How To Overcome Limiting Beliefs

Even though limiting beliefs can be difficult to pinpoint because they are so ingrained in our mindsets, as well as how we approach our daily lives, the good news here is that it is possible to overcome them. But, this process does take time, so make sure to trust the process and be patient. This is not something that just happens overnight, and that’s okay!

One of the keys to overcoming limiting beliefs is to reflect on what they are. Not only do you need to identify what your limiting beliefs are, as well as take responsibility for them, you also need to let them go and reframe them in order to move forward.

Here is a step-by-step process on how we can do this:

• First we need to choose a topic that we want to address.

There are so many different topics when it comes to limiting beliefs, so for this exercise all you need to do is choose one that you want to address. (Examples of this could be your career and ideas you hold that very simply may be holding you back from accomplishing your goals. It could also be topics like family, friends, or even finances)

• Next you want to write down your limiting beliefs about the topic that you chose.

Write down any relevant limiting belief that falls under your topic of choice that you either feel strongly about, or that affects your day to day.

• Then, consider how your limiting beliefs have protected you

Here, make sure to ask yourself how your limiting beliefs have protected or served you up to this point in your life. Mark Manson, author of “The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck,” explains it well here: “We like to imagine ourselves to be the victims of our own limiting beliefs, but the truth is that we adopt these beliefs because they serve us in some way… Generally, we hold onto limiting beliefs for the same reasons—to protect ourselves from struggle and failure. Also, we often hold onto limiting beliefs because they make us feel special, self-righteous or that we deserve special attention… Beliefs only stick if they serve us in some way, figure out how your belief is serving you and ask yourself if it’s really worth it or not.”

• Lastly, reject your limiting beliefs, reframe them, and test out the alternatives

Once you have reflected on the meaning and the reasoning behind the limiting belief ask yourself, “What if I am wrong? What if this isn’t true?” And then remember, limiting beliefs at their very core are simply thoughts or stories that we have told ourselves over time, but that does not necessarily make them truths.

Then, start to think about how you can flip the script on these limiting beliefs. So, instead of thinking, “I could never do that, I am not good enough.” Start to say, “I have everything I need to accomplish this, and I can do this!”