Your Limiting Beliefs Set You Back

Introduction

Have you ever had a dream you desperately wanted to achieve, only to convince yourself you couldn't because you're just not that type of person? Recently, I read a newsletter from a podcaster I admire who discussed a topic that caught my attention: limiting beliefs.

Understanding Limiting Beliefs

So, what exactly are limiting beliefs? These are negative or restrictive thoughts that can hinder your potential or personal growth. Often, these beliefs are deeply ingrained and can shape your decisions, actions, and overall outlook on life. Everyone carries their own set of limiting beliefs, many of which develop during childhood when we're the most impressionable.

For instance, if your parents or teachers label you as a "lazy student," you may internalize that label and believe you are, in fact, lazy. Not only do you reinforce this notion through your actions, but you also become adept at seeking out evidence that validates this self-perception. Engaging in these behaviors creates an illusion that these beliefs reflect reality, instead of merely being mental constructs we’ve created.

Limiting beliefs also serve a protective function. They keep us safe from failure, disappointment, or potential judgment from those around us. As children, this makes sense since we have limited control over our lives. However, as we grow, these beliefs can shift from being protective shields to barriers that hold us back.

A Personal Experience

Let me share a little story about myself. I have always wanted to learn how to dance professionally. As a child, I was eager to join a hip-hop dance class that all my friends attended, but my dad wouldn't allow it. He called me a lazy girl, expressing his belief that I wouldn’t be committed enough to stick with it. Even as an adult, I still find myself viewing life through that lens.

The insecurities I’ve internalized stem from childhood treatment and have been challenging to overcome. Despite attending therapy and making significant personal strides, I occasionally revert to those limiting beliefs. They manifest even when I'm aware of them, and sometimes, I find myself feeling inadequate while creating content for my YouTube channel.

I’m grateful for the support I've received from those around me, and despite recognizing the tremendous benefits of my current situation, slipping back into old habits can be all too easy. It’s fascinating how these ingrained beliefs can feel natural—a part of our identity—making them hard to recognize. My therapist helped shed light on these limiting beliefs, enabling me to see them clearly for the first time.

Upon reflecting, I realized there are limiting beliefs I'm still ignoring. I crafted a list of those beliefs and was shocked to see how they’ve set me back. For example, I once thought I could never succeed on YouTube or embrace fitness. However, after starting my fitness journey nearly four years ago, I've achieved tremendous results, including a personal record in deadlifting. Who would have imagined that I—who once laughed at the thought of succeeding—would be here today?

The Ongoing Journey

I often visualize my mind as a tangled bowl of yarn with thousands of threads. The process of untangling and examining each thread can feel endless, yet it's essential for understanding what beliefs are beneficial and which ones are merely dead weight. Self-improvement is a lifelong journey, and it's vital to savor the little moments in life rather than solely focusing on end goals, as true happiness often lies in the journey itself.

Your beliefs won’t disappear overnight; they are formed throughout your life, and shedding them takes time and patience. Be kind to yourself, especially if you regress into old habits—this is completely normal. Being aware of your limiting beliefs is a monumental step forward in changing your life.

Change is uncomfortable, but one day, when you reflect on your journey, you'll realize how much you've changed and how proud you truly are.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining me in this exploration of limiting beliefs. If any of this resonates with you, I invite you to share your limiting beliefs in the comments or DM me on Instagram. Find all my socials in the description below. If you’d like to support this channel, I have a “Buy Me A Coffee” account where you can donate or purchase digital posters related to my two horror films. Thank you so much for your continued support, and I look forward to connecting with you in the next video!

Keywords

• Limiting beliefs
• Personal growth
• Self-perception
• Negative thoughts
• Childhood experiences
• Healing journey
• Self-improvement
• Mindfulness

FAQ

What are limiting beliefs?
Limiting beliefs are negative or restrictive thoughts that hinder your potential and personal growth, often formed in childhood.

How do limiting beliefs affect our lives?
They can shape your decisions, actions, and outlook on life, making it difficult to pursue dreams and aspirations.

Can limiting beliefs be changed?
Yes, while it can be a challenging process, becoming aware of and recognizing limiting beliefs is a significant first step in changing them.

Why do we develop limiting beliefs?
These beliefs are often formed in childhood based on experiences and feedback from influential figures like parents and teachers.

What can I do to overcome my limiting beliefs?
Identify and examine your beliefs, reflect on their validity, and seek support through self-improvement practices or therapy.