Are Your Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back?

What exactly are limiting beliefs? They are unconscious thoughts, bubbling beneath the surface, that often come from our past experiences: personal beliefs, beliefs we have from our family of origin, fear, social pressure, society, or religion, for example. They’re an internal talk track that may sound familiar: “This always happens to me.” “I’ll never be able to get that promotion.” These beliefs may have arisen in the past to keep us safe, and can now show up as defense mechanisms to avoid anticipated frustrations, failure, or disappointment.   

At one point, we learned these worked for us. And at some point now, we realize they don’t, or they’re hampering our success. They hold us back from greater growth, from living into our potential, or from building better relationships.  

So how do you manage these - especially if they are unconscious?! First, work with a coach or someone you trust. Identify a goal you are working on that may be feeling like you’re getting stuck. (You can do this on your own as well - but sometimes we have blind spots, especially if it’s an ingrained belief). Here’s a hint: Limiting beliefs can often have absolute language tied to them, such as “never” or “always”.  

Second, recognize it’s just a belief. Then, challenge that belief.  Get curious and identify the possible negative consequences of holding onto this. Fourth: Try on new beliefs! Be a scientist - try out new behaviors with a new hypothesis, and see what the results are. Review these results - what worked? What did you learn? What would you do differently next time? What’s now possible?

Beliefs are just that - sometimes rooted in facts, though sometimes those facts have expired and are no longer valid. Honor them, recognize them, and decide if you need to keep these beliefs with you, negotiate with them, or remove them.