Why Do We Limit Our Options?
HR PEOPLE + STRATEGY

Why do we entertain so few options when confronted with a challenge? Why do we self-impose and accept limits? Limits constrain who we are and what we can achieve, while options unleash creativity and allow us to move beyond arbitrary boundaries so we can make thoughtful choices. My role as a coach is to help leaders expand their capacity to identify and evaluate options for a wide range of business, interpersonal, and personal situations. By seeing situations as limitless we can find new ways to persevere and flourish.
So, why do we set limits for ourselves and others? There are three possible explanations:
- The limits are “imposed” on us.
- It’s expedient to limit options.
- It feels safe to work within limits.
Let’s take a closer look at these three explanations and ways you can address them.