Limiting beliefs are constraints we’ve convinced ourselves exist – even when they don’t
Limiting beliefs are false beliefs that prevent us from pursuing our goals and desires. They can keep us from doing important things, like applying for the dream job or pursuing the relationship we want (or leaving the one we don’t want).
Limiting beliefs may include:
- I’m not ready
- I’m not good enough
- I’m too old
- I’m too young
- I don’t have the right experience
- I’m not a good writer
- I don’t have a following
- I’m not in shape
- I stutter
- I never know what to say
- I get anxiety
- Someone else can do it better / faster / cheaper
- It will cost too much
- I don’t live in the right place
- I don’t know the right people
- I don’t know where to start
- I don’t deserve it
- There is too much competition
Limiting beliefs are a false narrative that plays in our head to an audience on one. It speaks louder and with less truth than nearly anything else we hear or read.
Thankfully, because it is a lie, it can be overcome and silenced.
How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs are not usually based on fact. They are based on the story we tell ourselves. Accepting this gives us the tools to overcome them.
- Label It
The first step to overcoming nearly any adversity, is to admit and identify your limiting belief. If you struggle with public speaking, call it out. Name it. If it stays nebulous, it will grow and expand into an unmanageable monster. Label it. - It Affects Everyone
Realize everyone – everyone – is battling their own insecurity or limiting belief. They may differ from yours, but they exist. - Failure Isn’t Guaranteed
The root of our insecurity often stems from the belief that we will fail if we try it. We overthink the embarrassment, awkwardness, silliness, or discomfort that comes from being exposed. We can take measures to mediate this: if you think your dream will cost too much, start small. If there is too much competition, find a niche of 10 or 100 people who can benefit from what you’re offering. Reducing your exposure builds confidence through small wins. - Accept Personal Responsibility
Life is filled with events outside of our control. While we cannot control what happens, we can control our reactions to those events. Most of us don’t achieve our goals because we are busy blaming life’s circumstances. The idea that “things just happen to me” is, in itself, a limiting belief. Focus on what you can control and accept what you cannot.
You can do it. You have a message to share, one that is too important to be held back by falsehood.
All the best,
-Shaun
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