Self-limiting Beliefs Are The Prison Bars Of The Mind
Wanting to break free? This article provides five practical tips, along with an additional bonus tip, to help you break free from the constraints and embrace your true self.
So, picture this: You’re all set to take on the world. You’ve got your metaphorical cape on, ready to fly. But then, out of nowhere, that pesky little voice in your head attempts to thwart your plans. You know the one. It’s that voice that says, “Who do you think you are?” or “You’re not qualified enough for this.” Sound familiar?
Similar to that one friend who is gifted to bring you down, these self-limiting beliefs have a knack for spoiling your joyous moments. They show up uninvited, overstay their welcome, and leave you feeling like you’ve just watched a marathon of depressing documentaries. Not cool, brain. Not cool at all.
But here’s the kicker– you don’t have to put up with this nonsense. Your brain might be a Debbie Downer sometimes, but you have the power to counter that false self-limiting belief with truth statements. Truth can crush that voice. So, let’s discuss how to get that voice to zip it.
#1 Spot The Self-Limiting Belief Saboteur
It’s impossible to repair something that you’re not aware is damaged, isn’t it? It’s like looking for your keys when you had no idea they were lost. So, our first mission is to play detective and track down these sneaky thought patterns that keep our minds in a cage.
Make sure you have something to write on, like a notebook, phone, or even a napkin, if nothing else is available. Whatever works. Just write down those negative thoughts as you recognize them over the next week. It’s those self-limiting beliefs that fill your mind with self-doubt- thoughts like “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never be as good as them.”
Just for now, let these thoughts float freely, without judgment or analysis. Picture yourself as your favorite superhero documenting the behavior of the saboteur. Simply take note of what you observe.
This exercise can be a real eye-opener. You might be surprised at how often these thoughts creep in, or what triggers them. Maybe it’s when you’re about to try something new, or when you’re comparing yourself to others on social media (pro tip: that’s a rabbit hole you don’t want to go down too often).
Getting these thoughts out of your head and onto paper (or screen) is like turning on the lights in a dark room. Suddenly, you can see what you’re dealing with. Seeing these thoughts on paper can make you realize how silly they truly are. “I’m not smart enough to learn this new skill”? Please. You learned how to use TikTok, didn’t you? You’ve got this.
#2 Use Strengths
Here is another tip. Instead of obsessing over what you’re not good at, how about we shine a spotlight on your amazing qualities? Yeah, that’s right – we’re going on a strength-finding mission!
Think of it like this: if you were a superhero (and hey, who says you’re not?), you wouldn’t waste time trying to be good at everything. Spider-Man doesn’t beat himself up because he can’t fly like Superman, right? Nope, he’s too busy swinging from buildings and doing whatever a spider can.
So, let’s figure out your superpowers. Grab that notebook again (or your phone, or that napkin – we’re not picky here) and jot down things you’re naturally good at. Maybe you’re the go-to person for solving puzzles, or you can calm down a stressed-out friend like a pro. Perhaps you’ve got a knack for explaining complicated stuff in simple terms, or you can whip up a gourmet meal from random fridge leftovers.
Don’t be modest here. If you’re struggling, think about compliments you’ve received or times when tasks seemed effortless for you but challenging for others. Still stuck? Ask your friends or family what they think your strengths are. Sometimes others can see our superpowers more clearly than we can.
Once you’ve got your list, it’s time to flex those muscles. Look for ways to use your strengths more in your daily life. Are you great at organizing? Volunteer to plan the next family gathering. Got a talent for writing? Start that blog you’ve been daydreaming about.
What’s interesting is that with each use of your strengths, they become even more powerful. It’s like going to the gym, but for your natural talents. And here’s the best part: when you’re using your strengths, you’re more likely to enter a state of flow – when you are fully focused, completely absorbed in the activity, where time flies and you feel unstoppable.
But wait, there’s more! (Sorry, couldn’t resist the infomercial vibe there.) Concentrating on your strengths doesn’t just improve your performance, but also serves as a powerful confidence enhancer. It’s hard to feel down on yourself when you’re regularly reminded of how capable you are.
And here’s a little secret: those strengths of yours? They’re your secret weapons against those pesky self-limiting beliefs. When that inner voice tries to make you doubt yourself, remember you’ve got an entire arsenal of evidence to prove it wrong.
#3 Baby Steps
Remember when you were a kid and tying your shoes seemed about as achievable as climbing Mount Everest? But you kept at it, and now you’re a shoe-tying pro. (Unless you’re rocking Velcro. No judgment here.)
Big goals can seem overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps can make all the difference.
Set some small, doable goals. Maybe it’s reading for 10 minutes a day or finally organizing that junk drawer that’s been haunting your dreams.
Achieving those small victories boosts your confidence instantly. With each piece of undeniable evidence of your competence, the self-limiting beliefs of your inner critic lose their power. It’s hard to argue with results, even for that pessimistic voice in your head.
As you achieve these small goals, gradually increase the challenge. It’s like leveling up in a video game. Before you know it, you’ll be tackling things you never thought possible. And the best part? You’ll have the track record to prove to yourself that you’re capable of awesome things.
#4 Team Support
You know how they say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with? Well, there’s some truth to that. If you’re constantly hanging out with Debbie Downers and Negative Neds, their attitude is going to rub off on you faster than you can say “why bother?”
So, it’s time to assess the overall energy of your social circle. Fill your circle with individuals who empower and motivate you, instead of draining your energy. You want friends who are more “You can do it!” and less “Why even try?”
This doesn’t mean you need to ditch all your pals and join a commune of perpetually perky people. (Although if that’s your jam, go for it!) The key is to find a balance and identify the relationships that support your personal growth while being aware of the ones that might be holding you back.
If you find yourself in need of extra support, consider talking to a life coach. You can contact us here. Sometimes an outside perspective is just what you need to see things clearly. It’s like having a personal trainer for your mind. Life coaches can spot the mental equivalent of your bad squat form and help you correct it.
#5 Fail Forward
Here’s a secret that’s not really a secret: everyone fails. Like, literally everyone. That influencer with the perfectly curated Instagram feed that looks like a work of art? They’ve had many embarrassing fails they would rather keep to themselves. That CEO giving the inspirational speech? They’ve had many unsuccessful endeavors.
Here’s the fascinating aspect – each failure is actually a disguised lesson. Instead of getting a grade for your effort, you get wisdom. (Okay, sometimes you also get bruised egos, but let’s focus on the positive here.)
So next time something doesn’t go as planned, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, be mindful of your inner curious teacher and ask, “What can I learn from this?” It’s all about reframing those experiences.
Did your soufflé fall flatter than a pancake? Congrats! You just learned what not to do next time. Did your presentation at work go off the rails? Outstanding! Now you know how to prepare better for the next one.
Wrap Up
Look, changing the way you think about yourself isn’t always easy. But here’s the thing– you’re worth it. Those limiting beliefs? They’re just stories you’ve been telling yourself. Old reruns playing on loop in your brain. It’s time to change the channel and write a new story – one where you’re the confident, capable hero you were always meant to be.
Bonus Tip: Call In The Pros
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed with self-limiting beliefs, it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s more than okay– it’s smart. That’s where Dawn of Changes comes in. We can help you find freedom in areas you feel caged.
Remember, seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that you’re serious about making changes and living your best life. It’s like hiring a personal trainer for your heart, mind, and soul.
Our coaching can support you in achieving inner peace and embracing life’s inevitable changes with positivity and strength. Don’t let your old beliefs hold you back.