Introduction
Every new year celebration we claim what we will do and achieve in the upcoming year, we decide to lose weight, to start a new business, to start writing a book, start going to the gym and so many other new year’s resolutions that this post could only cover that specific topic. So what happens with all those goals we have and are so encouraged to achieve at the very beginning of every new year ? Usually, they become part of the list for the next new year.
Have you ever wondered why that is? Why do we start the year so pumped and motivated to achieve something that by the end of the second or third month of the year is starting to feel so distant that we decide to push it another twelve months? The answer to this question is this simple: Limiting beliefs and the excuses you continue telling yourself on how and why you’re NOT going to achieve your goals.
In this post we are going to understand what are limiting beliefs, why they exist and how to delete and change them with new and empowering beliefs.
What are Limiting Beliefs ?
Let’s split the term. Limiting: Setting or serving as a limit for something. Beliefs: An acceptance that something exists or is true. So we mix those words and we have the most effective formula for not letting our dreams come to existence and become a reality. Limiting beliefs are thoughts, opinions that one believes to be the absolute truth. In many cases, limiting beliefs are unconscious thoughts that act as a defense mechanism to avoid possible negative emotions like frustration, anxiety, anger or sadness.
So… Are limiting beliefs a defense mechanism ? Yes they are. Are they useful to our life ? No they’re not, they never are.
There are moments in life when something happens. We make up a story about the why and the what. We start to live as if our story were true. Because we believe they’re keeping us safe, these beliefs are often triggered according to specific episodes that may have made you suffer in the past. So your subconscious tries to block it by altering your behavior which can result in negative outcomes like procrastination, conformism, overthinking, anxiety, impostor syndrome, and other reactions.
Why is Understanding Limiting Beliefs Important?
We all want something better for our lives, it is what helps us get out of bed every morning. In order to get the best out of life we definitely need to strive, we need to be resilient and we need to put in the work needed to do so, to achieve. Limiting beliefs are the excuses you keep telling yourself why you won’t, shouldn’t, can’t or won’t achieve your dreams or goals. So understanding and listening to your beliefs will let you see what is it you need to change in order to achieve.
limiting beliefs can inhibit our growth. Instead of seeing a fork in the road, a limiting belief may force us down only one path, which may or may not be the right one. In order to expand our paths and broaden our opportunities for growth and change, we need to recognize our limiting beliefs and work to shift our mindset.
How to identify your limiting beliefs:
Now you know what are limiting beliefs, you now know how they are constraining your life and now you know why it is important to identify your own. Here are some ideas that will allow you to see deeper and understand your internal dialogue, your beliefs and actually set you to change them and be better.
The way you speak says a lot about your beliefs. Pay close attention to what you say and the meaning behind the words you use (Why are you saying what you are saying ?)
As you go through the words you use you will start seeing patterns. Ask yourself, is this pattern real? Is this actually real or is it just a lie I’m telling myself to stop believing in my goals ?
Are there any facts that support your beliefs? This question will take us to a very important reality bump. As I said, limiting beliefs are comfortable lies we tell ourselves, so are yours founded on facts and objective reality ?
Finally check this. Is that belief empowering you and driving you forward or is it holding you back ?
I would like you now to answer these questions as well: what are you afraid of? Are your own beliefs keeping you small?
You may be able to recognize the limitations you place on yourself are unfounded or lack evidence, and you may find a new, positive momentum toward achieving the outcome you desire.
Closing
The world is as limited as we want it to be. Living is difficult, it has challenges, it might, sometimes, be overwhelming, I agree. But in the end the way we experience it comes down to how we want to see things. Making the right shifts in our thinking can take us from our comfort zone to our desired state of life.
Ultimately, we want to get in the practice of recognizing a limiting belief and reframing it to help us take a step forward.
Let us not forget that the main reason why limiting beliefs exist is to make us feel safe, but that safety can also be limiting our best version from coming out of its shell.
What are your personal limiting beliefs ? Have you identified them ? Let me know in the comments how you think your life would be different if you didn’t believe in your limiting beliefs
Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
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