Last updated on January 22nd, 2024 at 01:46 pm
Many self-limiting beliefs have held you back or hindered your progress that you must rethink to have a progressive life. Let’s examine some of them.
At a point in your life, you should revisit your principles and see if they are still as sacrosanct as they were.
Beliefs are the character creators that we have no power over when we are born and would go ahead and build our young life around them until we think otherwise when we can reason for ourselves.
As you grow older and become mature, there are things you don’t want to accept about yourself.
You want to be the best, you can’t see yourself not being man enough or not excelling at your vocation. But these things require effort and focus.
Table of Contents
- You can question everything
- Watch this Video on How to Change your Limiting Beliefs
- Your success depends on your actions and inactions
- Self-limiting beliefs you have to let go of
- Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
You can question everything
A human can question everything when he is of age and deserves answers as this shapes his life and realigns his mind and how he sees the world.
When answers are hard to come by, he might fill up the vacuum with assumptions that might make or mar him going forward.
You have a mental picture of what you want to be, how you want to be seen, and the achievements you want before you die. All these play inside your head day in and day out.
These mental pictures are honed by certain beliefs that religion, culture, society, and other factors foisted on you and have remained until you are awake enough to question them.
Out of experience and painstaking research, I have put together these beliefs that you could consider letting go of as they either have outlived their purposes or have been doing you more harm than good, keeping you in a rut that has denied you a lot of beautiful realities in this beautiful world.
Related: 6 Steps to Get Results with Powerful Affirmations
Watch this Video on How to Change your Limiting Beliefs
Your success depends on your actions and inactions
Your progress and fulfillment in life depend on how your daily actions or inactions impact your daily life to give you happiness and satisfaction, pulling you away from depression and all the inadequacies that come with failure in these turbulent times.
It doesn’t matter if you are 20, 30, 40, or above, you can find purpose and satisfaction whenever you discover the truth and apply it.
The discovery alone is a source of lightheartedness and fulfillment.
At some point in your life, you find a harsh reality that takes only a curious mind to discern. You discover a lot of things you were told do not make sense anymore or have become redundant.
New realities of life have a way of rendering some beliefs dead and setting the curiosity clock on hyper-alert.
You are awakened. It’s a beautiful beginning of a new foundation for your journey. Your story will be rewritten with convincing powerful truths.
Related: Demystifying Self Mastery
Self-limiting beliefs you have to let go of
1. Tomorrow will be better
You are not in this world to live forever. Sometimes people are not aware of how long they have spent here until their body starts to fail them, and then their life’s timeline begins to play before them.
They see they don’t know what they have gained or lost.
That’s when they understand how wrong they have been living in the illusion of a better tomorrow.
Tomorrow may be there, but it is not guaranteed that it will bring good tidings.
It would bring only electric bills, water bills, rent and every other service which life depends on.
The only way to service your life and those of others around you is to put away procrastination get your hands dirty right now and put them to work.
This is the only way to have a double chance of being doubly lucky.
Also Read: Challenges Of The Multitasking Mind
It is easier to pass the bulk to tomorrow because you are too lazy to be curious and ask questions or you have given up on life and take life as it comes.
But you forget that someday, there won’t be a tomorrow to look forward to.
No wonder most aged people who achieved nothing speak in regret because they were misled by a lot of beliefs that made them live the beautiful parts of their lives in blindness and would have achieved more if they had found the truth earlier.
Do not put away what you would do today till tomorrow because tomorrow never comes.
ALSO READ: How To Sharpen Your Intuition
2. The belief that you can’t be confident enough to be yourself
This belief is coming from a place of inadequacy or lack of confidence.
It could be a result of a lack of love during the early years of development and has spilled over to adulthood and going beyond.
Trying to satisfy the whims of friends or people around you who may not even place any value on you is excessive in bad taste.
Too many people live fake lives and would rather live other people’s lives than be themselves.
They feel inadequate when with peers and are driven by peer pressure to join the bandwagon.
Related: The Basics of Life Mastery
The bandwagon could take him further away from himself and he could be lost forever picking up characters that are not in line with his personality, either to please people or to feel among.
This belief will make you lack the self-will to be who you are because you are not confident enough to not disguise yourself.
As damaging as it is, you will never be able to stretch yourself to successful limits with this belief as people would see beyond the cloak and see through your façade.
It is always better to be genuine and let people see your real self so you attract the right people.
Related: Potent Affirmations for Manifestation
3. The belief that you would not receive when you ask
“If you never try, you will never know.”
The belief that nobody cares about you that no one is ready to give you support in any way or just simply being shy could be costing you a lot. It’s understandable not to bug people for support or help, but that could be the only lifeline you could have.
Whether it’s asking someone out or asking a friend for financial support, it’s always better to make a move than sit back and fantasize.
The worst that would happen is rejection which you should also be prepared for. A confident person fears no rejection.
Related: Individual Power: How To Unleash Your Inner Strength
4. The belief that you can’t do it
You shouldn’t be afraid to explore challenges to stretch yourself to the limits. Humans are capable of what they fear. The more you try new challenges and fail, the more confident and daring you become.
Fear of trying new things has kept a lot of people in a deep rut. If only they know the feats they are capable of achieving.
No experience or trial is useless because you will be better at the next trial.
Every successful person today has tried and failed severally before getting it right. You must have to believe in yourself
5. The belief that nobody should be trusted
In recent times, dubious and shady people seem to be on the rise.
This has made a lot of people including you and me to be cautious of how we deal with people, especially strangers.
Some go further to see people who still trust others as foolish. Since it is risky somehow to trust people, it is also beneficial to put faith in others.
Being a little bit vulnerable is a sign you are human, giving people the benefit of the doubt.
Locking up your trust is tantamount to locking yourself out of the human fellowship of networking which a part of your success is dependent on.
People are the reason why we are prompted to shrink into our shells most time, and people are also the reason we want to go all out and socialize, do business, and have relationships.
Suggested: Getting Rid of Negative Self-talk in Your Life
6. The belief that starting over is a waste of time
Starting over after you discover you are on the wrong track is the best thing that can happen to you.
No matter how far you have gone on a wrong path, you will always be wrong if you continue.
Beginning afresh on the right path promises a level of fulfillment it doesn’t matter if how far you are toward your goal.
Sometimes, you have to lurch backward to gather momentum for a resounding success.
Forward always does not mean success and this is why we have to pause sometimes, review our goals and plans, and see if we are still in the right direction.
Life teaches us that U-turns are allowed so you must turn around if you have to, to achieve your goals and live a happy life.
ALSO READ: Effects Of Impatience And Irritability And How To Curb It
7. The belief that being busy guarantees success
There is a saying that says ‘busy doing nothing’. It is used to describe someone is seems occupied but with no productive output.
Yes! It’s okay to have a job and immerse yourself in it.
But if that job is not adding value, instead it drains you and keeps you at a spot or pulls you back, then it’s time to rethink the job.
That you are busy does not mean you are on the right path. Sometimes unprogressive tasks that are inconsequential to the bigger dream could unconsciously keep you locked out of your track.
Related: Positive Self-Image: The Key To Self-Discovery And Growth
You could be busy working for other people and lose track of your life and live your life for others.
It is always good to have the internal clock up and active at all times. Know when to move forward, when to quit, and recognize the universal signs that say “Hey, it’s time to move”.
You can be busy doing nothing. This means that what is keeping you busy is not adding value and will only be clogged in your wheel of success.
Leave space for family, vacation, and leisure to balance out life.
Related: Proofs that Positive Affirmations are Potent
8. The belief that doing the same thing for a long time guarantees success
You cannot because there is no job anywhere you slave away. You never can tell, there could be a better opportunity out there. It’s always good to explore, chances are you might see something better.
It’s also true that doing a particular thing consistently enough would lead to success.
This is true when you have a clear goal and whatever it is you are doing is viable, not when it is not scalable or futuristic.
You cannot be doing something that does not yield results and also does not have a place in the future and expect success.
There is employment you would have and it is better you get a skill and be self-employed either because of the pay or because of the toxicity of the environment. The key is to know when to move.
This has a lot to do with self-worth and mind management.
Some people are tied to a place because of fear of the unknown and lack of self-will to move away from the present spot.
People who never try new things seldom become great people.
Also Read: How To Become A Smart Person Everyday
9. The belief that love only ends in a broken heart
This is not true and should be discarded by anyone who wants to move forward in matters of the heart.
Though it’s not a must that one should seek love, it is essential to make humans complete. You cannot because there is risk and decides not to seek what would guarantee you a beautiful experience.
One cannot because he or she had a bad experience in a previous relationship he/she decides to lock him/herself out of the love life. The key thing is to be careful and identify the red flags before committing fully.
Love is a beautiful thing and it has a beautiful effect on the lives of those who participate in it. Love makes one glow, purifies the heart, and renders the effects of worry and stress inactive. Seeking love is not a bad venture
10. The self-limiting belief that you can please everybody
As you grow older, you will discover you can’t please everyone. It is good to want to be in the good book of everyone around you – the family, workplace, your peers. When everyone revers and places some value on you, the feeling is enviable and makes you relevant.
But it is a hard task as sometimes it puts you in the position of a sycophant. It makes you lose yourself and sink deep into the low self-esteem pit as you would always seek people’s validation.
Self-love should be the first step to being self-confident. Self-love does not mean being narcissistic. You should put yourself first and know the line between being clingy and reserving some respect for yourself.
Related: The Dark Side Of Sense Of Agency And How To Strike A Balance
11. The self-limiting belief that someday you will feel 100% fulfilled across the board
It is not uncommon to fantasize about a time when everything would be alright. When you have all your heart desires met, when you have your dream job, your choice building and cars, and have the best family and live a life without pain or hurt.
As humans, there are pockets of hurts and pains we have from time to time. If not for the death of a loved one, it would be a tragedy that happened to someone we know or just a world event that would change our mood.
The key is to find peace in the thought that you will never have it all. There has never been a man who had it all and that is how life is designed.
12. All men are the same, and all women are the same
You hear this statement when someone in love is hurt and he or she feels it was a futile effort to have engaged in whatever gave rise to the statement. It usually happens when one is heartbroken because of betrayal or cheating.
All men and women are not the same. Sometimes you would be hurt many times before you find your exact match in a lover. Sometimes lucky people find theirs on the first attempt.
Chances are that when you expect a person to act in a particular way, they actually won’t disappoint you because you have conditioned your mind to look out for those negative behaviours in people.
Generalizing and calling all men or women the same because a gender disappointed you is in excessively bad taste. Incompatibility and self-worth play a big part in sustaining relationships.
One should be resilient enough to handle rejection and understand that it doesn’t always work the way we planned.
13. Only brilliant people can succeed
Believing that only smart people can be successful is a self-defeating belief and is in excessively bad taste. There are very brilliant people who can’t make it past where they are because there are other factors you might not know holding them down.
Life is complicated and needs strings of actions and inactions to connect the dots of what we call success. It is not a rare sight to see people who didn’t get much education but do well in areas they acquired skills.
Whatever one does, focus and consistency is essential to propel him over the edge to success.
Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs
The good news is that overcoming self-limiting beliefs is not only possible but also liberating.
By challenging these beliefs and cultivating a positive mindset, we can break free from their constraints and embark on a journey of personal growth and success.
Here are ways to overcome self-limiting beliefs:
1. Identify Your Self-Limiting Beliefs
The first step in overcoming self-limiting beliefs is to become aware of them.
Take a moment to reflect on the thoughts and beliefs that hold you back.
Are you constantly telling yourself you’re not good enough or that success is out of reach? Write down these limiting beliefs and acknowledge that they exist.
2. Challenge Your Beliefs
Once you’ve recognized the self-limiting beliefs that are holding you back, it’s crucial to confront them head-on.
Ask yourself if these beliefs are based on facts or merely assumptions. Often, our limiting beliefs are rooted in fear or past failures.
Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations that counteract these beliefs.
Remind yourself of your strengths, past accomplishments, and the possibilities that lie ahead.
3. Embrace a Growth Mindset
Adopting a growth mindset is crucial for overcoming self-limiting beliefs.
Recognize that your abilities and intelligence are not fixed, but rather can be enhanced and expanded through dedicated effort.
Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as threats.
View failures as valuable learning experiences that bring you closer to success.
Cultivate a belief in your ability to learn, adapt, and improve over time.
4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
The company we keep has a significant impact on our beliefs and mindset.
Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who believe in your potential and encourage your personal growth.
Seek out mentors, coaches, or like-minded peers who can provide guidance, motivation, and constructive feedback.
Their belief in you can help reinforce your own belief in yourself.
5. Take Small Steps and Celebrate Progress
Overcoming self-limiting beliefs is a gradual process, so be patient with yourself.
Begin by venturing out of your comfort zone and taking small, incremental steps. Remember that every step, regardless of its size, is a triumph.
Take the time to celebrate your progress and acknowledge the accomplishments you achieve along the way.
This positive reinforcement will strengthen your belief in your abilities and propel you forward.
6. Visualize Success
Harnessing the power of visualization can be a potent tool in conquering self-limiting beliefs.
Create a vivid mental image of yourself achieving your goals and living the life you desire.
Imagine the emotions, the sights, and the sounds associated with your success.
Visualizing your success repeatedly helps rewire your brain and reinforces positive beliefs.
7. Seek Personal Development Resources
Expand your knowledge and skills through personal development resources.
Read books, listen to podcasts, or attend workshops that focus on self-improvement and overcoming limiting beliefs.
Engaging with these resources provides valuable insights, strategies, and inspiration to support your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an example of a self-limiting belief?
An example of a self-limiting belief is “I’m not smart enough.” It hinders personal growth and can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
What does the Bible say about self-limiting beliefs?
The Bible encourages believers to have faith in God’s power and promises, rejecting self-limiting beliefs and embracing their potential.
How do I get rid of my limiting beliefs?
To overcome limiting beliefs, practice self-awareness, challenge negative thoughts, seek support, and replace limiting beliefs with empowering affirmations and actions.
What is self-limiting behavior?
Self-limiting behavior involves actions that hold individuals back from reaching their full potential, often stemming from negative self-perceptions or fear of failure.
Final Thoughts
Self-limiting beliefs hinder our potential. This article identifies 13 common beliefs that trap us.
Challenging and replacing these beliefs with positive affirmations fosters growth and change.
Overcoming them requires self-awareness, self-compassion, and commitment to personal growth, leading to a fulfilling, successful life.
References:
- Liberty Counselling: 5 Self-limiting Beliefs that Keep You Stuck in Denial
- 80 Common Limiting Beliefs Examples That Are Holding
- Tiny Budha: 8 Limiting Beliefs That Keep Us Stuck
- The Coaching Academy: 5 Beliefs that could hold you back
- Habits Buzz: 9 common limiting beliefs that hold you back from success
- Lifengoal: Self-Limiting Beliefs: How To Overcome Them
Pious Clements is the insightful voice behind "The Conducts of Life" blog, where he writes about life ethics, self-development, life mastery, and the dynamics of people and society.
With a profound understanding of human behaviuor and societal dynamics, Pious offers thought-provoking perspectives on ethical living and personal growth.
Through engaging narratives and astute observations, he inspires readers to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and integrity, encouraging a deeper understanding of the human experience and our place within society.
