Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs
the power of consistency and action
The other night, as I had dinner with a friend, I found myself explaining why something just wasn't possible for me right now. You know, one of those I can't because... conversations we all have from time to time.
My friend listened patiently, and after I finished my litany of reasons, responded with a simple question:
"OK, but didn't you use to do X? And isn't this new Y you’re talking about just an updated version of X?"
I sat there, fork suspended halfway to my mouth, as the realization hit. They were right. I had done it all before, and yet that nagging voice was still in my head whispering:
"This time will be different. This time you won't be able to pull it off."
Those words swirling around my brain? They are what we call limiting beliefs and they're a pain in the ass (←I think that’s the technical term).
Here's the thing though—those beliefs? They're also just stories we tell ourselves and like any story we have the power to rewrite them.
Now, I bet I know what some of you are thinking: But what if I really CAN'T do something? Let’s tackle that head-on. There's a big difference between a true limitation and a perceived one. Sure, if you've never picked up a guitar, you probably won't be in Austin to play ACL anytime soon. The thing is most of the time when we say we ‘can't’ do something, what we really mean is I'm afraid to try.
Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.
H. Ford
Before we continue let’s pause for a sec. Think of ONE limiting belief that's currently holding you back.
Something that's been rattling around in your head telling you that you can't achieve or do or have what you really want.
Struggling to think of one? Try this: consider a goal you've always *said* you wanted to achieve but haven't. Now, ask yourself why you haven't pursued it. That why is often rooted in a limiting belief.
Now keep reading with that specific belief in mind as we're about to kick its ass (← also technical term).
First, we need to acknowledge these beliefs for what they are: fabricated stories we tell ourselves. Maybe they originate from past experiences, or things people said to us, yet regardless where they came from, it’s time to question them.
Ask yourself: Is this belief really true? What evidence do I have to support it? What evidence contradicts it? These beliefs often do *not* hold up under scrutiny.
Next, lets replace these beliefs with empowering ones. Instead of "I'm not good enough," try "I'm consistently improving." Instead of "I'll never be successful," how about "Every failure brings me closer to success."
If you’re like I am platitudes initially feel r e a l l y silly, but here's the secret: your mind believes what you tell it repeatedly. This is where consistency comes in. We can't just tell ourselves these new beliefs once and expect miracles. We need to reinforce them daily--hourly even--until they become our new default thought patterns.
Now, let's get practical.
Let's talk about three ways you can start to overcome that limiting belief you identified earlier:
✔️Challenge with evidence:
Write down all the times you've succeeded in related areas or overcome similar challenges. This creates a bank of positive experiences to draw from when doubt creeps in.
My friend was right…and I knew it. I had lots of successes in the exact same realm I wanted to re-enter. After our dinner I made a list and taped it to my mirror.
Be me.
✔️ Take small, consistent actions
Break down your goal into tiny, manageable steps.
Let’s say your limiting belief is I can't be an entrepreneur, your first step might be as simple as brainstorming business ideas for 10 minutes a day for one week. The key here is consistency. Small actions, done regularly, build momentum and chip away at the limiting belief.
We know this.
✔️ Surround with support
Share your goal with friends, family, or a mentor. Their encouragement will help drown out that negative inner voice.
Here's the kicker about surrounding ourselves with support - it's often the hardest part. It means getting vulnerable with our Front Row People. It means admitting: I want this, but I'm not sure I can do it.
Scary stuff, right? But remember, our Front Row People are there for a reason. They want us to win. And often they believe in us more than we believe in ourselves.
Limiting beliefs are the invisible chains we create ourselves.
Breaking free from limiting beliefs is a process. It takes time and effort and we’ll have days where that old voice creeps back in. But don't give up. Consistency is key here. It's not about being perfect; it's about showing up day after day, challenging those limiting beliefs, and taking action despite them.
Think of it like going to the gym (you knew this was coming :-)).
We don't get fit by working out once really hard. We get fit by showing up consistently, even on days when we don't feel like it. The same consistency-principle applies to rewiring our beliefs. It's the daily practice of questioning limitations, affirming capabilities, and taking action that will lead to lasting change.
Now you.
What limiting belief will you start challenging today?
More importantly, what small, consistent action will you take right now to start proving that belief wrong?