6 minutes
Many times we stop growing as people because of our limiting beliefs. Changing them is essential to reach your full potential.
Limiting beliefs are thoughts, opinions or convictions that are assumed to be absolute truths and that often have a negative impact on our lives. Well, they prevent us from moving forward and growing as people. Some examples are statements of the type “I’m not good at that”, “It is very difficult for me” or “I will never be able to do it”.
Most limiting beliefs are acquired in childhood, a stage in which we usually absorb knowledge as it is presented to us, without questioning or analyzing it. In this way, as we grow, we assume them as part of our identity and never stop to think how they may be affecting our potential.
That is why in this article we teach you some of the limiting beliefs that affect your personal growth. And we tell you some tips that will help you overcome them.
Limiting beliefs that keep you from growing as a person
There are many beliefs that can affect our personal growth. Here is a list of the most common.
1. I will never be good enough
Fake. It is a limiting belief based on the fear of failure. We can always be good enough at something; what we need is to commit to learning and expanding our skills.
2. I should not express my anger because I can hurt or alienate others
Also false. If someone exceeds us, we have every right to feel angry and express our annoyance, as long as we do not disrespect or attack the other. Being able to manifest ourselves in these circumstances is vital so that they do not trample us or take advantage of us.
3. Having a lot of money will make me happy
Contrary to what many people think, money does not buy happiness. If we maintain this belief, we will put our happiness in the hands of an external agent (money), which will make us slaves to it.
Remember that only we are responsible for our happiness and the possession of material things can make you feel comfortable, but not satisfied.
4. I must work perfectly to be valued
This is another false belief. The truth is that no one is perfect and that we all make mistakes. Ideally, we know how to recognize them and learn from them. If we are always after an impossible (perfection) we will be condemning ourselves to suffering.
5. Some people are bad, vile and wicked, so they should be punished
This limiting belief is nothing more than a continual source of anger., resentment or even hatred. A more realistic perspective on the matter is to think that people behave that way because they have problems, because no one has taught them to do it differently, because they are sick or suffering.
6. It’s horrible when things don’t go your way.
Life won’t always be how we want it to be because we will never be able to control everything. In this way, if we maintain this belief, we will begin to live in constant irritation and stress.
Instead, change your focus and think that the beauty of life is its ability to surprise us. Many times, the things that end up happening can generate a greater well-being than what we had originally planned for us.
7. For an adult it is absolutely necessary to have the affection and approval of significant others
Getting the approval and affection of everyone is another impossible. In fact, those people who love us do not always have to approve of our behaviors. And that’s not bad.
This idea leads us to seek to meet the expectations of those around us. This can cause us unhappiness and personal dissatisfaction by losing authenticity.
How to overcome limiting beliefs?
Limiting beliefs often have negative effects on us. For example, they could prevent us from making good decisions, seizing new opportunities, or reaching our full potential.
Even at worst, they can keep us trapped in a negative state of mind, preventing us from living the life we really want. That is why we tell you how to overcome them.
Identify your limiting beliefs
The first step in overcoming limiting beliefs is identifying them. To do this, you can start by writing them down and grouping them into different categories, such as finances, family, relationships or health.
Remember that limiting beliefs are not exhausted by those presented before. So, if you have a hard time recognizing others in yourself, you can think of situations in which you have acted negatively. If you closely observe your toxic behaviors, you may discover that the underlying cause is limiting beliefs.
Put them in doubt
Once you have identified the limiting beliefs, the next step will be to question them. To do this, you can ask yourself questions like “Why do I think this way, when have I learned it, since when do I think this way about myself?”.
Reformulate them
The third step consists of reformulate those beliefs and propose more realistic ones. Especially if it is a very distorted belief, which is not supported by reality.
Strengthen self-love
To leave limiting beliefs behind it is important to work on our self esteem. For it, it is essential that we accept ourselves as we are, with our strengths and weaknesses. Also, recognize that we can always be wrong.
Explore more
Limiting beliefs can be the result of a closed mindset. Therefore, the ideal is that we learn to open our minds and let curiosity guide us.
When we give in to curiosity, we are more likely to explore our surroundings and step out of our comfort zone. What this can do is help expand the mind and challenge beliefs.
When to seek professional help?
If eliminating limiting beliefs on your own is an uphill struggle, ideally, you should seek the help of a therapist or counselor. Likewise, if your limiting beliefs are generating other more severe conditions (such as anxiety or depression), it is best to see a mental health professional.
Counselors and therapists have the resources and knowledge to help you recognize your limiting beliefs, overcome challenges, and live a more fulfilling life.
Fortunately, however ingrained these beliefs may be, we can always face them and modify them. Either on our own or with the help of a professional.
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