What kind of excuses do you often give yourself that’s limiting you in being or where you wish to be? Often, limiting beliefs, though sometimes conscious, are subconsciously just as real as the beliefs you are trying so desperately to keep under control. Many times, limiting beliefs are just unconscious thoughts which are an extension of what you are trying so hard to avoid. In many instances, limiting beliefs may be, sometimes, even unconscious. If you think you have an issue with being too sensitive, there may be an issue with your focusing on the wrong aspects of what’s going on in your life.
A great example of a limiting belief is, “I don’t like new people.” A person with this belief says to themselves, if they are not liked by new people, then they will never be liked by anyone. But if a new person comes into their life, they start to feel uncomfortable or repulsed because of their limiting beliefs.
You can help yourself from becoming highly reactive by learning to recognize your own self-limiting beliefs. It is very easy for a person with a self-limiting belief, to act as if those fears were real, when really they are just feelings. When you learn to identify your limiting beliefs, then you can work on changing those beliefs through conscious and unconscious actions. Here are some simple exercises to get you started:
o Take a look at how often you tell yourself you don’t like or don’t believe this. Then, list all the times you say this to yourself, mentally replacing these words with words like “doesn’t like me” or “I don’t believe this.” Over time, you may find that limiting beliefs aren’t as frequent as you used to tell them to be. If so, then you have identified your self-limiting beliefs and you can begin work on changing them.
o Look at the things you do in your life that contradicts your limiting beliefs. Often times we believe what we are told is true, even though the evidence is contradictory. For example: “I don’t like taking risks,” “It’s not fun to fail,” or “I’m not good enough to start my own business.” Once you start focusing on these things as sources of your self-doubt, you will see how much your subconscious mind is driven to believe these statements. Your self-awareness will allow you to identify these self-defeating beliefs and work to change them. Eventually you will eliminate them completely.
o Ask yourself, “What is it that I am doing that is contradicting my goal? Is this something I know will help me achieve my goals? If so, what can I do to change my behavior to support this new belief? Or, is this just a habit that I need to break?” Once you have identified your common limiting beliefs, and you have made a plan to change them, then you will be well on your way to achieving your goals.
o Most people think it is a mistake to make changes to our behaviors, habits, or beliefs in order to move forward with their lives. What people often don’t realize is that making small positive changes throughout the day is much more sustainable than making drastic changes overnight. When we change careers, lose weight, quit smoking, or decide to go back to school, it is usually just a temporary measure. People who make permanent changes, however, are those who have gone through the process and achieved their goals. By making small changes, over time, these people come to see that making these changes actually enhances their lives and helps them get what they want out of life.
Many times, we find ourselves saying, “I can’t do this. This belief isn’t believable. This belief is too mainstream. This belief only leads to trouble.” Rather than struggling and suffering in silence, it is far better to find a creative way to support your own new ideas and to overcome your limiting beliefs and eventually achieve your goals.