This May Work for other People, but I’m Different

The “I’m different” Samskar is a mental pattern where individuals believe that certain solutions or strategies won’t work for them due to their unique circumstances. This mindset can manifest as thoughts like “This won’t work for me” or “I’m different from others, so this solution doesn’t apply to me.”

Key points:

• This mental pattern often appears when trying new things or making life changes
• It can serve as a protective mechanism, shielding individuals from taking responsibility
• The Samskar can be paralyzing, preventing personal growth and action

“Sometimes when we try to do something our mind kind of throws up roadblocks that look like thoughts such as this won’t work for you, or I’m different. This may other people may be able to do that, but there’s no way that I could do it.”

Reflective questions:

• In what areas of your life do you find yourself thinking “This won’t work for me”?
• How has this mindset potentially held you back from trying new things?
• Can you identify any unique characteristics about yourself that you’ve used as excuses?

Samskar, Mental roadblocks, Self-limiting beliefs

Our unique characteristics and circumstances can be viewed either as obstacles or opportunities for growth and success. The key lies in how we respond to our individuality.

Key points:

• Every person is unique, with their own set of advantages and disadvantages
• Individuality can be used as a roadblock (excuse) or a roadmap (plan for success)
• Focus on aspects you can control and improve, rather than fixating on unchangeable factors

Example:
A client who was 5’4” and struggled with dating due to his height. Instead of fixating on this unchangeable factor, he focused on improving other aspects of his life such as communication skills, physical fitness, and career success.

“And what we sort of discovered by working with this person, is that Sure, so you may be shorter than the average person, but there are still a lot of different things that you can do.”

Reflective questions:

• What unique characteristics do you possess that you’ve viewed as limitations?
• How could you reframe these characteristics as strengths or opportunities?
• What aspects of your life are within your control that you could improve?

Personal growth, Reframing limitations, Self-improvement

The “I’m different” Samskar often serves as a protective mechanism, shielding individuals from taking responsibility for their situations or actions.

Key points:

• This mindset can provide excuses for various aspects of life
• It allows individuals to avoid responsibility and blame external factors
• Understanding the protective nature of this Samskar is crucial for overcoming it

“Understanding that Samskar and getting to the root of it is a little bit tricky, because oftentimes what this Samskar actually does is protect us and that may sound kind of weird because you may say to yourself, well, because I’m different, this stuff isn’t going to work for me, so I might as well not bother. How is that protecting you?”

Reflective questions:

• What responsibilities or actions have you avoided due to believing you’re “different”?
• How has this protective mechanism potentially limited your growth?
• Can you identify areas where taking more responsibility could lead to positive changes?

Self-protection mechanisms, Avoiding responsibility, Personal accountability

To overcome this mental pattern, it’s essential to understand what the Samskar is protecting you from and take steps to address those underlying issues.

Key steps to overcome the Samskar:

1. Identify what the Samskar is protecting you from (e.g., fear of failure, responsibility)
2. Recognize the excuses it allows you to make
3. Gradually take responsibility for aspects within your control
4. Focus on personal growth and improvement in various areas of life

“If you really want to overcome this Samskar instead of trying to attack it and trying to convince yourself oh no, I can still find love if I’m short. What you really need to do is try to figure out what is this Samskar actually protecting me from what is the Samskar allow me to excuse about myself.”

Reflective questions:

• What fears or insecurities might your “I’m different” mindset be protecting you from?
• How can you start taking small steps towards responsibility in areas you’ve previously avoided?
• What personal growth opportunities have you overlooked due to this Samskar?

Overcoming mental barriers, Taking responsibility, Personal Development