5 Hindrances To Self-Sufficiency

‘Self-reliance is the only road to true freedom, and being one’s own person is its ultimate reward.’ Patricia Sampson.

 

Nothing gives you more control over your own life than being independent. Being able to rely on yourself, without constantly seeking the opinion or approval of others, will get you very far. It helps you to be decisive and allows you to go after the things you desire. 

 

There are a lot of misconceptions around self-sufficiency, with some arguing that it breeds egotism and narcissism. Self-reliance eliminates the need to depend on others in a way that does not allow you to make up your mind without consulting them. It is about being able to carry your weight. People shun self-sufficiency because they think it means carrying all the burden of hardships on your own and not needing the company or support of other people.

 

Instead, self-sufficiency is rooted in the need to discover your strength and potential. It is about having the courage to step out and be who you want to be without being apologetic about it. It is about being confident enough to live on your terms without feeling the need to conform to the standards of other people. More than anything, it teaches you to trust yourself to make the right choices and navigate through life without being limited by what other people think of you. 

 

A self-sufficient person makes tough decisions and takes risks. They find the strength to author their own stories. They take responsibility for their life without leaning too much on other people. 

 

The benefits of self-dependence.

 

There is beauty to be found in being able to rely on your strength and abilities. To make it in today’s competitive world, you need to hold your own. Discovering your potential puts you on the path to success. 

 

You learn a lot about your strengths when you have to rely on yourself.

 

Being self-sufficient boosts your confidence. It feeds your self-worth. Independent people often have high self-esteem. They are always up for a challenge because they know their strength can carry them to great heights. Self-confidence allows you to be bold. It gives you the courage to do what no one else is willing to do, which is an ingredient for success.

 

Another benefit of being self-reliant is the ability to think independently. This gives you control over your life. You have the power to make decisions that are best for you when you are not too reliant on the thoughts and opinions of others. Many people miss life-changing opportunities because they care too much about what people say. Being an independent thinker allows you to silence skeptics. You can develop a positive outlook by being in control of your thoughts.

 

Barriers to self-sufficiency.

 

While being self-reliant is amazing and has many benefits, there are hindrances to it. If you are not wary of them, you will lose your ability to control your life, which can be frustrating.

 

There are five barriers that you need to watch out for to live an independent life.

 

Lack of confidence in yourself.

 

Low self-esteem will stop you from being self-sufficient. If you feel inadequate, you can never trust your abilities. You can never make your own decisions. Believe in yourself and what you have to live an independent life. Be sure where you want to go and what you want to achieve. The more you develop confidence in what you stand for, the more assertive you become. This will make room for you to succeed.

 

The need for validation.

 

We are all guilty of seeking approval. We care too much about what other people think of us. This leads us to do things, not because we want to, but because we believe it will get us to be accepted by society. Many people are miserable today because they live according to other people’s standards. They want to bend so much to what people say they ought to be. To live a fulfilling life, you need to know that the only approval you need is your own. You do not need other people’s permission to pursue your dreams. Rid yourself of the need to be validated.

 

Overdependence.

 

While no man is an island, there is a fine line between needing help and being over-dependent on others. If you base your happiness on another person’s actions, or fail to decide without consulting other people, then there is a problem. Being needy will not help your personal development. To grow, you need to take responsibility for your own life and make your own decisions. 

 

Clinging to your past. 

 

Everyone has a past. If you constantly look back to the failed relationships and missed opportunities, you will not make much progress in your life. You need to let go of the past to step into your future. Get over the mistakes you made when you were younger. They do not have to define who you are or dictate where you are going. To discover your potential, stop camping in the past.

 

Fear.

 

Many people live within the clutches of fear. They are afraid to take responsibility for their lives. They are afraid of making decisions and taking risks. The possibility of failure leads them to average lives where they do not go after what they want. Knowing that failure is a normal part of life allows you control over how you react to it. You should never allow your life to be limited or your potential to be thwarted by fear.

 

To become more self-sufficient, you must know the barriers that you can put up against your independence.

 

‘It is astonishing what man can do when he has no one to do it for him, but himself.’ Eric Paskel.