When you consider limiting beliefs, the first thing that comes to mind is the negative “I can’t do that” kind of thinking. These kinds of thoughts keep us from doing things that we want to do. And the good thing is that it’s not all our fault.
What causes self-limiting beliefs? Self limiting beliefs usually come about from a lack of confidence. A belief in your ability to be doing everything the way you are told to do it, even when you know you just aren’t good enough at it. Or a belief that some things just can’t be done at all.
How do you know if you are limiting yourself or if you have a self-limiting belief? The first step is to find out what it is that you believe and where it is that it is coming from. Here are some self-limiting beliefs that you may find yourself holding: I can’t do that. You can’t do that. This new belief keeps you from trying something new.
Other common limiting beliefs include: I’m too old or dumb. I’m not pretty or thin enough or even smart enough to do it. I’m too young or pretty to do it. I’m not good enough… these are just a few examples.
If you are working on changing your self-limiting beliefs, take a look at the list of things that they say you can’t do. Maybe there is something in one or more of them that you can change. When you notice that a belief is holding you back, write it down on a piece of paper. Then review it for 10 minutes and use that time to challenge that particular belief by asking yourself if you really believe it.
If you don’t believe it, then get rid of it. Once you have identified your self-limiting beliefs you have taken a giant step toward unleashing your potential. Self limiting beliefs can hold you back from getting what you want out of life. Challenge those beliefs as you seek new opportunities.
For example, if you think you aren’t pretty enough, ask yourself if that belief is true or if you are being dishonest. If you are being dishonest, then change that belief to “I’m pretty enough.” You can also challenge your self-limiting beliefs by saying: If I was attractive enough, would I have a whole bunch of friends? Or: If only I was smart enough to be successful! Make that belief a part of your daily mantra and you’ll soon realize that you are moving closer to achieving your goals.
It’s not easy to remove self-limiting beliefs and it’s a constant battle to keep those feelings from controlling your life. However, if you can make a conscious decision to change those beliefs to something more positive, you will be much happier and your quality of life will improve. Self empowering mantras work because they support your growth and show you different ways to look at things. With practice, you’ll eventually find a new belief that supports all the other positive ones you have.