Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have more confidence, success, and happiness than others? Why do some people struggle with self-doubt, fear, and insecurity, while others embrace challenges, opportunities, and growth? The answer may lie in their beliefs.
Beliefs are the assumptions or convictions that we hold about ourselves, others, or the world that shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. They can be positive or negative, empowering or limiting. Positive beliefs help us achieve our goals and live our full potential, while negative beliefs hold us back and prevent us from reaching our dreams.
But where do these beliefs come from? How do they form and influence us? The truth is, most of our beliefs are largely developed during early childhood. The author of the bestselling book The Biology of Belief, Dr. Bruce Lipton, talks about how from birth to around age seven, we operate primarily in brain wavelengths that are very close to a hypnotic state. This means that we are highly impressionable and absorb everything that we see, hear, and experience without any filter or critical thinking. We learn from our parents, teachers, peers, and society what is true, possible, and acceptable for us. We internalize their words, behaviors, and expectations as our own.
Unfortunately, not all of these messages are positive or supportive. Sometimes, we encounter criticism, rejection, abuse, or trauma that damage our self-esteem and self-worth. Sometimes, we witness or experience failures, setbacks, or hardships that make us doubt our abilities and potential. Sometimes, we are exposed to stereotypes, norms, or biases that limit our choices and opportunities. These negative experiences can create limiting beliefs, such as:
I am not good enough
I am not smart enough
I am not worthy of love
I am not capable of success
I am not safe or secure
I am not in control of my life
These limiting beliefs then become the lens through which we view ourselves and the world. They affect our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and create a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, if we believe that we are not smart enough, we may avoid learning new things, give up easily, or perform poorly in school or work. This then reinforces our belief that we are not smart enough, and the cycle continues.
The good news is that limiting beliefs can be changed. They are not facts, but opinions that we have adopted from others or ourselves. They are not permanent, but flexible and adaptable. They are not who we are, but what we think. By becoming aware of our limiting beliefs, challenging their validity, and replacing them with more positive and empowering beliefs, we can transform our mindset and our life. Here are some steps to do that:
Identify your limiting beliefs. Ask yourself: What are the results that I want in my life, but I don’t have? What are the reasons or excuses that I tell myself for not having them? What are the negative thoughts or feelings that I have about myself, others, or the world? Write them down and be honest with yourself.
Question your limiting beliefs. Ask yourself: Are these beliefs true? Are they helpful? Are they kind? Where did they come from? Who or what influenced them? How do they affect my life? How would my life be different without them? Look for evidence that contradicts or challenges your limiting beliefs, and be open to alternative perspectives or possibilities.
Replace your limiting beliefs with positive beliefs. Ask yourself: What are the opposite or alternative beliefs that I want to have? What are the beliefs that support my goals and dreams? What are the beliefs that make me feel good and confident? Write them down and make them specific, realistic, and positive. For example, instead of “I am not smart enough”, you can say “I am always learning and improving”.
Repeat your positive beliefs. To change your limiting beliefs, you need to reprogram your subconscious mind with new and empowering beliefs. One way to do that is to repeat your positive beliefs daily, preferably in the morning and at night, when your brain is more receptive. You can also use affirmations, visualizations, or meditations to reinforce your positive beliefs. The more you repeat them, the more you believe them, and the more you act on them.
Limiting beliefs are the JUST stories that we tell ourselves that hold us back from living our full potential. They often originate from our early childhood experiences, when we are most vulnerable and impressionable. By identifying, questioning, and replacing our limiting beliefs with positive beliefs, we can change our mindset and our life. Remember, you are not your beliefs, you are the creator of your beliefs. And you can create any belief that you want.
Want to bust your Limiting Beliefs and rewrite your story? Contact us for your free Life Potential Scorecard and coaching session today.
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