How To Eliminate Self-Limiting Beliefs

Acknowledge Negative Thinking

The first step to eliminate self-limiting beliefs is to acknowledge the negative thinking patterns you have. When your thoughts are negatively centered and self-limiting, you will act in such a way to bring about unintentional self-fulfilling prophecies. If you want to change the narrative of your life to one that’s positive and unlimited, recognize some of the things you tell yourself consistently.

Do you berate yourself for mistakes you make? Do you speak encouraging words to yourself when you fall short of a goal? When you are faced with a challenge, do you tell yourself you can’t overcome it? Recognizing the answers to questions such as these will help you to identify the root cause of self-limiting beliefs.

Identify The Root Cause

In order to find solutions to eliminate self-limiting beliefs, you must identify the root cause. When you are trying to identify the root cause of your self-limiting beliefs, ask yourself the following questions.

• What things do I believe to be true about myself?
• What past experiences have made me doubt who I am?
• What behaviors do I engage in to reinforce self-limiting beliefs and why?

Knowing what triggers your limiting thoughts allows you to take the necessary steps to change your behavior.

Read More: Why It’s So Hard To Change The Self-Limiting Beliefs You Learned During Childhood

Change Your Behavior

Once you’ve acknowledged your negative thinking patterns and their root cause, the next step to take is to change your behavior. Creating actionable steps that help to facilitate positive thinking takes time. In some ways, it’s a process of trial and error, especially for those long-held beliefs you’ve formed about yourself.

The following are behaviors you can begin practicing.

• Ask yourself what’s the worst thing that can happen if you fail at something
• Seek positive influences that provide positive messages. (ex. podcast, books, motivational speakers)
• Visualize yourself achieving your goals

Practice Positive Affirmations

If you find it difficult to say positive affirmations to yourself, try writing them down on a sticky note and leave them in places around your home, car, and workspace. Continuing to see these messages over time will reinforce positive thoughts. Before long you will be able to speak these words aloud and cheer yourself on whenever doubt creeps up.

Read More: My Top 5 Ways To Practice Positive Affirmations

Become Your #1 Cheerleader

Learning to root for yourself is the ultimate way of eliminating self-limiting beliefs. Even when you feel the least inspired to do so, you must always show up for yourself in life. While family and friends can be there to support you, no one can fight your inner personal battles. You have to make the choice to stand up to whatever challenges and limiting beliefs you have about yourself, knowing you can overcome them.