Breaking free from self-limiting beliefs is key to achieving one’s full potential. However, these thoughts, often based on fear or past experiences, can be hard to overcome. To rise above them, we must recognize that we, as people, can steer our lives in the direction we want. Remember that no one and nothing else can dictate how successful we are!
“I’m Not Worthy of Love.”
Everyone is worthy of love, and the statement above is simply untrue. However, if you believe this statement, it will be harder for others to show you they love and care for you. You are worthy of all the good things on this planet, most especially love. So, don’t limit yourself by thinking otherwise.
“I Don’t Have Enough Time.”
While we don’t know exactly how much time we have left on Earth, it’s simply untrue that you don’t have enough time to do what you want. You just have skewed priorities in life! Saying you don’t have enough time is just an excuse because you’re afraid or not confident in stepping outside your comfort zone.
“I’m Not Good Enough.”
We often believe that we fall short of what’s expected of us. However, this negative thought is mainly fueled by our emotions and insecurities rather than concrete evidence. Psych Central advises, “It’s important that you challenge these thoughts because if you dwell on them for too long, they can turn into full-blown beliefs and negatively impact your self-esteem.”
“I Don’t Deserve This.”
Unfortunately, people are typically critical of themselves more than others. They are insecure about themselves and feel unworthy of the good things in life. However, according to the Global Association of Independent Advisors, “This self-deprecating belief can spring from insecurity or feelings of unworthiness. Left unaddressed, it can evolve into self-sabotage.”
“I Can’t Do This.”
When you tell yourself you can’t do something, especially if you haven’t tried it before, you’re being too critical of yourself. You’re setting too high expectations of yourself and believing that trying something new might lead to inevitable failure. You then feel as if trying a certain thing will taint your perfect record.
“I’m Too Old or Too Young.”
We’ve been taught that you can or can’t do certain things depending on age. However, this just limits people’s capacity for bigger things. Age discrimination is, sadly, too common nowadays, leading people to believe that they aren’t capable of doing certain things because of their age.
“I’m Too Fat or Too Skinny.”
When you deem yourself incapable of something just because of your body image, then you’re limiting yourself. Remember that it’s always mind over matter. So, what you believe about yourself will come true for you. Don’t let negative thoughts such as this one cripple you and prevent you from doing what you want and what you need!
“I’m Not Ready Yet.”
Who will ever be 100% ready for life? No matter how much you prepare for something, unforeseen circumstances will always exist. If we think this way, we’ll be constantly held back from doing more and moving forward.
“I Can’t Change. This Is Just Who I Am.”
This statement is wrong on so many levels because change is the only constant thing in life. Changing who you are, your mannerisms, or your mindset would be challenging, but it’s possible. Psychology Today explains, “People have the capacity to change. However, they must choose to do the work needed to make change happen; exposure to new ideas, experiences, or information often inspires change.”
“I’m Not Smart Enough.”
This self-limiting thought consumes one’s mind once they compare themselves to others. Comparison is harmful, no matter what aspect of life you view it through. In this case, however, it will make one feel inferior to others, and as it persists, one’s view of themselves will worsen.
“Others Are in My Way.”
Others are not in your way; you just need to figure out your own path for yourself. You are an individual separate from others, and you are living your own life! So, don’t pressure yourself with the achievements of others. Remember, they are not trying to block you; they are on their own journey, too.
“This Is Too Hard.”
What you believe in your head will undoubtedly manifest itself in real life. So, instead of telling yourself things are too hard, tell yourself you can do it! Life is full of challenges, and it’s only by going through these things that you can succeed. Don’t give up, especially if you haven’t even started yet!
“I’ll Never Be Successful.”
You will never be successful if you stay where you are now. So, scrap this belief out of your system because it’s probably holding you back from becoming the best version of yourself. Just try, do your best, and don’t give up; all will be worth it in the end!
“It’s Too Late.”
This belief holds you back from so many things you can do in life. If you stop thinking this way and adopt a more positive mindset, you can start focusing on the things you want to do. Whatever you want to do—pursue a new career, embark on a new journey, find love, or start a family—-it’s never too late!
“I Don’t Have Enough Experience.”
The Treasure Within views this statement as just another excuse one tells themselves so they can stay stuck in their comfort zones. In many ways, this statement emphasizes one’s fear of trying new things.
“I Don’t Have Enough Money.”
No one really has enough money at the beginning. At the start of every venture or endeavor, you start with close to nothing. It’s up to you to put in the time, effort, and hard work to make something out of that nothing. It’s especially important for young entrepreneurs to veer away from this self-limiting belief because they might get discouraged even before trying.
“I’ll Never Be a Great Leader.”
People who lack confidence usually limit themselves by using this tactic. They shy away from new and bigger responsibilities because they lack the confidence to succeed in certain aspects of their work. However, the most important thing is believing in oneself; let go of this thinking now and know that everyone is given a learning curve in life. Strammer says, “One reason why building and maintaining good self-confidence is important is because this plays a significant role in key leadership competencies, such as the ability to communicate effectively and to motivate and influence others.”
“I’m Not Popular Enough.”
Popularity is not a marker of success. Following this, one doesn’t need to be popular to achieve great things. In many ways, popularity can even be harmful to one’s growth—especially for teenagers. If you care too much about your popularity and what others think, you can be led astray and begin to act fake to live up to others’ expectations.
“I Fear Failure.”
Failure is a normal part of life, and it’s only through failure that one can grow and improve. If you fear failure and do all you can to avoid failing, you’re also stopping yourself from growing and becoming the best version of yourself. Mind Tools explains, “Often, valuable insights come only after a failure; accepting and learning from those insights is key to succeeding in life.”
“Rich People Hold All the Good Cards.”
People are all required to make an effort and work hard to achieve something. If you think that rich people hold all the good cards in life, then you’re limiting yourself because you automatically believe that nothing good will ever happen to you because you’re poor. You’ll stop making an effort and stop working hard because you think you have little to no control over your opportunities and successes—or lack thereof—in life.