”We don’t grow when things are easy. We grow when we face challenges.”

Limiting beliefs can be very sneaky, and so powerful that no matter how hard we try to control our thoughts and emotions they keep preventing us from attracting what we want in life. But what are the most common limiting beliefs stopping us from reaching our fullest potential? And what can we do in order to change and replace them for good? 

A limiting belief is a belief that stops us from doing something or changing; almost like an invisible barrier that prevents us from what we truly want. It’s something that we say to ourselves and that blocks us from moving forward or achieving our goals. The nasty voice in your head that says; I can’t do it.

Limiting beliefs are generally based on past experiences, our childhood, the way we were raised, our culture etcetera. They are deeply rooted within us, usually on a subconscious level, and therefore, we might not be fully aware of what they are, and the negative effect they have on us. Limiting beliefs are strongly connected to fear; fear of not being enough, fear of failure, fear of rejection.

Below you’ll find some of the most common limiting beliefs, and some strategies for combating them.

”I’m not good enough.”

This one is closely related to comparison. We easily compare ourselves to other people, and their beautiful instafriendly and successful lives. Or then we think that we’re not capable of achieving our goals, or even worthy of success, money, abundance or love. If you notice that your thoughts go in this direction then your job is to gradually start changing your thought patterns.

Before all else, know that you’re worthy of all the love, joy, peace, success and happiness that you’re longing for. Maybe you’ve been so used to put other people’s needs above your own that you simply forgot about yourself along the way.

Secondly, work on respecting yourself. And learn to respect others for their hard work as well. Be genuinely happy for other people and their success. If other people can succeed it means you can too. You just have to believe that you’re good enough, and that you’re capable of attaining your dreams.

You’re good enough. You’re you, and that’s your superpower.

One important aspect though; if you notice that you compare yourself to others all the time then the first step for you is to re-direct focus towards yourself. Of course you can use others as a source of inspiration, however, your main focus should be on your unique abilities and expertise. How can you best serve and help others with your talents?

”I can’t do it.”

What you think you become. So if you think you can’t do it, then of course you can’t do it. When you change your thinking it will change your life.

Start telling yourself ”I can do it”. You can become successful at almost anything if you dedicate yourself to it. Your only limit is you. Of course you have to be both strategic and self-aware; you need to know what your strengths and weaknesses are.

Stay optimistic, yet realistic; there’s a fine balance between living above the clouds and staying grounded on earth. Both is needed –  of course you can tell yourself I’m a limitless human being, but let’s face it, you’ll have to become conscious of what is possible for you. Self-awareness is everything – learn about yourself; what are your specific talents, and go from there. Be passionate about evolving, and about constantly learning about all things new. Those that are curious, as well as adaptable to change, usually seem to flow through life with a little more effortless ease.

Last but not least, you need to take action. Nothing good will come out of it if you lay on the coach all day, every day. You need to start putting yourself out there. You need to just go for it. You need to take action.

”I will be rejected.”

We’ve all been rejected at some point in our lives; at work, in school, in a relationship or for something that we’ve created. Rejection is part of the human experience. And while it can hurt your pride immensely, start to look at it as a learning experience instead. Sometimes it’s good to not take oneself too seriously, it’s not the end of the word if you get rejected. Maybe it’s the perfect time for reflection and changing things up.

Do not fear rejection. You can’t please everyone, however, always please yourself. Strive to do your best, no matter what. If you’re content and pleased with what you’re doing then rejection won’t feel as bad. At least you know that you did your best at the time being. I’m well aware that this is easier said than done, cause our egos get oh so very upset by rejection. You need to be patient with yourself. Put that ego of yours aside, and let your inner voice (that deep inner knowing) guide you instead.

”People will judge me.”

Let’s face it; people will always judge. People love to gossip, and there will always be people who will judge you and your life. Maybe people should be more concerned with their own lives instead of focusing on what other people are up to. And maybe you should ask yourself; ”Am I judging other people?” Cause if you’re judging others, it’s easier for other people to judge you too.

Most importantly, you can’t control what other people are doing. Let others be whoever they wish to be. Be you and do what you love to do, without the fear of being judged. We should strive to be less judgemental, to others as well as to ourselves. Encouragement – that’s what we need more of.

”It’s too late.”

It’s never too late, darling friend. ”But I’m too old to find another job”, you might say. ”I’s too late, I’m already too overweight.” ”I’m too old to start a company.” ”Too old to start studying.” 

Whatever you might feel that you’re too old for, you’re not. No matter your age or circumstances it’s never too late for anything. It’s better to have tried and failed, to not have tried at all. Life is too short for sitting around wondering what would have happened. Do it!

Strategies in a nutshell

1. Awareness

The first crucial step is to become aware of our limiting beliefs, cause then, and only then, we have the power to move past them.

Start to journal; write down your thoughts, feelings in order to become aware of what’s stopping you from moving forward. Without awareness, you can’t really proceed. Take the time to get real about what’s holding you back. When you’ve figured this one out, then you’re ready to move forward, ready to take action.

⇓

2. Change your words

Focus on positive, yet realistic, thinking. Focus on the things you have, the things you’re grateful for, rather than lack. Change the way you speak about yourself, the way you speak about others. Give yourself the love and respect you deserve. Be impeccable with your words. 

”I attract love, joy, abundance and success.”

”I’m worthy.”

”I’m strong, confident, happy and alive.”

”My life is filled with blessings, love and kindness.”

”Money flows effortlessly and easily to me.”

Words are powerful, therefore, choose them wisely. And yes there will be days when it will feel difficult and challenging. Days when nothing seem to go as planned. Don’t panic. Pause and breathe. Speak with love, integrity, passion and joy. Don’t feed your mind bullshit. Be kind to your mind.

Start listening to the voice within. What does it tell you? Would you speak to your best friend the way you speak to yourself? If you don’t like the way you talk to yourself – then change it. You have the power.

⇓

3. Take action – change your limiting beliefs to more empowering beliefs.

Set an intention every morning; ”Today will be a great day”. ”Today I’ll be successful in everything I do. ”Today I’ll do my best.”

As soon as you notice the negative voice telling you that ”I can’t do it”, change it to a more empowering sentence; ”I can do it”, ”I’m confident”.

Focus on the things that you’re good at, your strengths, and make them even better.

This is, however, a learning process. It’s about changing old habits, since, as I mentioned above limiting beliefs are usually deeply rooted within, generally based on past experiences, our childhood and the way we were raised. Changing these limiting beliefs won’t happen over night. Be patient with yourself, and above all trust that you’re able to fight them.

For a more in-depth strategy on how to release limiting beliefs for good I would highly recommend you to read the article ”Trapped by your Mind? Learn This Five Step Process for Releasing Limiting Beliefs”. It’s written by Mike Bundrant the co-founder at iNLP Center and the author of Your Achilles Eel: Discover and Overcome the Hidden Cause of Negative Emotions, Bad Decisions and Self Sabotage.

With this being said, I hope you feel motivated and ready to crush your limiting beliefs once and for all.

❤