Self-limiting Beliefs

Self-limiting beliefs are like invisible booby traps. They are negative self-perceptions that live in our conscious or subconscious. They are rooted in past experiences, values and beliefs, the media, and even influences from friends and family. Because we're usually unaware of these pesky self-limiting beliefs that hold us back, we create our own limitations without even knowing it. These beliefs can affect all aspects of our lives: personal relationships, careers, parenting, health and wellness, finances, happiness — you name it. When you get caught up in these destructive patterns of thinking, you can easily fall into the trap of "I'll be happy when…." If I just get this job… If I just lose 20 pounds… If I just have more money… If I just have a bigger house… And so we go through life waiting to be happy instead of actually taking steps to create happiness for ourselves. We put off what is important to us — whether it's releasing negative relationships or starting that business idea, or taking that trip around the world — because we feel trapped by these limitations we place on ourselves. We know there must be more to life than this — but how do we break free from these? Listed below are self-limiting beliefs I hear frequently: "I'm not good enough." "I'm not smart enough." "I'm not worthy." "I don't belong." "It won't work out for me." "Who am I to do this?" "There are too many people doing this already." "What if I can't do it?" "What will people think?" Try this starting today: 1. Create a list of your limiting beliefs. 2. Write down why you believe them. 3. Ask a friend for their opinion. 4. Try to prove yourself wrong.