From my experience coaching dozens of clients, it’s become obvious that by far the biggest challenge we will ever face in life and business is OURSELVES.

By creating some space between ourselves and our thoughts, we can begin to identify the thoughts and beliefs we have that may be stunting our growth.

These are called LIMITING BELIEFS.

Limiting beliefs are indeed real and can significantly impact an individual's life by restricting their potential and the possibilities they see for themselves.

Overcoming limiting beliefs unleashes your full potential, allowing you to pursue goals and opportunities with confidence and resilience. 

It fosters personal growth and opens the door to new possibilities by removing self-imposed barriers to success.

It’s Not Your Fault:

Limiting beliefs often originate from various sources throughout your life, including childhood experiences, societal influences, education, and personal encounters. 

They can be the result of messages you've received from parents, teachers, peers, media, and cultural norms that you've internalized over time. 

These beliefs are not your fault; they are shaped by your environment and experiences. 

The key is recognizing them and taking steps to challenge and change these patterns of thought.

Some of the most common limiting beliefs include:

1️⃣ I'm not good or smart enough: This belief can stop people from pursuing opportunities or trying new things due to fear of failure or not meeting others' expectations. Feeling intellectually inadequate can stop people from learning new skills or taking on challenges that seem beyond their perceived intellectual reach. Doubting one's own abilities and potential can prevent taking the steps necessary for success.

2️⃣ I don't have enough time: This can lead to procrastination or giving up on goals, assuming that there's not enough time to achieve them.

3️⃣ I'm too old or too young: Age-related beliefs can limit individuals by making them feel either too inexperienced or too set in their ways to pursue something new.

4️⃣ That’s not realistic for me: This belief undermines self-worth and can prevent someone from striving for success due to a belief that they don't deserve it or it's unattainable for them.

Here are 4 Steps You can take to overcome these beliefs:

Step #1 - Awareness: 

When it comes to personal development of any kind, awareness is always the first step. 

By recognizing and acknowledging limiting beliefs, we can better understand where they come from and address them.

This is easier said than done. 

By default, we tend to assume our thoughts ARE us, and without that separation, it can be difficult to shine a light on what is holding us back.

Think of it this way: I have a body, I am not my body.

I can observe my body - which implies I am separate from this in some way. 

Same thing with my thoughts. 

I have thoughts, but I am not my thoughts. 

I can also observe my thoughts - which implies that I am separate in some way. 

Separating ourselves from our thoughts can be difficult without conscious practice, which is why meditation is such an important practice.

The practice of meditation trains us to observe our thoughts (not resist them), so we can over time get better at creating separation between the thoughts we have and what we identify as. 

Step #2 - Challenge and reframe: 

I have to admit, one of my favorite things to experience as a coach is to challenge a negative self-belief of the person I’m coaching, with evidence. 

For example, if someone says: "I'm not good enough," I help them consider what specific areas they can improve but also recognize their strengths, and accomplishments, as well as provide evidence of them being “good enough”.

The objective here is to question the validity of these beliefs and reframe them in a more positive and realistic light.

Recalling successes (no matter how small), can demonstrate your capabilities and bust limiting beliefs. 

The way the brain works, it’s very difficult to just “not think about” your limiting beliefs (see the pink elephant effect) 

But we can work to counter the thoughts with new ones. 

Even to this day, I still get nervous before I speak in front of a large group.

However, whenever that fear comes up, I immediately consider that I’ve done it many times before to counter the fear.

Step #3 - Reprogram The Subconscious (Positive Affirmations):

Positive affirmations can significantly impact overcoming limiting beliefs, which are deeply rooted thoughts developed early in life that can hinder our potential. 

The human brain, especially from birth until around age 7, is in a state highly receptive to influence, absorbing beliefs and behaviors from its surroundings. 

This period is crucial for the programming of the subconscious mind, which shapes our thoughts, actions, and feelings into adulthood.

However, the brain's plasticity allows for reprogramming at any age through methods like positive affirmations. 

These are empowering statements that, when repeated, can remodel our internal dialogue by replacing negative beliefs with positive ones. 

This shift in mindset can influence our self-perception and interactions with the world.

Beyond affirmations, visualization, meditation, and mindfulness can also assist in reprogramming the subconscious. 

By engaging in these practices, individuals can break free from limiting beliefs, fostering personal growth, improved self-esteem, and the realization of goals. 

Step #4 - Seek support:

Our mind is very good at convincing us to take the path of instant convenience.

Having a support network is key to keeping you on track to reaching your goals and identifying all blind spots.

From what I’ve seen, having someone at home that you’re intimately involved with holding you to a higher standard, as well as working with a trained coach, helps accelerate results the most.

I certainly would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for my wife and all the coaches and mentors I have hired over the years.

Leveraging the power of accountability and the expertise of experts is how we get ahead and evolve in the shortest amount of time.

Conclusion:

So the 4 steps to overcoming limiting beliefs are:

• Awareness

• Challenge and Reframe

• Reprogram the subconscious (affirmations)

• Seek Support

If you’ve been keeping up these last few weeks, we have been discussing how to leverage strategies and habits to live a life of more fulfillment and success. (If you’re a new subscriber, click here to access all previous trainings)

• We started by tapping into our “life’s task”/purpose and gaining more clarity,

• Then, most recently, and up until today, have been working through aligning our environment, habits, and beliefs.

• Next week we’ll dive into the most valuable skill to develop regardless of whether you are looking to start your own business, transition into remote work, or shift careers.

If you’re looking to make significant changes in your life, check out my new free guide: 5 Actionable Steps to Transform Your Passion into a Career or Side Hustle (With ChatGPT prompts)

This is a cool resource I put together breaking down how to use ChatGPT to outline your vision for creating or scaling a passion business or side hustle.

Also, feel free to share this with someone you think could benefit from this information.

Be Blessed,

Widmarc 🌞

Tuesday’s Transformative Thoughts