Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Excavating Your Hidden Potential

Like tangled roots beneath a thriving tree, limiting beliefs can hold us back, preventing us from reaching our full potential. These negative thoughts, often formed in childhood or reinforced by negative experiences, whisper insidious messages like “I’m not smart enough,” “I’ll never succeed,” or “I’m not good enough.” The good news is, these beliefs aren’t reality; they’re just overgrown weeds blocking your path. By identifying and challenging them, you can unlock hidden potential and achieve more than you ever thought possible.

Unmasking the Culprits: Identifying Limiting Beliefs

Limiting beliefs can be subtle, masquerading as common sense or self-deprecating humour. Here are some common examples:

• “I’m not creative.” This belief can stifle artistic pursuits, entrepreneurial ventures, or even problem-solving in everyday life.
• “I’m not good at public speaking.” This fear can hold you back from pursuing leadership roles or sharing your ideas with the world.
• “I’ll never be financially successful.” This belief can create self-fulfilling prophecies by limiting your career choices or financial habits.
• “I’m too old to start over.” This ageism-based belief can prevent you from pursuing new learning, career paths, or relationships.

If you say any of these things to yourself, you are afflicted by the “I can’t” disease!

Many times, these beliefs find roots in parenting. Parents may be meaning well in saying “You can’t” to protect you and keep you safe. But there comes a time when parents extend the “you can’t” to tasks or achievements that are a function of a child’s capability. And over time, with a thousand “you can’t” in your ears, it slowly translates into “I can’t”. Disclaimer: this may not always be true but the fact remains that it is generally the “experienced” people around us who extend their inabilities to us. So what can one do?

Shining a Light: Challenging Your Beliefs

Once you identify your limiting beliefs, it’s time to challenge them. Here are some strategies:

• Question the evidence. Is there any factual basis for your belief? Often, limiting beliefs are based on isolated incidents or negative self-talk. Look for counter-evidence that demonstrates your abilities and achievements. It may turn out that you may have never even attempted to do what you tell yourself you can’t do?
• Reframe the narrative. Turn your limiting belief into a positive affirmation. Instead of “I’m not creative,” try “I haven’t explored my creativity enough yet.” This shift in perspective can spark new possibilities. Maybe your mind will learn to not label yourself as uncreative!
• Seek external validation. Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or professionals who can offer a different perspective and highlight your strengths. You may be surprised how different your self-evaluation can be from how others perceive you. Pick out the most positive advise you can get from others… it’s bound to help!
• Rediscover your talents. In this new age, the talents that were not given any value even as far back as a few months ago, can suddenly become valuable. I remember when I was young, the only talents that was given any recognition or credit were directly related to academics. But seeing how well some of the new professions are coming up, you might want to give your talents a rethink. Take YouTubing for example… imagine people discredited for being foodies have created careers for themselves as food vloggers!
• Focus on progress, not perfection. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Celebrate your small wins and progress, even if you don’t achieve immediate perfection. The biggest disservice you can do yourself is to not start because you are not perfect! Remember, practice makes perfect!

Examples of Success: Breaking Free from the Weeds

• J.K. Rowling: Rejected by multiple publishers, Rowling refused to let her limiting belief about her writing define her. Her persistence and belief in her story led to the creation of the Harry Potter series, one of the most successful literary franchises in history.
• Nelson Mandela: Imprisoned for 27 years for his fight against apartheid, Mandela could have easily succumbed to despair. Instead, he used his time to educate himself, build relationships, and strengthen his resolve. His unwavering belief in justice and equality ultimately led to the dismantling of apartheid and his election as South Africa’s first black president.
• Ray Kroc & Colonel Sanders: The man behind McDonald’s become one of the biggest fast-food chain started with McDonald’s at the age of 52 years. Colonel Sanders founded KFC at the age of 62!

The Path Beyond: Embracing Growth and Potential

Challenging limiting beliefs is a lifelong journey. There will be setbacks and moments of doubt, but remember, every step you take towards overcoming these weeds is a step closer to blooming your true potential. Embrace the process, celebrate your victories, and never stop believing in your ability to achieve your dreams.

Remember, you are capable of more than you think. Do not let your mindset be your enemy. So, take a deep breath, shine a light on your limiting beliefs, and start weeding them out. Tell yourself that the world needs your unique talents and contributions. Unleash your hidden potential and watch your dreams blossom.