The Door Is Open—Why Do You Stay?
What if you could rewrite the narrative of your life starting today? Too often, people live as though trapped in an invisible cage, confined by the small, negative thoughts that dominate their inner dialogue. “I can’t learn a language,” “quitting smoking is too hard,” or “I deserve this” become mantras that hold them back. Yet, as the poet Rumi reminds us, the door to the cage is open, and we have wings. So why do so many of us remain perched, unwilling to fly? The truth is that most people are held back not by their abilities but by their beliefs.
The Cage of Negative Narratives
Negative inner narratives act as invisible bars, convincing people they’re incapable of change. These thoughts—often reinforced by years of habit—become so ingrained that they seem like facts. But they are not. For example, consider how often people resign themselves to mediocrity: “I’ll never be good with money,” or “I’ve always been a failure.” Such beliefs are the real cage, not external circumstances.
Like Rumi’s bird, we possess the power to soar but remain rooted by fear and doubt. To escape, we must first recognize these thoughts for what they are: untruths that hold us back. Only then can we begin to break free.
What We Can Learn From Olympic Athletes
Contrast this with the life of an Olympic athlete, whose every action is intentional. Their days are meticulously scheduled with training, studying competitors, benchmarking progress, and rest. This disciplined approach allows them to focus entirely on their goal.
But how does an athlete know they can achieve greatness? The answer lies in their ability to observe others. Like Rumi’s bird, they see others who have flown before them. By doing so, they give themselves permission to dream big and work toward those goals. For example, children of doctors, pilots, or entrepreneurs often follow in their parents’ footsteps. They grow up seeing these rare professions as accessible. They know their parents’ flaws well, yet those imperfections don’t seem like barriers to success. Instead, they see that high achievement is possible for anyone willing to try.
Steps to Take Flight
To break free from the cage, you must take deliberate action and find inspiration in others. Start by taking small, intentional steps. For instance, create a schedule that prioritizes your goals, no matter how modest. Additionally, seek out role models who make your ambitions feel attainable. Observe those who have achieved what you aspire to and study their paths.
Like an athlete, track your progress, make adjustments, and let your dedication carry you forward. Each deliberate action strengthens your metaphorical wings, lifting you closer to the open door and the freedom beyond.
The Choice Is Yours
Rumi’s bird faces a choice: stay in the cage or take flight. The same choice is yours. The cage, however real it feels, exists only in your mind. Your wings—your willpower, creativity, and capacity for growth—are already there. All that remains is to act. The door is open. What will you do?
