Hello, my friend, and welcome to another episode of The Better Life Better Business Podcast. I’m so glad you’re here.
Today, I want to share something with you that has the power to transform every aspect of your life. Whether it’s your career, business, relationships, or health, this simple yet incredibly powerful concept can set you free.
It all starts with understanding the monkey trap.
The Monkey Trap: A Lesson in Letting Go
Have you ever heard of the monkey trap? It’s an age-old lesson that ties into our own lives, keeping us trapped in our beliefs, fears, and desires. Imagine a hunter hollowing out a coconut, cutting a hole in it, and placing a tempting bait inside, like a banana. When a monkey reaches into the coconut to grab the treasure, its closed fist becomes stuck in the hole. The monkey refuses to let go, and that refusal is what keeps it trapped.
We Are Only Bound by Our Refusal to Let Go
This lesson holds a mirror up to our own lives. How often do we hold onto beliefs, fears, or desires that imprison us? Whether it’s fear of failure, procrastination, limiting beliefs, or even lies we tell ourselves, these barriers keep us from moving forward and reaching our true potential.
Letting Go of Limiting Stories
I had heard about this “monkey trap lesson” long ago, but it was during a recent conversation with my girlfriend’s son that it came back to my mind. Caleb shared a story about putting his hand through a chain link fence at a baseball game, reaching out for his little sister. He experienced a moment of panic, unsure if he would be able to get his hand back out. Of course, he did get his hand out… but the same can’t be said for a monkey caught in the coconut. Reflecting on this made me realize how often we hold on to stories that restrict our growth and freedom.
For instance, my own son, Brody, once got caught in a similar “trap.” He initially told me that he sat on the bench during his PE class, but later talked about practicing shooting free throws. The two stories didn’t add up. Holding onto the initial lie only made the situation more tense, whereas letting go would have paved the way for resolution and growth.
Reflection and Breakthrough
In the process of writing my book, Mastering the Moments, I’ve been going through 15 to 20 years’ worth of moments and stories from my own journals. One recurring story I found was my belief that I lacked the capabilities and skills to lead a business. Holding onto this limiting story trapped me in a cycle of stagnation. It was only when I had the courage to let go of that belief and open myself up to learning and seeking guidance that I was able to move forward.
The Power of Letting Go
Our greatest barriers are often those we place on ourselves. The good news is that just as we have the power to grab hold of something, we also have the power to let it go. By releasing the beliefs, fears, and lies that hold us back, we can overcome these barriers, adapt, thrive, and step into the limitless potential of our lives.
Final Notes
Today, I invite you to reflect on your own life and identify the beliefs or fears that are keeping you trapped. Awareness is the first step towards freedom, and our next step is having the courage to let go. Imagine the freedom and possibilities that come with open hands and a willingness to release what no longer serves us.
Thank you for joining me today. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to share it with someone who could benefit from this story. Leave a comment and let me know what jumped out at you.
Together, we can learn, grow, live better lives, and build better businesses.
I hope to see you again soon!
