Rewriting Your Story: How to Identify and Remove Limiting Beliefs

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” — Henry Ford

Listen to a deep dive on Rewriting Your Story: How to Identify and Remove Limiting Beliefs:

Introduction

I know what it’s like to feel limited by my own beliefs. I’ve had those doubts that make you question whether you’re good enough, whether you have what it takes, or whether you’ll ever really reach your goals. Limiting beliefs can feel like invisible walls—holding us back from what we want most. They’re sneaky thoughts, often so subtle that we don’t even realize they’re there, shaping the choices we make and the opportunities we let pass by.

But here’s what I’ve learned: these beliefs don’t have to be permanent. Once you identify them, you can begin the work of reframing them and building a new narrative—one that empowers and motivates you to take action. In this post, I’ll share how you can start rewriting your story, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and building a mindset that supports your goals.

1. What Are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are deep-seated ideas we hold about ourselves, our abilities, or the world around us that restrict our potential. They’re often subconscious, but they drive much of our behavior and the choices we make—or don’t make.

Les Brown often talks about the “inner critic” that holds us back. “Life has no limitations, except the ones you make,” he says. These beliefs act as invisible barriers that tell us we can’t go beyond a certain point, or that we’re unworthy of certain opportunities.

Some common limiting beliefs include:

• “I don’t have enough experience.”

• “I’m not good enough.”

• “I’ll fail if I try.”

• “I don’t deserve success.”

Each of these thoughts represents a “glass ceiling” that we subconsciously impose on ourselves. The first step to changing them is identifying them.

2. Identifying Your Limiting Beliefs

Since limiting beliefs often operate below the surface, recognizing them can take practice. Here are some ways to uncover them:

• Notice Patterns in Self-Talk: Pay attention to recurring negative thoughts or self-doubt. If you often think, “I’m just not that kind of person” when considering a goal, it’s likely a limiting belief.

• Journal Prompt: Take a moment each day to jot down any negative thoughts or fears that come up around your goals or ambitions. Over time, patterns will emerge, revealing core beliefs.

• Observe Your Reactions to New Opportunities: When an opportunity arises, do you find yourself making excuses or feeling immediately resistant? This reaction can signal a limiting belief like “I’m not ready” or “I’ll fail if I try.”

Action Exercise: Choose one goal you want to achieve and write down every thought that comes to mind when you think about it. Look closely—are any of these thoughts limiting beliefs?

3. Reframing Limiting Beliefs

Reframing is the process of taking a limiting belief and transforming it into an empowering one. Wayne Dyer often said, “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.” By shifting perspective, you can start seeing these beliefs as opportunities to grow.

Here’s how to reframe a limiting belief:

1. Identify the Belief: Start by pinpointing the belief you want to change. For example, “I’m not experienced enough to succeed in this field.”

2. Challenge the Belief: Ask yourself, “Is this belief absolutely true? Do others with less experience succeed in this field?” Often, limiting beliefs are rooted in assumptions rather than facts.

3. Replace with an Empowering Belief: Change the original thought to something that inspires action. “I have unique insights to bring, and I can learn as I go” is an example of a reframe that invites growth.

Exercise: Choose one limiting belief you’ve identified and reframe it into an empowering statement. Repeat this statement to yourself daily, especially when doubt arises.

4. Building a Habit of Positive Self-Belief

James Clear in Atomic Habits emphasizes the power of identity-based habits, which are small actions that reinforce the person we want to become. The more we take small actions aligned with empowering beliefs, the more those beliefs become ingrained.

To cultivate positive self-beliefs, start with small, achievable goals that reinforce a new narrative. For instance, if your new belief is “I am capable and ready to succeed,” set a daily action that embodies this belief, like reaching out to a potential client or learning a new skill.

Exercise: Create a daily habit that reinforces an empowering belief. If you’re working on “I am capable,” take one small action each day that proves it—no matter how small.

5. Surround Yourself with Positive Influence

Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Surrounding yourself with people who support your goals and growth reinforces your belief in what’s possible.

• Connect with Supportive Peers: Find friends, mentors, or online communities who believe in self-improvement and are working toward their own goals.

• Limit Exposure to Negative Influences: Identify any relationships or sources of negativity and create healthy boundaries around them.

Exercise: Write down three people or communities that inspire you and think of ways you can engage with them more often.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

Limiting beliefs often arise when we’re hard on ourselves. Practicing self-compassion helps us move beyond criticism and embrace growth. Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, notes that being kind to ourselves helps us deal with setbacks and believe in our worth.

• Exercise: Each time you notice a limiting belief or self-doubt, respond with a compassionate statement. For example, “I’m doing the best I can, and every step forward is progress.”

Conclusion: Reframe Your Reality

Removing limiting beliefs is about rewriting the story you tell yourself. Remember, beliefs aren’t set in stone—they’re just thoughts we repeat until they feel like reality. As Henry Ford reminds us, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Choose to believe in your potential, and take small steps each day to reinforce this new reality.

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