Often, it is our limiting beliefs in ourselves that make us feel small or not good enough. These beliefs tend to hold us back from achieving our goals and reaching our highest potential. If you would like to uncover and conquer your limiting beliefs continue reading below.
“The only thing limiting you is yourself.” ― Ken Poirot
Uncover & Conquer Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs are those ideas in our mind that bring us to the belief that we "can't" do something or that certain things and goals in life are not achievable. These are some of the major setbacks in our growth and can interfere with every single aspect of ourselves and our lives. They also impact our choices and behaviors. Here's a few ways that you can uncover and conquer those limiting beliefs on your own. For this exercise, you can download and print this worksheet:
Part I: Uncovering Hidden Limiting Beliefs
This part will help you uncover any hidden, limiting beliefs you may have.
Think of a recent situation that caused an unexpected outburst of anger, or left you feeling
defeated, disrespected, depressed. Describe it in as much detail as possible. (use another sheet of paper if needed)
What was the circumstance?
What outcome were you expecting?
How were you feeling before the event? During? After?
Describe what happened
Who else was there?
What did they say?
How did you respond or react to the situation?
Extended Thoughts:
What did you believe that event meant to your life? Did you feel you were being disrespected? Did you feel like your life is over, ruined? Did it happen because “I deserved it” or “bad things always happen to me” or something else? In your own words complete this sentence – “That event turned out the way it did because I ______________________________________________"
*Your answer is one of your limiting beliefs. Whether or not it’s the one you believe is important to work on right now is up to you. You can either write that belief at the top of part II or go through the exercise again with a different situation and see if you find a different limiting belief.*
Part II: Conquer Limiting Beliefs
Once you identify a limiting belief you want to change, answer these questions:
What is the limiting belief you want to work on?
Think back as far as you can to remember when you first felt that limiting belief.
What was the situation?
Who was there? What did they say?
What was that person’s mood, life circumstances or challenges at that moment?
What part of what was said in that moment really wasn’t a true assessment of you and
was more of a reflection of the other person’s personal struggles at the time?
As a grown, logical adult looking back at the situation, what was really true about your
younger self in that moment?
What would be a new belief that is closer to the actual truth about your younger self
Can you think of an example when you proved that you are no longer that child?
In what ways is that old limiting beliefs holding you back?
How would your life be different if you didn’t hold on to that belief?
Knowing what is true about the child-you, and true about the successes you have
experienced, what is a more empowering belief?
What emotions trigger the old belief?
When those emotions are triggered, what steps can you take today to challenge the
belief driving those emotions and build a new truth, based on your successes?
Final Thoughts
Often, we don't realize our limiting beliefs and how they impact us on a daily basis. This is a simple, effective place to start in your journey to shifting your mindset. Remember, change takes time. Be gentle with yourself, but don't stop going. Practice make perfect!
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