5 Steps to Shift Your Limiting Beliefs for Good

Limiting beliefs are a thought or state of mind that we believe to be the absolute truth, which can and often does, stop an individual from doing and achieving certain things. These beliefs are not just about how what we believe to be true about ourselves, we can have an idea about how the world works, and how we are perceived by others that often is not true. Limiting beliefs can hinder us from achieving our full potential.

Our limiting beliefs can hold us back from so much: love, happiness, success… We limit ourselves so much. We live in our heads and come up with all these ways to keep us from getting anything accomplished. Even though deep down we know we’re good enough, and how much we’re fully capable of getting things done. Are limiting beliefs holding you back?

The only way to get past these self-sabotaging behaviors is to take active, intentional steps to remedy your thinking.

Let’s look at 5 steps that will shift your limiting beliefs for good.

Stop

Wait a minute; what were you thinking? If a thought feels off about something, it’s time to stop and examine this idea much closer. Is this perhaps a self-limiting belief?

Think About What You’re Saying

Where is the lie in this thought? You’ve already figured out there’s something wrong with it, or you wouldn’t be going through this process. This means something about it is not ringing true. When you understand where the lie is, it becomes easier to know how to counter it.

Look for the Proof

Is there any proof this self-limiting thought is true? Let’s examine the part you feel is a lie. Here’s where you need to take a step back from the situation if you can and look very impartially at what’s going on. Is any grain of truth in what you’re thinking?

Take Control

If what you were thinking is a lie, it’s relatively easy to counter the false aspects of the statement with the truth. But what if this thought was at least partially true? You start by reminding yourself this isn’t always the case. For example, you might be thinking you are always late. Maybe you are, in fact, late sometimes. To perform this step, you would need to recall various instances when you were on time. By countering the lie, you are taking control of the situation, and not allowing the limiting belief to have any sway over you.

“Eliminating those things that do not make your soul happy reveals how much time you do have to get everything that matters to you,
so you can go for what you want like that promotion at work.” Unknown

Get Help

Sometimes it can be challenging to remove limiting beliefs by yourself. In these instances, it can be beneficial to talk to a friend, or even a counselor, to help you see the truth. There is nothing wrong with getting help, especially from someone who is in a position to be impartial.

Self-limiting beliefs don’t have to control your life. By examining your thoughts, especially those that seem to hold you back, you will find it much easier to move forward toward your goals. Soon you will realize success.