Today I want to write about limiting beliefs and I want to help you identify yours (if you have any).
First of all, what are limiting beliefs?
Limiting beliefs are things we believe and tend to say to ourselves that are limiting our potential of doing better.
They are usually what we think about ourselves, our place in society or what we think of others that affect us.
The most common start with “I am”, “I am not”, “I don’t” and “I can’t”.
Here is an example: “I am too old to learn something new.”
Sometimes you may say: “I am not smart enough”
Or “I don’t deserve a promotion.”
“I can’t speak in public.”
These are all opinions that we may have about ourselves and they prevent us from reaching our true potential. They can also become excuses for us to not take risks or try new things.
Limiting beliefs are normally driven by fear. Because if we go against them, we’ll be stepping outside of our comfort zones.
And anywhere outside of our comfort zone is, well, uncomfortable.
But being uncomfortable is part of growth.
We need to challenge ourselves and be okay with making mistakes if we want to grow.
So what do we do with these limiting beliefs?
Start by identifying your own. We all have them. I know I do.
Write one down, or just think about it. Then ask yourself these simple questions:
- Is it true?
- If you say “yes”, ask yourself if you’re 100% certain.
- Do you think it should stop you from reaching your important goals in life?
- What can you do to move beyond this limiting belief?
Now start taking action.
You see, when you start asking questions against your own limiting beliefs, you start realising that most of them are not true and you can move beyond them.
I hope this week’s post helps you to move beyond any limiting beliefs you may have about yourself. This may be related to your confidence in speaking English, or anything else in life.
