What do you do if your self-limiting beliefs are holding you back?

It's starts with recognizing those beliefs. Nothing can change if we're not aware. We all have the "inner critic". It's how we decide to deal with it. It starts with compassion, the patience. When those beliefs pop up, have a conversation about how those limiting thoughts are helping or hurting your growth. Sometimes the conversation will be easy, other times not so much. Sometimes you'll be able to quiet the inner critic, and other times it will be more difficult. But the more you recognize the inner critic and provide less headspace for it, the less those limiting beliefs will find a place in your life.

Your self-belief is just an opinion that you have formed about yourself. With time you have repeated it to yourself so many times that it has become a belief. Instead of asking "what" to do, first, take a pause and ask yourself "Why do I have this belief about me? I am sure, there have been some instances early on that made you feel so. Once you discover what they are, ask yourself again "can I look at this situation more objectively & make it impersonal?" That moment is a mindful moment when you change the representation of not just the situation & yourself in the head. That is when you take the power back and start building higher self-esteem. Not everything in life is about you, all you need is to step back and look at yourself as is.

EVERYBODY experiences insecurity and "self-limiting beliefs" at one time or another. "Don't invite your negative thoughts to tea". In psychology this is called "scripting". Mindfulness provides peaceful space to "Identify Triggers" without judgment or self-shaming. Empower yourself towards positive change. Baby steps.

Begin by identifying the triggers or situations that tend to activate your self-limiting beliefs. These triggers could be specific events, interactions, or internal thoughts that elicit feelings of doubt, fear, or inadequacy. Pay attention to patterns and common themes to gain insight into the root causes of your limiting beliefs.

First off, it's totally normal to have self-limiting beliefs – we all grapple with them from time to time. The key is recognizing them and then taking action to overcome them. One effective strategy is to start by shining a light on those beliefs. Take some time to reflect on what exactly you're telling yourself. Are these beliefs rooted in past experiences, fear of failure, or perhaps comparisons with others? Ask yourself if there's evidence to support these beliefs or if they're just assumptions. Sometimes, simply questioning their validity can start to chip away at their power. Then, work on replacing those limiting beliefs with affirmations or positive thoughts. Remember this takes time, but consistency is key!

We must be careful to challenge these beliefs with a great deal of kindness and compassion. If you challenge these beliefs with harsh judgment, you may be doing more harm than good. Instead, challenge them objectively, as if you're assessing someone else. Based on the experiences you've had, is there evidence that supports a healthier self-belief than the one that's been limiting you? Can you point to times in your life where you were effective, confident, successful, and impactful? The evidence of this helps the subconscious mind to let go of the self-limiting belief. However, the BEST way to challenge a self-limiting belief is to ACT in ways that disprove it. Your subconscious mind cannot argue with actions!

Once you've identified your self-limiting beliefs, challenge them with evidence-based reasoning and alternative perspectives. Ask yourself questions such as, "Is this belief based on facts or assumptions?" and "What evidence do I have to support or refute this belief?" Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with more empowering and realistic statements. Cultivate a mindset of curiosity and openness to exploring new possibilities.

Reframing and challenging self-limiting beliefs is crucial when they are preventing you from moving forward. Begin by recognising the belief and casting doubt on it. Subsequently, substitute it with more empowering ideas and convictions. To increase your confidence and demonstrate your abilities, try saying encouraging things to yourself, asking for help when you need it, and making baby steps outside of your comfort zone. Moving your perspective towards development and achievement can also be facilitated by emphasising your advantages and prior accomplishments.

Like so many others, I have struggled with limiting beliefs. Gathering facts, proof, evidence that proves the thought wrong truly helped me. So whenever I face those moments, I pull from my mental file folder to prove it wrong. By challenging the validity of your self-limiting beliefs, you can uncover inconsistencies or inaccuracies in your thinking. Look for concrete examples or past experiences that contradict the negative belief, demonstrating that it's not universally true. This process of gathering evidence helps weaken the hold of self-limiting beliefs and empowers you to reframe them more positively.

Positivity is a mindset that begins within you. Expressing Gratitude transforms your "self-limiting beliefs" into positive acknowledgements. You become aware of "what you have, rather than you do not". This creates a fertile consciousness ripe for positive expansion.

Cultivating positivity involves intentionally focusing on the bright side of situations and embracing an optimistic outlook. Practice gratitude by reflecting on the things you appreciate in your life, no matter how small. Surround yourself with positive influences, such as supportive friends, mentors, and motivational resources. Engage in activities that uplift your mood and promote a sense of well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time in nature.

Setting realistic and achievable goals can help counteract self-limiting beliefs by providing a sense of direction and accomplishment. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to make progress more attainable. Set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—and track your progress regularly. Celebrate milestones along the way to reinforce positive momentum and motivation.

The standard sources of support (friends, family, mentors, etc) are terrific. Do you physically, emotionally and spiritually support yourself? Build your inner strength. In the end, everything points to the efforts of you and your three best friends (Me, Myself and I).

Don't hesitate to seek support from trusted friends, family members, or professionals when confronting self-limiting beliefs. Share your struggles and challenges with someone you trust, and ask for their perspective and encouragement. Consider seeking guidance from a therapist, coach, or mentor who can provide strategies and techniques for overcoming limiting beliefs and fostering personal growth.

Talk to your colleague / manager on reviewing your thoughts and understanding the limitation. Read and listen to thought leaders who have made a difference in their life.

Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or body scans, to cultivate self-awareness and reduce the impact of negative thought patterns. Notice when self-limiting beliefs arise and gently redirect your focus to the present moment. By practicing mindfulness regularly, you can develop greater resilience and inner peace.

Act in opposition to your limiting beliefs...act as if the opposite were true. What would you do or not do that is different? It is hard to wrestle with the mind but actions can change emotions which can change thoughts. Shift the energy and the thoughts and beliefs follow.

In my growth journey, I have definitely learned to show myself grace and compassion. Treat yourself in the same manner you would others you love and care about. When facing self-limiting beliefs, it's essential to practice self-compassion and kindness. Recognize that challenging these beliefs can be difficult and that it's okay to experience setbacks or moments of doubt along the way. Offer yourself words of encouragement and support, just as you would to a friend facing a similar challenge. By practicing self-compassion, you create a nurturing and supportive inner dialogue that helps counteract the negative effects of self-limiting beliefs, fostering resilience and self-confidence.