Limiting beliefs
“We believe what we want to believe, and once we believe something it becomes a self-fulfilling truth.” - Seth Godin
limiting beliefs
What is holding you back?
What internal or external beliefs are keeping you stuck?
What kind of things do you say to yourself?
Take a moment to ask yourself the following questions; what do you believe about yourself? (e.g. “I’ll always be fat!”) What do you believe about your life? (e.g. “I’ll never be rich”) Do you know for a fact that those beliefs are true? The truth is you cannot possibly know that they are true, I am assuming you do not have a fully functioning crystal ball, as you cannot see into the future. What I know to be true, is that if you live your life by your self-limiting beliefs they will show up for you. Where do you think the adage “careful what you wish for” comes from. By thinking these limiting beliefs you are literally wishing for them. The Universe is a good listener, but it can not determine that you ‘wishing’ to be fat means you actually want to lose a few pounds.
Step 1
Work out which of your beliefs are stopping you from reaching your full potential. Most of us make decisions based on a limiting belief without even realising it. Think back to a time(s) where you have done or not done something that seemed to limit you in some way, then keep digging / asking what belief led me to that decision, is there another belief under that belief? Keep digging until you feel you have found all of the aspects.
Step 2
Remember when you first formed that believe. What made that one stick? Did somebody you look(ed) up to say it to you (e.g. a parent, teacher or peer). Was it based on an event, experience or past failure?
Step 3
Recognise the beliefs you have discovered as just that, beliefs not truths. At some stage they may have served you, but if they are limiting your growth it is time to let them go. Take some time now to realise how false the(se) beliefs are, and to the extent they have held you back, get angry if you need to, at the belief, the person(s) who put it there, yourself for believing it for so long. It’s a process of self discovery, a time of learning and change, just be open to it.
Step 4
Replace that old belief with a new resourceful believe that will serve you now. When we remove anything, it is always best to replace it something that will empower us and help us feel good. Affirmations are a great way to do this, choose an affirmation that is the opposite to limiting belief you have carried for so long. For example if you have been telling yourself that you cannot stand up and make a public speech, replace with “I AM a confident public speaker.”. I CAN is another powerful phrase to use. Our mind does not know the difference between reality and vivid imaginings, feed your mind positive beliefs, imagine doing the things you want to do and how great you will feel after. Imagine being what you want to be and how fantastic reaching that goal will be. Write your affirmation down at least 10 times a day and enjoy envisioning the life you want.
If you are really stuck it helps to work with a qualified practitioner.