Limiting beliefs are assumptions about yourself and your abilities that hold you back from achieving your goals. These beliefs are rooted in limiting perceptions which are often not based in reality and constrain you in fear. This holds you back from realising your true potential and moving forward in your life with success. Limiting beliefs are obstacles, however, they also present an opportunity to grow. When you confront these beliefs with clarity, honesty and self-love, you will be able to break free and achieve your goals.
These are 5 common limiting beliefs that will hold you back and how to reframe or challenge them:
1. I don’t have enough time
This is the most common limiting belief that holds people back from achieving greatness. To quote Edmund Burke: “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little;” in other words, even if you can only set aside a small amount of time to achieve a certain goal, that amount of time is better than nothing.
Reframe this limiting belief by understanding that time is created and can be managed to create space for your goals and dreams.
2. I don’t have the resources to be successful
It is true that internal and external resources are needed to be successful. However, a common limiting belief is to ‘blame’ a rack of external resources, such as money or accessibility to mentors and skills, for remaining stuck. Similarly, many people fall into the limiting belief that they don’t have the skills or even personality to make their goals a reality. At the end of the day, it is important to understand that there will often be roadblocks on our path to success. However, we all have the ability to ask for help and push forward in the face of adversity.
Challenge this limiting belief by reaching out for help or guidance, while also nurturing your internal resources, such as determination, problem solving, resilience and passion.
3. I’m not someone who follows through
This limiting belief can also be: I procrastinate too much. The reality is following through and procrastination are symptoms rather than personality traits. Whether it is a failure to launch or a failure to follow, the common causes are:
- Fear
- Lack of desire
Challenge this limiting belief by asking yourself: what am I afraid of? If you still can’t put your finger on what is holding you back ask yourself: Do I really want to achieve this, or do I think I should achieve this goal? This will help you build clarity and refocus your purpose.
4. I’m not good enough
Many people struggle with self-worth and self-confidence issues. It is often a large part of what holds them back from achieving their goals as they accept negative beliefs about themselves as fact. The truth is if you have a drive and passion to do something, there is a strong chance you are also good enough to achieve that goal.
Challenge this limiting belief with self-reflection; why do you believe you are not good enough? What evidence is there to support this? What evidence is there that this is not true? Once you truly understand where this belief is coming from it is time to replace it with a personalised positive affirmation to counter it. A good example is: “I am worthy of all my dreams and have the power to achieve my goals.”
5. I fear to be successful
Many people actually hold themselves back because they have a limiting belief around success. They feel safe in their comfort zone and the responsibilities or expectations that come with success feel frightening to them.
Reframe this limiting belief by recognising that just outside of your comfort zone, is the stretch zone and this is where the magic happens. Furthermore, welcome the perceived responsibilities and expectations that come with success by embracing your abilities to rise to the occasion in the name of your goals.
With practice and self-reflection, you can break down your limiting beliefs and reach a mindset of success. You have the abilities to achieve your goals and realise your greatest potential – but, first, you have to believe!
Why not come along to one of our Free Introduction to Life Coaching Webinar where you can learn the valuable tools and techniques that can help transform your belief system and reach your full potential?
Or if you would just like to know a little more about what Life Coaching is and how it can benefit you and the lives of others, please contact our Specialist Course Advisor, Jamil on 0208 996 4830 or email: Jamil@the-coaching-academy.com
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