A limiting belief is a belief about yourself that limits you in some way. It could be about your ability to do something, your likelihood of being loved by somebody, or your chances of getting a job you want. If you believe something which puts a limitation on yourself, that is a limiting belief. These beliefs can constrain you and your life and make you feel as though you are less than other people or will not accomplish your goals.

Examples of limiting beliefs

If you are starting to think that this sounds familiar and you might have some limiting beliefs, let’s take a look at some common examples.

“I can’t do it”: This is one of the most common limiting beliefs and can creep into our lives when we are children. If you hear children saying this, it is important to correct them with a positive line. It could either be, “You can’t do it…yet!” or you can reinforce the idea that they can do it!

“I’m not good enough”: Whether it is our qualifications, our bodies, our minds, our faces, or our salaries, not feeling good enough is a common emotion which we are all likely to have experienced at some point. It will be much more robust in your mind than in anyone else around you, so try to turn this around and stay positive rather than negative and limiting yourself.

Why are limiting beliefs harmful?

You might think you are realistic, and there is a lot to be said for realism and maintaining a sensible course of action. However, limiting beliefs are different because they do not even offer the opportunity to achieve your goals. Rather than reinforcing positive emotions and encouraging yourself to work harder towards a plan, you are giving up and telling yourself that you can not do it, you won’t be good enough, or somebody else will do it instead.

Limiting beliefs can stop you from going after what you want, and in the long run, they can severely damage your self-esteem and confidence. You will start to regret letting your limiting beliefs take over, which in turn could create even more limiting beliefs.

In the end, letting go of your limiting beliefs and changing the narrative can help you to understand more about yourself and go for the goals that you thought were out of reach. Until next, stay, keep the faith, and let go of those limiting beliefs.