How To Eliminate Self-Limiting Beliefs

Have you ever had a goal you wanted to achieve but never pursued due to self-limiting beliefs? I have, in fact, self-limiting thoughts is something I’ve had my fair share of struggles with. It has taken some time for me to believe I can achieve whatever I’m determined to accomplish. All it takes is the right mindset. In today’s post, I will provide you with ways how you can 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. In my own personal experience, any self-limiting belief I formed about myself stemmed from past failures and the belief that I somehow wasn’t good enough. Once I identified this root cause, I began to take actionable steps to shift my mindset toward things that inspired and motivated me.

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.

One of the things I found effective in changing my self-limiting behavior was journaling. The daily practice of journaling has been both cathartic and insightful. It provides me with a positive outlet to express myself. When I look back on some of the self-limiting beliefs I’ve had in the past, I can reflect upon them without judgement or criticism.

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

There’s the saying “actions speak louder than words”. I encourage you to let the positive changes you make speak louder than the limiting beliefs you tell yourself.

Practice Positive Affirmations

Why is it easy to tell ourselves something negative, but when it comes to speaking uplifting and encouraging words we find it uncomfortable? I remember feeling a bit silly the first time I began practicing positive affirmations. After so many years of having a negative mindset, I found being nice to myself a foreign feeling. It has taken a few years for me to become comfortable saying things such as “I’m capable of success” and really believing it. 

Read More: My Top 5 Ways To 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.

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. So put on your self-limiting battle gear and believe that you will come out victorious!

I hope these tips provide you with the encouragement you may need to overcome any self-limiting beliefs you have. It’s ok if it takes you some time to shift your mindset, I’m still working on this each day. I encourage you to continue to put in the effort, make the necessary changes and to go out and live limitlessly!!

Thanks for reading,
Sundaye☀️