Anyone can succumb to self-limiting beliefs once in a while. Thoughts like “I am not good enough” or “this task is beyond my capacity and potential” frequently cross people’s minds, more often than they would care to accept. For obvious reasons, nurturing these unfounded beliefs has adverse consequences. You might be undermining your true potential, refusing to accept newer challenges, and pushing away growth because of these self-imposed limitations. Just as no one can help you more than yourself, nothing can hold you back more than your mind. In today’s blog, let’s put an end to it. Explore what self-limiting thoughts are and how overcoming them can be easier than you think.
What are self-limiting beliefs?
Self-limiting beliefs are thoughts, ideas, and perceptions about yourself that do not do justice to your true capabilities. As the term makes it amply clear, any belief you have regarding yourself that prevents you from exploring your abilities and puts a self-established limit to what you can do is considered a self-limiting thought. These negative ideas can take many shapes and forms. Examples of self-limiting notions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- I am not capable of handling this task
- I will never amount to anything
- I do not have the power to bring about positive changes in my lifestyle
- I do not have the time to invest in new skills
- I will never be as good as others in the field
- I will get judged or laughed at if I follow my dream and ambition
Usually, such beliefs stem from a lack of proper self-awareness, insecurity, and a tendency to compare and stick to the comfort zone. These beliefs can have a long-term effect on your self-esteem and personal growth.
How can you overcome self-limiting beliefs?
Now that we have identified what self-limiting beliefs can be, let’s explore ways to overcome them. Limiting notions are mental perceptions and nothing concrete. Thus, you can easily uproot them and find ways to become the best version of yourself.
- Becoming self-aware: The primary step you need to take is becoming conscious of such beliefs. You have to recognize that you are succumbing to negative self-perception. Once you do that, you can start taking active steps to overcome them.
- Attempt to explore your abilities despite negative thoughts: You can start by taking baby steps. If you feel you cannot manage a task, why don’t you try your hand at it before deciding your limit? Most self-limiting ideas do not have any solid foundation for you to believe in them. Testing your boundaries and finding your worth can be a great way of overcoming this issue.
- Be mindful and block the thoughts: Every time a self-limiting thought pops up in your head, consciously block it out. Remember that they are only thoughts and not reality.
- Believe in hard work and your ability to improve: Work on the area your self-limiting thoughts stem from. If you feel like some new responsibility is not your cup of tea, why don’t you do something about it? Take up skill-building exercises, reach out to superiors and make yourself worthy of executing the job. Your mind will find it hard to convince you of your ‘worthlessness’ if you set goals and achieve them.
- Seek external support and help: Coaches are people who receive training that can help you out with self-limiting thoughts. They can equip you with certain confidence-building tools and strategies to overcome the mental constraint you impose upon yourself. Do not shy away from asking for guidance.
Conclusion:
Share with us in comments how you overcame your self-limiting beliefs or tried anything else. Do check out other interesting blogs here.
