We all have a set of beliefs that dictate how we live and play. Self-limiting beliefs are the ones that hold you back from achieving your very best in business and in life. These beliefs are often so ingrained that it takes time to learn how to recognize them.
Here’s an example of just how sneaky self-limiting beliefs can be.
I had a client that was a work at home bookkeeper. She had plenty of high-paying clients and she loved her work. But she wanted to expand her business and become known as an industry expert. She wanted to start a podcast and she had the first few episodes already clearly outlined.
Then she decided to do her due-diligence by searching online and researching how to start a podcast. After just one hour, she gave up on the podcast idea because her inner voice reminded her that she’s not good with technology.
In the example above my client didn’t realize it but she accepted a self-limiting belief and acted on it by abandoning her desire to start a podcast. This is just how easy self-limiting beliefs can distract or even stop us from fulfilling our dreams.
I want you to become aware of the dangers of self-limiting belief so here are some warning signs that what you’re thinking might actually be self-sabotage in disguise.
Self-Limiting Beliefs Are Negative
Self-limiting beliefs are always negative. It’s the voice in your head that lists all the reasons you won’t succeed. You may think negative comments like, “Who are you to do this? Nobody is interested in what you say. You’re too dumb to succeed. Everyone will laugh behind your back if you try to do this.”
You may not realize this but these negative thoughts are often a defense mechanism. You never have to try if you believe that you’re automatically going to fail and if you don’t try, then you don’t have to risk getting hurt or failing.
Self-Limiting Beliefs Encourage a Poverty Mindset
Often, self-limiting beliefs leave you stuck with a poverty mindset. This goes beyond finances and affects how you live your life and run your business. Your inner voice might say things like, “There’s only so much success to go around. I can’t get ahead in business because my platform is tiny. All of my competitors are driving down the cost of my services so I can’t make a living wage.”
This type of poverty mindset keeps you fiercely guarding what’s “yours”. Not only does this keep you from growing your business, it keeps you from becoming friends with other solopreneurs. You see everyone as a “competitor” rather than a potential business partner or affiliate.
Self-Limiting Beliefs Paint You as a Victim
Self-limiting beliefs make you think you’re a victim. For example, you might think things like, “Success isn’t in my genes. I’m destined to be a loser. It doesn’t matter how hard I work – I still won’t be able to succeed.”
The problem with these thoughts is that they can convince you that you really are powerless. As a result, you don’t challenge your self-limiting beliefs. You stay stuck in the same place for months or even years, never realizing that the real problem was your mindset.
Recognizing self-limiting beliefs does take time. When you find yourself focused on a self-limiting belief, try to counter it with a positive truth. Keep doing this and eventually, you’ll notice a shift in your mindset that will lead to a stronger business and a better life.
Shift Your Mindset Change Your Life!
Need help learning how to recognize the self-limiting beliefs that are holding you back? Download your free Self-Limiting Beliefs: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life Workbook.
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