Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs
Volume 23, Chapter III, Number 014
Hello!
This Week’s One Great Thing: Overcoming Our Self-Limiting Beliefs
Have you ever felt like you were holding yourself back from achieving your goals? Maybe you've doubted your abilities, feared failure, or held onto negative beliefs about yourself. These are all examples of self-limiting beliefs, and they can prevent us from reaching our full potential. Today, I’d like to discuss what self-limiting beliefs are, why we have them, and give 5 suggestions on how to overcome them.
But first, a personal story. Some months back, my daughter Aria joined a ballet recital. From the audience I could see that she was very nervous - her hands were shaking as she was about to dance and she looked very serious and uptight. It was only when she saw us in the audience that she smiled.
Afterwards, I asked her how she felt. She told me something quite profound: “I was afraid. And then I started dancing. And I was not afraid anymore.”
Aria's experience is a powerful example of how our mindset can change once we start taking action.
What are Self-Limiting Beliefs?
Self-limiting beliefs are thoughts or beliefs that hold us back from reaching our full potential. These beliefs are often rooted in fear, self-doubt, and past experiences. They can be conscious or unconscious, and they can affect every area of our lives - from our relationships to our careers.
Why do we have self-limiting beliefs? There are a few common reasons:
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Past experiences - Sometimes, we hold onto beliefs that were formed based on past experiences. For example, if you failed at something in the past, you may believe that you're not capable of succeeding in that area where you failed. It then stops you from ever trying again.
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Fear - Fear is a powerful emotion that can lead us to believe that we're not capable or not worthy. We may fear failure, rejection, or criticism.
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Negative self-talk - The way we talk to ourselves can have a big impact on our beliefs. If we constantly criticise ourselves or focus on our weaknesses, we're more likely to develop self-limiting beliefs.
Examples of Self-Limiting Beliefs:
Here are some common examples of self-limiting beliefs. As you read these, you might want to reflect on your own self-limiting beliefs:
- Fear of failure - This belief can hold us back from taking risks or trying new things because we're afraid of failing.
- Perfectionism - The belief that we need to be perfect before we can even act can lead to procrastination or avoidance of tasks.
- Fixed mindset - The belief that our abilities are fixed and can't be improved can prevent us from trying new things or taking on challenges.
Self-limiting beliefs sound like these:
- “I’m not smart enough to succeed in that field."
- "I'll never be able to lose weight and get in shape."
- "I'm too old to start something new."
- "I can't speak in public because I'm too shy."
- "I don't have enough experience to apply for that job."
5 Ways to Overcome Self-Limiting Beliefs:
Here are five suggestions in overcoming self-limiting beliefs:
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Challenge your beliefs - Take a close look at your beliefs and ask yourself if they're based on fact or fear. Ask yourself, "Is this belief serving me?" If not, challenge it and replace it with a more empowering belief.
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Reframe negative thoughts - Instead of focusing on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths. When you have a negative thought, reframe it in a more positive way. For example, from a bigger practice called Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) we know that we can change our life, by changing the words that we use. So instead of "I'll never be able to do this," try "I may struggle at first, but with practice, I can improve."
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Practice self-compassion - Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend. When you make a mistake, don't beat yourself up. Instead, be gentle and supportive.
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Embrace a growth mindset - Believe that your abilities can be improved with effort and practice. Instead of fearing failure, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
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Take action - The best way to overcome self-limiting beliefs is to take action. Start small and build momentum. Focus on progress, not perfection. Each small step you take will build your confidence and help you overcome your self-limiting beliefs.
And remember that overcoming self-limiting beliefs is a process. It takes time, patience, and practice. But with these five strategies, you can start to shift your mindset and make progress.
Conclusion:
Self-limiting beliefs can hold us back from achieving our full potential. They are often rooted in fear, past experiences, and negative self-talk. However, by challenging our beliefs, reframing negative thoughts, practicing self-compassion, embracing a growth mindset, and taking action, we can overcome these limiting beliefs and reach our goals.
Aria's experience with ballet is a powerful reminder that our mindset can change once we start taking action. So, the next time you find yourself doubting your abilities or holding onto a negative belief, remember that you have the power to overcome it. Take a small step forward and watch your mindset shift.
In the words of author Marianne Williamson, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us." Don't let self-limiting beliefs hold you back from shining your light. You are capable of great things - believe in yourself and take action towards your dreams.
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Ok! Now pause, get yourself to a window, look up to the sky, smile, and have a great day! Look forward to send you another letter next week!
☕ eric santillan