Table of Contents
How to notice your own limiting beliefs
Have you heard of limiting beliefs before? What I mean by this is to become aware of the negative narrative in your head. That little voice that nags away, causing us to doubt ourselves, preventing us from making changes and limiting our progress. It could be a voice from a teacher, parent or person from the past who criticised us in formative years. Or it may be your own voice echoing negative thoughts. If you’re not sure what I mean, here are some examples:
“I’m always late for everything.”
This is a common limiting belief I have noticed many clients have.
Another one is:
“I don’t like meeting new people.”
Coaching isn’t about making judgements. It’s not for me to say whether these limiting beliefs are true or not. But I ask the question, “Is believing this about yourself helping you to reach your goal?” Usually I will also ask, “Is this definitely true?”
What are examples of limiting beliefs?
- "I'm not smart enough to get a promotion."
- "I'll never find true love."
- "I can't lose weight, it's just genetics."
- "I'm too old to learn a new skill."
- "Money is always going to be a struggle for me."
These are just a few examples of limiting beliefs that people may hold about themselves. It's important to recognise these thoughts and challenge them in order to break free from their limitations. Remember, beliefs are not facts and they can change with time and effort. Don't let your limiting beliefs hold you back from reaching your full potential. So, keep questioning them and replacing them with empowering ones that will help.
How do you break a limiting belief?
One way to break a limiting belief is by questioning its truth and examining the evidence that supports it. Often, we hold onto limiting beliefs without realising that they are not based on facts or reality. By critically analysing our thoughts and challenging them, we can start to break free from their limitations.
Remember, beliefs are not facts. They can change
Try asking yourself these questions too – look for evidence. Are you actually always late for everything? Probably not. Do you really hate meeting new people? Maybe only certain types of people who are not welcoming but making friends with individuals you share common likes with is actually enjoyable.
Try coming up with a more empowering belief – making sure it’s realistic and plausible! It’s not good just stating the opposite, i.e, “I am always on time” or “I enjoy meeting new people.” Our brains will not buy it. We need to come up with something that is definitely true which we can’t argue against.
Set yourself new beliefs
You can do this by thinking about what you are currently doing to address this issue – or what you plan to do! (Just make sure you do it!) Something like, “Every day I am trying harder to be punctual for appointments.” You could combine this more empowering belief with the action of using a reminder on your phone or utilising a calendar app, for example.
“I am learning how to reach out to new people more positively” could be a more empowering statement you choose to use alongside joining a new club.
Practice Makes Perfect
Ask yourself how this new, empowering affirmation makes you feel. Try it out! Every time you notice the negative, limiting beliefs, replace them with your new statement. You can life coach yourself and ask, “Is believing this helping me towards my goal?” Noticing if you feel more confident and motivated by your empowering belief will enable it to become more powerful for you.
Practice saying it out loud at least three times per day. You can use a life coaching method of habit stacking to do this. What are you currently doing regularly?
Driving to work, driving home, brushing your teeth, boiling a kettle? By stacking the new habit that you wish to create onto an existing one, you give yourself a much higher chance of success! I love a post it note and have been known to stick them on kitchen cupboards and mirrors. Find a way that works for you!
Habit Stacking
To make this easier, use the method of habit stacking. Attach your new practice to an existing habit like driving to work, brushing your teeth, or boiling the kettle. For example, repeat your affirmation while you brush your teeth. Post-it notes on mirrors or kitchen cupboards can also serve as helpful reminders.
Share Your New Beliefs
Tell other people your new empowering belief. If, for example, you are late to a meeting you could say that you are sorry for being late and that you are working on being more punctual to avoid this happening again. Every time you tell someone else your new belief, as well as yourself, you make it more powerful for yourself.
Further Reading and guidance
You can read more about limiting beliefs here: https://www.psychologies.co.uk/blog/how-to-identify-limiting-beliefs-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/
By following these steps, you can transform negative thoughts into positive actions, helping you achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being.
Ready to take the next step in your personal development journey? Book a free discovery call to talk about your personal development
