Limiting Beliefs

Contents

1 Limiting Beliefs

First off I want to congratulate you for coming to this article. Most people aren’t brave enough to face their negative beliefs and search for ways to replace them. Author and personal development coach Jack Canfield talks about, in his book,

The Success Principles, how our subconscious minds do no argue with us, it simply accepts what our conscious mind gives it. Whatever we say with our conscious minds, our subconscious minds will work to make it so.

Les Brown, motivational speaker once said “Don’t say I am broke. Say I am overcoming a cashflow problem!” This is a beautiful way of rephrasing a negative and limiting belief.

Below are some of the biggest limiting financial beliefs that are keeping us from abundance in our financial lives. As well as positive beliefs to counteract and replace them with.

Ok so lets begin!

The Ultimate List of Limiting Beliefs (And Solutions)

How were limiting beliefs developed? Well unfortunately they usually stem from our childhood. Some parent or teacher told us we couldn’t do something yet and then did it for us. Instances like this built up feelings of incompetence. But it is never too late to identify these limiting beliefs and start to replace them. Just like how to stop a bad habit, we must replace it.

The same is true with limiting beliefs. We can only rid ourselves of it by replacing it. Below are some of the ultimate limiting beliefs about various areas of life. And positive beliefs that you can replace them with when the come up in your mind.

Self Limiting Beliefs

I am not good looking. (Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I choose to see myself as beautiful and know that when I value my own beauty, so will others.)
I am not enough because I don’t look like my favorite star. (Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and the right person will love me for me. Plus I don’t know how much photo-shop was done or how much plastic surgery they have had.)
I am not capable of accomplishing my goals. (I know that there decades of knowledge out there in the things I want to achieve and if I devote time to studying them, I too can be successful)
If I share myself honestly people will think I am weak. (I know that the more I share myself with people, the better relationships I will have. People will see me as someone who is honest and real.)
I can’t hand this current situation. (I know from past knowledge that I have handled past scenarios that may be even scarier than this one, and I made it through.)
I am not lovable. (I have so much to offer that makes me lovable.)
I am not worthy. (I am fully worthy and see myself as being so everyday.)
I am not safe. (I feel safe and secure in my everyday life.)
I will never advance in life. (I know that through perseverance and persistence, I can get anywhere I want in life.)
Nothing I do is ever successful. (I know that the more I do something, the better I get at it. So through my good work ethic, everything I do will be successful at some point.)
Can’t you do anything right? (Look at all the things I have done right in my life. This is proof that I can do anything I want right.)
I can’t do anything correct, so why should I even try? (I have the ability to do many things and know that the more I do so, the better I will end up getting at it.)
Young people should be seen and not heard. (No matter how young or old I am, I have a voice and the knowledge and value needed to contribute to conversations with anyone.)
Men don’t cry. (I give myself permission to express myself because I know that it is truly healthy for me.)
It isn’t OK for me to share my feelings, especially the negative ones. (The more I share the real me, the more respect I will get and the better ans stronger relationships I will build.)
I need to act like a lady. (I give myself the freedom to act however I am feeling and not confining myself to a fake image.)
No one would ever care about my opinion. (I believe in myself and my ability to express my opinion and know the right people will receive it.)
I can’t focus on my own needs. (My personal needs are just as important as everyone else’s needs. I know I need to take care of myself before I try to take care of anyone else effectively.)
The only person I ever think about is me. (I know that my needs are important, as if I don’t focus on myself, I will get physically and mentally tired.)
I am damaged goods. (Everything I have been through has made me into the courageous individual that I am. Adding depth and experience to my personality.)
I need to act as if nothing phases me. (I allow myself to be vulnerable enough to not have to fake perfection. No one is perfect. Everyone has their struggles.)
Asking for help is a sign of weakness. (I know that no one has ever done anything alone. They have always had help and it is OK for me to seek the help of competent individuals like me.)
I am to scared to act. (I know that if I act, I will finally feel like acting more and more. The only way to get rid of fear is by doing the thing I fear.)
I’m not smart enough. (I haven’t acquired the knowledge yet needed.)
I am stupid. (I have a brain that is more powerful than any computer ever invented, therefor no one is stupid.)
I am not smart enough to enroll in college. (I have a powerful mind that will thrive in a college setting.)
No one in my family is smart. (My family has nothing to do with my intellectual capability and I see myself as smart and competent.)
All religions are bad except for “said religion”. (You can find truth in most religions and there are good and bad people, regardless of religion.)

Limiting Beliefs About Money

I will never be rich because I don’t come from money. (Where I come from doesn’t matter, who I become and am becoming does.)
No one in my family has ever been rich. (I can’t wait to be the first rich person to come from my family line.)
I can never make enough money. (I know that if someone has made a lot of money before it is possible for me.)
I don’t have enough education to be rich. (I know that some of the most wealthy people on the planet don’t even have a college degree. Some never even made it through high school.)
I don’t look like a rich person. (Wealth has nothing to do with looks. It comes in all shapes and sizes. Tall and short. Skinny and fat. Black or white. Funny or not funny.)
I will be an asshole if I get rich. (I know that wealthy only makes the person more of what they already are. And if I am kind now I will only become more kind with money.)
If I get rich, no one will like me. (When I get rich, I will find out who my true friends are and will be thankful for it revealing to me who my loyal friends and family really are._
If I get rich, my friends will leave me if I don’t share it with them. (I can’t wait to share my wealth with my friends because I will enjoy seeing them smile. If they leave me, then they were never meant to be in my life in the first place.)
If I get rich, people will see me as smug or stuck up. (People will see me how I see myself, therefore I choose to always seek growth in life so I continue to create a better and better self image.)
I don’t know enough to be successful. (I have yet to acquire the knowledge needed to be successful and know there are infinite resources for learning.)
I can’t get wealthy in THIS profession. (I know that people have got rich in virtually every profession. And if they can, so can I.)
Love of money is the root of all evil. (The Bible says the LOVE of money is the root of all evil, not money itself.) (I know I can’t help the poor if I am poor, that is why I must get wealthy)
Money doesn’t grow on trees. (It actually does grow on trees because that is what money is made of, paper!)
Money isn’t important. (Money is very important as I can give my family and friends better lives with it as well as give myself a better life.)
Money doesn’t buy you happiness. (Money can help me lead a happier life and take away the stress of being poor.)
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. (I know that I am able to create abundance as there is an abundant amount of money to go around.)
Rich people are selfish. (Selfish people are selfish. Money has nothing to do with this.)

Limiting Beliefs About Love

There are just no good men/women left in this town. (There are plenty of fish in the sea and I am open to all forms of communication, online and offline, to find my soul mate.)
I don’t want to open myself up because I will get hurt. (I know that true love is out there and in order to find it I need to be vulnerable and have the courage to do so.)
I am not worthy of love. (I am worth of receiving and giving love abundantly. I deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.)
I am scared that they will leave me. (My fear gets in the way of acting loving towards my mate and building a life long relationship that is why I choose to let go of it.)
I can never be happy alone. (I know that the more happy I am with myself, the better and more healthy person I will attract into my life.)
I need to date a person that my parents approve of. (I know my family will be happy for me because I am happy. Not for who the other person is.)
The person will be the same way as they were when they were single. (I don’t judge people from how I saw them when they were single, and am open to giving them a chance in a relationship.)
I am not relationship material. (I am perfectly suited to be in a loving relationship.)
I need to be quiet in order to receive love. (I have my own voice that contributes greatly to the loving relationships in my life.)

Limiting Beliefs About Food

I need to clear off my plate since there are kids in Africa that are starving. (I eat until I am full enough. Then store the rest to eat later.)
I only have to eat clean in order to be fit. (I know that the amount of calories is what matters more than where they are coming from. I choose to monitor my calories, eating good, but still rewarding myself.)
Carbs make you fat. (Carbs are a good source of energy, what makes you fat is eating too much calories, not a certain food group.)
I messed up my diet and now it isn’t worth it to try again. (My past mistakes do not represent what my future holds. I have the power to transform my body.)
I need to eat 6 small meals per day. (The size or frequency of my meals don’t matter as much as staying to a calorie count that trajects me towards my goals.)
Fat makes you fat. (Fat doesn’t make me fat. Overeating does.)
I can’t eat before I go to the gym. (I know that some good carbs will help me workout more intensely.)
You have to eat big to get big. (It is more healthy to gain wait steadily so I retain my muscle and don’t have to waste months dieting off fat.)
Losing weight is hard. (Through a long term approach to weight loss I will be more successful and keep it off. Plus staying overweight is harder than losing weight.)
You need to workout in order to lose weight. (If I eat less calories than I need to maintain my body weight, I can lose weight.)
I am big boned. (The truth is that there are no fat skeletons, this isn’t why I am fat. With hard work I can sculpt my body.)
I hate the gym. (I simply haven’t found a workout program that keeps my interest. As well as I can exercise outside or in my home.)
Weight loss doesn’t work. (I know that through eliminating bad habits, I can lose the weight I need to lose)
I have the fat gene. (Genes may play some role in my weight, but with hard work I can overcome any limitation.) (My genes support successful weight loss.)

This is just a list of some of the most popular (or not popular) beliefs that we hold in our minds. But in order for you to get the most out of this post, allow yourself to engage in the following activity.

Identify many of your limiting beliefs that you want to change. Write them all out. You can get some help with this by getting together with some friends and doing this activity together.

Where you guys develop a list of all the limiting beliefs that came from when you were all kids. Things that came from the parents, your teachers, religious leaders, sports coaches, TV shows, older or younger siblings, etc.

Then look at how this belief is limiting you. Look at all the areas of life that it is getting in the way of living an abundant life. How it is holding you back.

Then look at the positive things that can come out of creating a positive belief out of the negative one.

For example, if you feel as if you are need to do everything, without anyone else’s help. See how by asking for help, you will make deadlines easier and have more time to spend with family or go to the gym

Seeing the other side of the coin will allow you the motivation to change this limiting belief.

Then for 30 days straight, repeat multiple repetitions per day of the positive belief after bring up the limiting thought and feeling.

After a while, they will penetrate into the subconscious mind. Setting themselves in stone. This is when you sill start acting out the new and positive beliefs with ease.

Below are 11 more tips that you can use to help you along the process of getting rid of negative thoughts and beliefs.

11 Tips To Ridding Limiting Beliefs

Meditate Your Way To Less Limiting Beliefs

A great article by Maqtoob.com talks the power of using visualization under states of deep relaxation. Essentially when we meditate, our brainwaves move from Beta brainwaves to Alpha brainwaves. Or even into the deepest state of relaxation known as Theta.

The later two are the most suggestible states where it becomes much more simply and easy to reprogram our brains. Enforcing them in our subconscious minds.

So if you are open to it, take time out of your day to meditate. Then once you have done so, refer to the list above and start visualizing thoughts that oppose your limiting beliefs. Replace them verbally and with new brain pictures.

Before you meditate, give yourself a quick scan of your body. Relaxing areas that are tense. This will get you ready to enter into deep states of relaxation at a more rapid rate.

Stop Defending Your Limiting Beliefs

Often times we will says things like “I am just big boned, that is why I am overweight.” Or “I have always been a drinker and always will be!”. Saying things like this is not only reinforcing the limiting belief and keeping us from what we want. But it is forcing the limiting belief deeper and deeper into our personality.

Our personality is a reflection of what we believe ourselves to be. If you take on the personality that you are a workaholic, your daily actions will usually show this to be true. This is because when you describe yourself to people, you will usually say this. If you identify with being fit, your internal and external dialogue will reflect positive thoughts that keep you in the gym and eating healthy.

But the same is true about limiting beliefs. Often we fight for their validity and truth. Someone may even tell us to stop believing that about ourselves. And we oppose them with reasons on why they our wrong and our self limiting belief is right.

In order for you and I to stop reinforcing our negative beliefs, we need to surrender to them. Instead of fighting for them, either just stop doing so when they come up. Or better yet fight AGAINST them. You can do this by following some of the tips above. And of course referring to the big list above on examples limiting beliefs and their opposing positive beliefs.

You can also ask yourself what is getting in the way of replacing this belief. Often times we are the only ones that can give the answers to this. And going within can help you identify what is really getting in your way of replacing the negative belief with a positive one.

Stop Thinking Black and White

When we think black and white we limit ourselves to the max. When we say things like “There is no way he/she will ever go out with me” we could instead say “There’s always a possibility she will say yes to me when I ask him/her out.”

We literally cut ourselves off from the courage we need to act on our desires. So the first and main thing to learn about creating more positive beliefs is to always have a grey area. Or if you are going to be black and white, always go with white. Say thinks like “I am infinite”, “I am beautiful/handsome”, “I am financially abundant.”

Stop Using Guilt Phrases

So when stating negative limiting beliefs, often times we use phrases such as “ought to”, “should” and “must”. When we do this we bring upon feelings of guilt. Like for example, saying things like I should be skinnier or I should be more disciplined. This is phrasing things in a way that are making you feel bad and guilty. When this happens it isn’t moving you in the right direction.

Instead, use phrases such as “I want to fit” or “It is conducive to my goals to be fit”. Replace it with anything else. This will help you phrase your beliefs in a positive manner. And also frame your mind in the positive. Bringing you away from feeling guilt over not having your goal yet.

Don’t Tolerate These Thoughts

Dr. Daniel Amen, said to be America’s most popular psychiatrist, New York Time’s best selling author and pioneer of brain SPECT imaging, once said:

“Don’t believe everything you hear, this includes your own mind.”

He refers to automatic negative thoughts as ANT’s. And just like ants in your house, you want to and have to get them out. Stomp them out by not allowing them in your mind. Don’t believe them. It is just a thought. Just because your thinking it, doesn’t mean it is true.

The first time I realized this, it was almost a miracle. I was so caught up in the programs and limiting beliefs in my mind. But when I realized just because they were coming into my awareness, doesn’t mean I have to believe them or act on them.

Instead of identifying and believing them, simply ask yourself “why not”. So if you think you can’t go back to school, then ask yourself why not. Whatever comes up is again, just an excuse. You mind trying to keep you safe. But everything something comes up, see it as just an excuse and something that doesn’t need to stop you. Again guys, these are simply just limiting beliefs coming out of the file cabinet of your mind.

Keep asking why not, and you will get to the root cause. As well as simply laugh at all the excuses that come up. The more we question our limiting beliefs, the more we expose them. They are no longer running us on autopilot.

It is like a screaming kid. It simply wants attention. Just give it attention by examining them then letting them go. Literally see them as a three year old crying child. This will help you see how funny these little crying babies are.

Remind Yourself That You Are Digging Your Own Grave

How we think dictates how we act. If we are a baseball player and we think we are a bad player, we will take the actions needed that reflect our inner beliefs. Have you ever seen someone do so good at a sport they have just tried? Or even a child who throws a strike on their first bowl? This is because they have accumulated any beliefs about it yet. They have not limiting beliefs about what they are doing that are manifesting themselves in the physical world yet.

So when you are thinking a limiting belief, remind yourself that it is only your fault if you take the actions that support it. This can make you the captain of your life. Instead of believing them, replace them with the positive. Believe that and then you will physically act in accordance to your new belief.

The more you oppose your negative beliefs with positive and infinite beliefs, the more they will become set in stone. It is like putting a post in slab on concrete. It may be wobbly at first, but as the concrete sets, the board becomes rigid and set in it’s ways. The same is true about our thoughts. It will set like concrete.

You Become What You Hang Around

As children our parents told us not to hang out with “those” kids. They were probably doing things that made them look cool and so naturally we wanted to hang with them too. So that we would become popular and look cool. But parents told us this for the simple fact that we become what we hang around. And although it felt like a punishment that we couldn’t go over to little Johnny or Susie’s house when we wanted, it was a blessing.

But now that the parental’s aren’t around to tell us who to hang out with, we need watch who we are hanging with. If someone that you hanging out with has a limiting belief, which we all do to an extent, we will pick up on it. Even if at first you think how absurd it is. It will start sinking into our mind and setting like concrete after hearing it over and over again.

The same is true with the posture of the people we hang out with. If the people around us are hunched over and self defeating in the way they hold themselves, we will become the same. And posture has a lot to do with our minds. The more upright and proud we stand, the more positive we become.

So monitor the closest people around you. Notice if they are having any limiting beliefs come up when you are around them. And tell them to stop thinking and saying it. This will not only show them that you love them, but help them change their lives. But most importantly, you are prepping an environment for more nourishing and limitless beliefs and thoughts to grow and take root.

Check In With Your Heart

No I am not talking about a health screening. I am talking about a reality screening. When it comes to our minds, it is simply a file cabinet in which we have stored information. But the heart gives us true answers. So next time you think a limiting belief, simply know it is just one of your file cabinets opening up. But then look to your heart for the real answer. Ask your heart what is really true. More often then not, you will get a more self empowering answer.

Be Proactive

What do parents do when they see their kid is suffering in math? They hire them a tutor. Instead of saying that their child is stupid, the just see it as something they need help with. So they become proactive.

The same is true about our limiting beliefs. We need to be proactive at getting rid of them and replacing them. This means surveying the resources you need to use and the things you need to learn in order to replace them.

So say one of your limiting beliefs is that you aren’t smart enough. Then first off you need to identify what that means to you. Not smart enough in regards to what subject or subjects. Then take the action needed to gain the knowledge in those subjects so that you can feel more smart.

Also, recognize that everyone is inferior to each other in some way. And superior to others in other ways. That doesn’t mean that you are superior or inferior to these people. You are just inferior or superior in regards to certain things.

Because of societies standards, a doctor may look more superior than a stay at home mother. But its true that the stay at home mother is way more competent in being a good stay at home mother than the doctor is. And vice versa.

Keep Growing

This may be in every single one of my articles. Simply because it is the tip that makes all other tips easier and more effective. When we keep growing as people, we take things less serious. We become more positive. And we believe in ourselves more. The things that used to bother us, no longer to or not as much.

When we keep growing, we change our self image to reflect a more positive and loving image that we act from. Limiting beliefs often times disappear and we manifest more greatness and abundance in our lives because of it.

Ask How It Is Impacting Your Life (And The People You Love)

Often times all we need to do is reflect on how negative beliefs are impacting our lives. Is it help us or hindering us? Also, take it one step further. Think about all the people in your life that it is affecting. Say we don’t think we deserve to be rich. Well this will get in the way of opportunities that can make you more wealthy. Which in turn can help you give your kids a better life instead of having them suffer.

The most motivating things we have ever gotten in life usually come from us wanting them for someone else. Do the same with your limiting beliefs. Simply look at how it is affecting you and the people you love. This can give you enough willpower and courage to let go of your limiting belief.

Think About How The Positive Belief Will Affect Your Life

After you have seen how the limiting belief has been a catostroph in your life, now it is time to flip the deck. See how the new and empowering belief will benefit you. And the abundance and good feelings it will give you. This can give you the courage to let go of trying to defend your limiting beliefs and finally change it for good.

Limiting Beliefs Quotes

Remember, we all get what we tolerate. So stop tolerating excuses within yourself. Limiting Beliefs of the past or half assed or fearful states.”
“I’m not interested in your limiting beliefs, I’m interested in what makes you limitless.” – Brendon Burchard
“The only limits you have are the limits you believe.” – Wayne Dyer
“Every person takes the limits of their own field of vision for the limits of the world.” – Arthur Schopenhauer
“If you accept a limiting belief, then it will become a truth for you.” – Louise Hay
“Many people are passionate, but because of their limiting beliefs about who they are and what they can do, they never take actions that could make their dream become their reality.” – Tony Robbins
“Challenge your most self limiting beliefs. Most of them are not true at all.” –
“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale
“It’s not what you say out of you say out of your mouth that determines your life. It is what you whisper to yourself that has the most power.”
“Make sure your worst enemy is not living between your ears.”
“You begin to fly when you let go of self-limiting beliefs and allow your mind and aspirations to rise to greater heights.” – Brian Tracy
“They say misery lover company, but so does mediocrity. Don’t let the limiting beliefs of others limit what’s possible for you.”
“Do the uncomfortable. Become comfortable with these acts. Prove to yourself that your limiting beliefs die a quick death if you will simply do what you feel uncomfortable doing.”
“You must face your fears and limiting beliefs head on to develop your self-belief.” – Richard Parkes Cordock
“How far you can go in life is yet to be seen. Don’t let other people’s limited beliefs about what’s possible diminish your potential.” – Kevin Ngo
“Free yourself from the imprisonment of your own limiting beliefs and prejudices.” – Steve Maraboli
“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.”
“Whether you think you can, or think you’t can’t. Your right.” – Henry Ford
“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”
“The worst of all beliefs are self-limiting beliefs. If you believe yourself to be limited in some way, whether it is true, it becomes true for you. IF you believe it, you will act is if you were deficient in that particular area of talent or skill. Overcoming self-limiting beliefs and self-imposed limitation is often the biggest obstacle standing between you and the realization of your full potential.”
“You have the power in the present moment to change your limiting beliefs and consciously plant the seeds for the future of your choosing. As you change your mind, you change your experience.” – Serge King
“Argue for your limitations and sure enough they’re yours.” – Richard Bach
“Don’t ever let others impose their self-limiting beliefs on to you. They don’t have the courage and spirit that you do.” – Miya Yamanouchi
“Chronic self-doubt is a symptom of the core belief ‘I am not good enough.’ We adopt these types of limiting beliefs in response to our family and childhood experiences and they become rooted in the subconscious. We have the ability take action to override it.” – Lauren Mackler
“Changing limiting beliefs is not as hard as you think it might be. First tell yourself that you will do all it takes to overcome your negative beliefs and this you can do by indentifying them in the first place.”
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“It’s not hard to create self-limiting beliefs that produce a successful and happy life. The main job is to unlearn your limiting beliefs.” – Maddy Mahotra
“The only thing limiting us in life is our belief that there are limits.”
“A belief is not a an idea that is held by the mind, it is an idea that holds the mind.” – Elle Roselle
“Challenge your assumptions and identify your limiting beliefs. Every time you find yourself thinking that you can’t do something, ask yourself why not? – Domonique Bertolucci
“All to often we’re filled with negative and limiting beliefs. We’re filled with doubt. We’re filled with guilt or with a sense of unworthiness. We have a lot of assumptions about the way the world is that are actually wrong.” – Jack Canfield
“It take the same amount of effort to hold a negative belief as if does to hold a positive one. Make sure you choose beliefs that empower you rather than limit you.” – Rubin Chavez
“Nothing will infect you with a negative view of the world faster than hanging around people with harmful belief systems.” – Randy Gage
“You have the power in the present moment to change limiting beliefs and consciously plant the seeds for the future of your choosing. As you change your mind, you change your experience.” – Serge King
“The thoughts and beliefs that you repeat in your mind when you are experiencing a negative situation become your reality. Your subconscious mind will make sure these limiting beliefs are manifested.” – Maddy Malhotra
“Beliefs have the power to create and the power to destroy. Human beings have the awesome ability to take any experience of their lives and create a meaning that disempowers them or once that can literally save their lives.” – Tony Robbins
“The sky isn’t the limit, your limiting beliefs are. Dream big, take action and make your dream come true.” – Wlater D’Amica
“Our limitations and success will be based, most often, on your own expectations for ourselves, what the mind dwells upon, the body acts upon.” – Denis Waitley
“One of the hardest expressions of self-assertiveness is challenging your limiting beliefs.” – Nathaniel Branden
‘Human beings have used their incredible abilities to develop a staggering array of limiting beliefs, justifications and excuses for every occasion. What a waste!” – Robert White
“We have a lot of limiting beliefs that we’re not even conscious of. Maybe your family taught you you weren’t good enough or you weren’t smart enough. Perhaps we’re taught that this religion is good and all other religions are bad. It’s endless.” – Deborah King

Conclusion To Limiting Beliefs

So as you can see, even in the phrase, limiting beliefs are just beliefs. It is like believing in Santa as a kid. He was so real and true as a child to you. But as you learned the truth, you chose not to believe the lie anymore. You unlearn the false and adopt the truth.

The same is true with limiting beliefs. They are just beliefs and can be changed by believing the opposite and empowering belief.

I hope this article helped you. I would love to hear what you thought about it and also if you have anything to add that can be helpful to our community. As we can all learn from each other!

Hope you are having a great day, week, month and year.

Chris