We have got to talk about this.
I am just bursting at the seams to talk about this.
“It’s going to be complicated” or “This is just so complicated.”
Last week I was working with my NLP Advanced Training partner, and we were focused on the Limiting Belief* that we both found popping up in our lives.
Recently I noticed that when I thought about doing something that was new or that I had struggled with in the past, in my head, I would say “It’s so complicated” or “This is going to be complicated.”
There would be nothing wrong with these statements if they were true and/or helpful. They are neither. They are limiting my growth, by limiting my belief in me achieving my goal successfully.
Once I had identified the exact words I talk to myself with, I created a new phrase, that I made sure resonated with me and I replaced that old phrase. The new belief is, “This is a group of small easy steps, step one is…”
Let’s dive into what a limiting belief is and why it matters to us different thinkers.
What is a limiting Belief?
A limiting belief is a thought you hold about yourself or the world that restricts your potential.
Examples of a limiting belief:
Whispers of things like “I’m not good enough,” “This is just the way I am,” “There is nothing I can do anyway,” “I have the worst luck,” or “This always happens to me.”
See below for the Top 10 Limiting Beliefs to help get you started on finding yours.
How do you find your limiting beliefs?
- Figure out what your beliefs sound like. Typically, they sound like the person that was the most judgmental and critical of you while you were growing up.
- Write down your limiting belief on a piece of paper. You want to note the exact words.
- Start to notice when you hear that statement in your head. Notice if you are working on something that is new or doing something that you have struggled with in the past. Limiting beliefs are easiest to hear at these times when you are just starting to notice them.
Why is it important to remove your limiting beliefs?
I think the word “limiting beliefs” should say it all.
To clarify; limiting thoughts, statements, and beliefs are holding you back from achieving your dreams. (period)
Your limiting beliefs are one of the largest things holding you back from achieving your goals.
Society has known it for centuries and yet it is not taught to young people and we grow into adults who don’t know how to do this work. This is a key factor that you want to learn about when you are working with a coach.
Neurodiversity extra note: Being a different thinker with ADHD, dyslexia, and/or autism statistically means that we have been intentionally or unintentionally criticized and judged for our non-conforming thought processes since we were young.
Many people have said things to us that create limiting beliefs. It is vital to learn your way of identifying those limiting beliefs, shifting them, and replacing them with more powerful accurate beliefs.
TOP 10 LIMITING BELIEFS (brought to you by AI and JoyGenea)
- “I’m not good enough” (Imposter Syndrome): This belief whispers that success is a fluke, and you don’t deserve it, leading to self-doubt and holding you back from taking opportunities.
- “I can’t do this” (Lack of Confidence): This belief assumes failure before even trying, preventing you from learning new skills or pursuing challenging goals.
- “I’m too old/young” (Ageism): This belief limits your potential based on age, making you miss opportunities you might excel at regardless of your number.
- “Others are better than me” (Comparison Trap): This belief focuses on others’ achievements, leading to discouragement and self-deprecation instead of focusing on your own strengths.
- “This is just the way I am” (Fixed Mindset): This belief assumes personality and abilities are unchangeable, hindering personal growth and the chance to learn and develop new skills.
- “Failure is bad” (Fear of Failure): This belief makes you avoid challenges and risks to prevent potential missteps, hindering learning and growth opportunities.
- “I don’t have enough time/money/resources” (Scarcity Mindset): This belief focuses on limitations, preventing you from exploring creative solutions and finding ways to overcome perceived obstacles.
- “What will they think of me?” (Fear of Judgment): This belief prioritizes external validation over personal growth, holding you back from taking risks or expressing yourself authentically.
- “I need to be perfect” (Perfectionism): This belief sets unrealistic standards, leading to procrastination, anxiety, and disappointment, even with minor imperfections.
- “Happiness comes from external factors” (External Validation): This belief relies on external circumstances for your happiness, leaving you feeling unfulfilled and out of control of your own well-being.
In closing, now that you know more, I encourage you to start to find your limiting beliefs and shift them right out of your life. It will make room to bring in all of the new and amazing things you’re working on creating.
Don’t let your limiting beliefs hold you back from being your amazing, best self.
I would love to hear about some of the limiting beliefs you have identified, how you’re shifting them, and what the new belief is.
I’m JoyGenea, and this was a small and easy step forward, taken one step at a time.