You’ve decided to work on overcoming your limiting beliefs. That’s great! It’s a good step forward in your personal growth and development. What do you do next? How do you overcome those limiting beliefs so you can move forward?
Luckily, you’re not the first person to do this. Many other people have gone down this road and had success. The following steps are a tried and true way of getting past your limiting beliefs.
1.) Identify Your Limiting Beliefs
Do you know what your limiting beliefs are? You have to know what your issues are before you can work on overcoming them. If you don’t yet know what they are, you could sit down and do some self-reflection to identify your limiting beliefs and put them into words. Once you’ve done that, pick one to start working with. This isn't always an easy process since our beliefs can be very deeply engrained. This is where a coach can come in handy to ask you questions that help you discover what those beliefs are.
2.) Recognize That It’s Just a Belief
Whatever the belief is, you get to acknowledge that it’s just a belief! It may not even be true! It’s not a law of nature, it’s not immutable or written in stone. It’s just a belief you hold in your mind and nothing more.
3.) Ask Yourself If It’s True
Is this belief true? Is it mine? For example, if your limiting belief is that you’re not likable, think about the times other people have liked you. Are you always unlikeable? Of course not! Therefore, your limiting belief is wrong. Secondly, often we inherit beliefs from our families, teachers and society. Is this your belief or someone else's?
4.) Thank It for Its Help and Let It Go
Your limiting beliefs are defense mechanisms that attempt to protect you from emotional harm. That’s what it’s been doing all these years. Thank it for trying to help you and release your hold on it.
5.) Recognize the Underlying Emotion
All limiting beliefs are driven by an underlying emotion. This emotion is usually, but not always, fear. You get to identify and learn to deal with that emotion to overcome the limiting belief. When we can identify the belief and the corresponding emotion, it's easier to realize when we are making decisions from that place!
6.) Identify the Negative Consequences of the Limiting Belief
What are the negative consequences of continuing to hold this limiting belief? If you have a limiting belief around rejection, you may have trouble finding a romantic partner. If you don’t believe you can succeed, you might never have a successful career. If you believe you're not good enough, you may hold yourself back. See how these beliefs work?
7.) Reframe the Limiting Belief
It’s time to reframe your limiting belief into something positive. Change it into what you'd rather believe! If the belief is “I’m not likable,” change it to “I’m very likable and can make friends.” If you have a fear of rejection, change it to “Many people will accept me if I try.” Repeat this new belief to yourself over and over until it becomes a mantra.
8.) Act As If the New Belief is True
Now take action as if this new belief is true. Start doing the things you would do if it were true. Gradually, with time, dedication, and hard work, your mind will believe it.
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