Why do people place limits on thier own potential?

Conditioning. We are all the result of a variety of conditioning's -some limiting, some not. It is also the result of apathy - most humans prefer to cultivate and will fight like demons to maintain the idea that "what is", is out of their hands. Those who do go past their limits seem to me to be those who are able and willing to replace their own limited mindsets with more expanded versions, and then even more so....

To be self-responsible is hard, and requires an uncomfortable amount of self reflection, honesty, and hard work. You also have to give up blame.

I agree, people can definitely change. I have witnessed some of the most amazing transformations, happily some in myself. Think of athletes, who keep pushing the limits of the body...it's all perception, willingness to imagine, to strive for more past what we think we know or "Are". Great question.

your child is fortunate indeed, to have such an open minded Dad

Interesting question. I can imagine some change can be seen as a rebelion against the divine plan, since you try to become the deciding factor yourself. Lack of humility can be a tough one to crack and therefore better avoided, but victim mentality, depression and external attribution are definately blockages we should try to do without.

For me personally I dislike power and abilities, since it brings with it the burden of possible corruption by it and the need to use it when appropriate. Things are a lot simpler when you are a one trick pony. I believe it is not only that power corrupts, but rather that it attracts the already corrupted. Also our limitations force us to confront situations which we would otherwise avoid, which I think is a good (albeit not easy) thing.

Therefore I believe one should not have more power/abilities than one has self-development and wisdom.

Another rule I live by personally is that I never seek out power or abilities for their own sake nor to feed my ego/self image. I only seek such power or abilities if I can find no other way to help my brothers and sisters. This way when I gain something I can immediately give it a space in my world and do not associate it with myself. It becomes a step on the path of dharma (which I see as serving a higher purpose not of yourself). Walking the path of dharma does bring with it power and abilities, but they are never the goal. The power and abilities are granted to offer different experiences and perspectives and to make you a more powerful tool.

Funny, I turned away from Christianity once I realized my own potential. But yes, people use this excuse a lot to avoid conflict, thought, self-reflection, etc. It's pathetic. On the other hand, you must also consider that the people who point out their issues are equally capable of this, have flaws, deny problems, etc.

I was brought up around some extraordinary people so I guess extraordinary things were expected of us. I don't believe extraordinary people have any special gifts just perhaps a willingness to apply them more than others. So I agree with you. Perhaps if they are more willing to apply themselves they are more understanding if they fail. So I would have to conclude that the fear of failure is probably what underlies some peoples inability to change.

This is so true. And I have no idea, I know alot of people who are mean and nasty, and just say "that's just the way I am" not knowing how much more fufilled they would be if they only tried to be better people.