a fulfilled life.

There is a common cause of motorcycle accident called 'Target Fixation' wherein a person literally does what Simon is espousing; the rider turns a corner and focuses on a tree/rock/pole on the side of the road, and they unconsciously steer into it. It's why riders are instructed to always turn their head toward the bend in the road, and their body naturally follows. Simon really has some neat insights.

I have learned more RU-vid more than what I ever learned from my family,school and my friends..

This showed up in my recommended just before a major interview.fingers crossed

Hi from 🇫🇷. That's remind me what my motorcycles'teacher teach me. When a rock is on the road you have to focus on something else to dodge the accident.

We should always follow our "affirmative" way of thinking. Negativity bears problems and obstacles while being affirmative bears solutions!!!

Simon Sinek is the most underrated person I have ever seen in my life, it really shocks me every single time. if I had to choose 1 person in this world to transform anyone for the better it would be him.

Two of my "favourites" I picked up: - "Feel free to..." rather than "Don't hesitate to... - "Please remember to..." rather than "Don't forget to..." I've found the first, when I started substituting it, encouraged people to reach out with less hesitation. It's an "arms open" approach. The second has been especially useful with my son especially since he struggles with self-esteem relating to trouble remembering... He knows what to remember and in saying it this way, it removes that anxiety and perceived threat of "I forget so easily, what will happen if I do?" That's some of my experience with your technique, it's very valuable in all settings. Outside of the inherent neurological side to it, it's also more affirming and soothing knowing what TO do rather than what not to do. In my experience on both sides of communication (delivering and receiving), this second approach leaves you with the open-endedness/trial and error of then trying to work out what someone actually wants. This can come with its own destructive outcomes for an individual (low self-worth, fear, anxiety etc being reinforced through perceived/actual "failure"). Slightly off topic given the video is about the brain's ability (or lack there of more to the point) to receive the negative. It seemed to flow on from that so I thought I'd share my experience/insight regardless 😊 and yes, this very much extends to self-talk, not just with others. God bless and thank you for your work. It's always a blessing and delivered with great clarity and simplicity. I'm always sitting here nodding along with you (and sometimes out loud! 😅) 🕊️🦋

“Follow the path/snow” really awesome, thank you!!!

*“Align yourself with who you are. Access it, embrace it and just go with it. Things just start working from there.”* Have an amazing day! ♥

Wow what an mind blowing,eyes opening video.... Instead of telling...how not to be get distracted...he tells how to concentrate Perspective creates personality.

I never thought i would have a poster in my bedroom of anyone, but i have one of this man right here. He doesn't know it, but he significantly helped me out of a bad place.

The power of mind is crazy. The perspective you have on things really carries a lot of strength to do and believe something.

Just another reason I love to hear wisdom from Simon!

I spend a lot of time thinking “I can’t do this”, “I won’t do it”, “this is far from possible right now”. It's not something I could change about myself easily, but I've learned to cope with my behavior and now I understand that while I mentally say “I can't do that”, it's inevitable that I start to imagine “How could I do that?”, “What would it be like if I could do it?", "Is there a simpler way?". Not everyone goes this path, I imagine, but for me it's routine. And doubting myself + not giving up has become my way of doing things that other people seem can not do. This may seem a little strange, but I think it could also be related to what this dude is saying about we not compreehend the negative. Maybe doubt yourself its not the end of the world. But the way you doubt yourself... Weel, thats important.

🙏 *5 Things to Never Do in Rush:* *1) Giving away your trust* *2) Making big desicions* *3) Judging someone's character* *4) Falling in love* *5) Eating your food*

The best advice is short and simple like this as it's memorable. Thank you this is gold 🥇

Love this talk. I’ve heard this before and needed this reminder. 😅😊😅

Wow. I'm reminded that this was true when I was learning how to surf in a crowded lineup. I had to train my eyes to look to where I wanted to go, because if I looked at someone in front of me who I wanted to avoid, I would actually gravitate towards them... So instead I had to focus and look to the opening (the path), and then my body would move in that direction! Great reminder that this is true of all life! 💙👀

The quality of wisdom in such short video is superb.

its totally true, ive spent most of my life focussing on the negatives and almost never the positives!!!

Deepest struggle of my life has been to end the negativity loop... Can't has been such a big word but slowly it is losing its power...

You are right. What one pays attention to is intensified as the target in one's mind. For many years I went through intense pressure from my superiors at work. On several occasions, they have walk up to me and said. The things we do against you are intentional, to hurt you, to break you, but you have chosen to ignore it all like nothing ever happened, you consciously stay happy, cheerful, and spreading smiles 😊. I always reply, a soldier undergoes tough experiences as training, should the enemy captures him as a hostage, he undergoes tough experiences too. It is up to him to psychologically view it as training or torture. If he considers it torture he will be broken. If he considers it as a training activity psychologically, he will remains firm even in the face of death.

Simon always had the right words!

I can't say you thank you enough to show me the direction but still accept my gratitude, Thank you Simon, it's a wise advise you gave me. Thank you Lord I didn't even search about this and it showed up in front of me, and this is exactly I wanted to know or get a reminder about. Thank you Universe, thank you to everyone.

Love the teachings of Simon. I actively try and use this type of mindset at work but am met with many people's reactions of, your ignoring the problem. Changing other people's perspectives is tough!

I don't think I have ever seen a better video with only 2,5 minutes. Funny, clever and to the point. I am amazed...

Thank you for this, literally grateful Simon, you are a precious gift for this planet Earth☺️

I simply love how what you say and how you say it make so much more sense Simon. You are absolutely right, what we focus on and feed our brain/subconscious constantly is what we manifest. I cannot say that I have mastered life or relationships but I can say that your content definitely helps to show perspective and keep me from drowing in my own thoughts. Thank you...💖

Simon, you truly are an amazing human being. Many times you show us how to look at things from a different perspective and it is really helpful for our lives because often we are stuck in a tunnel. So thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Thank you Simon for being there and giving us guidance 😊

Yes absolutely we as humans must learn to motivate in the positive. My brain needs this especially when handling kids. I must focus on the positive always. Thank you Mr Sinek 💘.

Love this! Love Simon’s wisdom.

I feel like an absolute moron for not piecing this together on my own. He really has a great skill of making advice easy to comprehend and very accessible.

Very powerful talk from Simon Sinek. Tell people what to do. Tell yourself the positive things you want to see.

this is one of the shortest video but yet so impactful

You lift up my heart Simon. Thank you for all your help. You've made such a difference for me.

One of the things I love about this video is how simple the set up is and how intimate the crowd is. Whether talking to thousands of people in an auditorium or 20 people in a small room, the message is the same 2yrs ago as it is today and is delivered with the same conviction. It’s not about the size of the group, it’s not about the venue, it’s not even about being in the role as a prominent speaker or building a “brand”. It’s about the people. Sure, build the brand to maximize impact through social media, books, talks, etc. but it all comes back to being about the people. That’s what I truly love and what I’m doing (learning to do) too. Inspiring those so that they can inspire others. Or in my case, to help others help others. While I want to learn how to maximize my own impact in this movement, I realize now that I’m not working towards “how do I be a part of this?” but that I am already a part of it. WE are all a part of it by virtue of watching and sharing just this video. It excites me to learn more on how I can be more effective at conveying/sharing the message. Also exciting to learn more skills to reach as many people as possible. Not for me but for THEM. Let’s build this movement together, all of us. Not for us but for THEM.

Your concepts are amazing! Sir

after watching many different motivation videos and ted talks, this is the best one i’ve seen yet, and has actually helped me in my life

It's like a spotlight, it let's you focus only on what you want to see, and how much you want to see.

Same applies to mountain biking. I’m a rookie but going around sharp turns and narrow paths is all about looking where you’re going and NOT looking at the sharp corner or down at what you don’t want to fall off to. Such a small easy thing that has helped me make sure I don’t fall or have to break around turns.

Human brain takes negative things first, so we kept on focusing on the outcome, what if it will happen. The fear of hitting the obstacles or leaving the bad habits or the negative outcomes of your one mistake fades your focus. FDR said that, only thing we have to fear is...fear itself nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. And Simon is right he is trying to say that just don't focus on the negative. It makes you focus on the fear. Just follow the path. Be focused on it...

That actually blew my mind, and now I'm sitting in the dark at 3:22am rethinking ✨everything✨

What you focus on expands.

Have heard this advice before but the skiing reference nailed it in my head. Only Simon can do this. Amazing.

This is literally what I came for and was looking for . Thank you 😊

Brilliant advice. It applies in so many ways and situations.

I literally love this man. I've learned more about being a positive person from him in 6 months of watching his content than I have in the other 51 and a half years I've been on this planet.

As someone who loves skiing.. I never thought about it but it's true. Not only when going through the trees, but all the time, all I do is make a path in my head where I wan't to go. It's a really vivid process in my mind, just remembering how skiing is... a bit baffling

This just opened a whole new world for me!! I am just in awe. This just explains a lot and most of my questions are answered lets goooo!

Thanks so much dear Coach. In my country (cameroon). Classrooms have rules and real enough, all rules go thus; Do not make noise in class Do not eat in class Do not this Do not that. As a teacher trainer back then our team realized this negative way of posing the rules didn't help... We tried convincing the teachers and only 2% will accept with us at first to second instance. I am so happy to hear the person I look up to say something. I know you believe in God. GOOD GOD BLESS YOU SIR AND ANYONE READING

I have thought about this and also discussed this with my friend how focusing on not doing anything make you do that thing ....you are awesome Simon

This advice literally changed my life I don’t know how to thank you🙏🏻🙏🏻💕

this man is so smart ... I noticed when you start a request with negative your chances of getting what you want is slim. Another legend is Jim Rohn

Awesome. Appreciate this video and you, Sir.

Simple yet so powerful, this guy is the real deal.

This was powerful, it’s all about perspective glad this came up in my recommended 🙏🏽

Perspective is everything

Your videos inspire me to be a better person. Thank you Simon sinek

Slow & Steady Wins The Race !! Thanks Simon for sharing all your thought processes.......appreciated

Exactly the same mountain biking. If you dont want to hit the rock, you better not look at it! Never occurred to me to apply that in a broader life sense, but you makes it so obvious. Thank you!

This is how I started my recovery from drugs. All the programs told me to put all my focus and energy into staying sober one day at a time. That led to relapse. Instead, I found something else to put my focus on; something that promoted sobriety without focusing on it. I’m 11 years sober as I write this.

So simple...So true... First, I was shocked...Now I''m laughing at myself for not having seen it earlier. 😅 Thanks for the illumination. Have a good day, everybody. I'm writing from a little island in the Mediterranean Sea...and the sun is shining.

Thank you SO MUCH for making your videos SHORT AND TO THE POINT !

This is a godlike video for two minutes. Wow.

I love these videos

Indeed in a 2:33 he delivered a whole session. Thank you sir ! Salute!

How simple it is!!!! Thank you Simon 💕🙏

I thank god everyday that i saw ur speeches one day and that u exist, thank u Mr Simon

He covered spirituality in 2 minutes.🙏🏽

Whoa. This is eye opening

His words are truly amazing ✨

Simon Sinek is at it again bringing some golden nuggets on the table.

Ok... Wow... You can literally mirror this on almost everything in you life. It's so easy. I am gonna try this with my kids. That was a very cool video.

This is true and believe it, only when it happens to you. My first day with my motorcycle everybody told me not to look at the curb. First thing i saw was the curb and i drop the bike :D

This is brilliant. “Follow the path through the trees”... the mind can’t do can’t 😲

You have changed my perspective literally in 2 mins man! Hats off to you ❤

Teacher: "don't think of an elephant!" Me: already thought of a cute baby elephant 🐘. 😄😄

🔥 *Life is either hard now, or hard later.* ✅ *But it's up to us which one we choose. If you saw this comment, I hope you have an amazing productive day and never ever give up.* 🙏

What amazing advice, definitely going to start focusing more on the path.

Another life changing and wake up call video. Thanks so much!