"The only limits we have are the limits we believe." - Wayne Dyer
Pregame Prep (today's overview)
Self-limiting beliefs are a common obstacle that holds us back from reaching our full potential. These beliefs manifest in various forms, and are powerful barriers to our dreams and goals. Many of us have the same self-limiting beliefs in the following areas: fear of failure, self-doubt, or negative self-talk. The good news is everyone can overcome these self-limiting beliefs with the right mindset and a couple of strategies, Today I'll discuss my experience with self-limiting beliefs and offensive and defensive steps you can take to identify and disprove these beliefs.
Film Review (my experience)
I was at a summit learning about shifting to an abundance mindset when I first learned about self-limiting beliefs. It was eye opening to hear the speaker discuss limiting beliefs, how common they are and the power they hold over us. I have to admit I thought I was a unique snowflake and other people didn't have the same thoughts or beliefs that I did.
As part of an exercise we were asked to write down every self-limiting belief we had. You probably know the ones, like: I'm not smart enough, I'm not good enough, I don't know how… Next, we were asked to stand up and read our list out loud with the group of successful strangers! I was terrified! I thought, "What if they laugh at me? What if they think I'm not cut out for this?" But, as I listened to the very first person I suddenly understood what was happening. The next person got up and started reading the pretty much the same beliefs! I realized that we were all in the same boat. We were struggling with similar thoughts and fears, and I also realized that these people's fears weren't even accurate accounts of them. This is also when I learned about the power of inner dialog. If you tell yourself something long enough you will believe it and you live it. Thoughts become reality.
Initially sharing my self-limiting beliefs was a humbling experience, but the process also gave me a sense of relief. I wasn't alone in my struggles. And more importantly, I realized that these self-limiting beliefs were not the truth. They were just thoughts that I had given power to. In fact many of the beliefs I held weren't even true! It was then that I decided to let go of these thoughts and start following my heart.
This was the beginning of letting go of the story I was telling myself and started to let go of the things that were holding me back. I let go of the fear of failure, the fear of rejection, and the fear of not being good enough. And you know what happened? My life changed for the better. I found freedom and abundance. It didn't happen over night, and it isn't always fun and easy, but the more you work on yourself the quicker you can bounce back!
Now, every time I think back to that summit, I can't help but chuckle. I remember thinking, "What if they laugh at me?" But instead, they helped me to laugh at my own self-limiting beliefs. And that's the moral of the story, don't take yourself too seriously, and don't be afraid to share your self-limiting beliefs with others because you never know who you might inspire and the friends you will make!
Offensive Game Plan (actions to obtain freedom)
Identify your self-limiting beliefs: The first step in overcoming self-limiting beliefs is to become aware of what they are. Pay attention to your thoughts and notice any patterns of negative self-talk. Write them down and try to understand where they come from.
Challenge your beliefs: Once you've identified your self-limiting beliefs, it's important to question them. Are they really true? Is there any evidence to support them? Are there any examples of people who have achieved success despite similar beliefs? If you can't get past a belief that is holding you back ask a close friend for their perspective. Sometimes we are too close to the situation, and we have believed something so long we need help to break free.
Replace negative beliefs with positive ones: Once you've challenged your self-limiting beliefs, replace them with positive empowering thoughts. If you don't have daily affirmations you need them! For example, instead of saying "I'm not good enough," try saying "I am capable and worthy of success." I can't stress this enough "I am" statements will change your life!
Defensive Game Plan (actions to defend your freedom)
Surround yourself with positive influences: The people you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your beliefs and mindset. Seek out role models and mentors who inspire and support you. Remember your net worth is your network! If you find supportive people, self limiting beliefs start to disappear super quick.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, which can make it easier to identify and challenge self-limiting beliefs. A daily routine should include time for daily reflection. The more time you take care of yourself the stronger your mind becomes. As you reflect on your beliefs objectively you get better perspectives.
Take action: Taking action towards your goals can help you build confidence and overcome self-doubt. Start small and build up to bigger goals. Consistency is key, and one of the biggest things you need to watch out for is analysis paralysis. You will never feel 100% ready. When you take action towards you goals and against self-limiting beliefs you will CRUSH them!
Penalty Flag: (do not break these rules)
Don't fall back into the trap of believing your self-limiting beliefs when your internal dialogue tries to replay a self-limiting belief. Be vigilant and actively overcome each time your mind tries to hold you back. You throw the penalty flag on yourself and remember this self-limiting belief is false!
Post-Game Review (key takeaway)
It's important to remember that self-limiting beliefs are common and not set in stone. As you disprove one belief you might find another belief that will try to hold you back. This is a continuous process, but once you realize what self-limiting beliefs are, and how they aren't even true, getting past them is possible! You can challenge and change these false beliefs with the right mindset and strategies.
Self-limiting beliefs are a major roadblock for most people, but as we discussed it's important to take offensive and defensive steps to identify and let go of them. These steps include: identifying your self-limiting beliefs, challenging them, replacing them with positive thoughts, surrounding yourself with positive influences, practicing mindfulness, and taking action towards your goals. Remember that self-limiting beliefs are not set in stone and can be changed with the right mindset and strategies. So, embrace this playbook and start breaking free from your self-limiting beliefs today!
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