Why you should NOT trust your beliefs

How to overcome Limiting Beliefs

Reading time: 3 minutes

You weren’t born to do this

As a child, I would often hear phrases such as, “Oh, that person was born talented!” The implication seemed to be that talent was a gift you were either born with or not, and there was nothing much to be done about it.

That’s such a limiting mindset, and that’s what I want to talk about today.

Limiting beliefs are:

  • Barriers between you and your goals

  • Ceiling to your full potential

  • Brakes for your drive and motivation

  • No bueno 😢 

By overcoming these beliefs:

1) You Can Do More

2) You Get Better

3) Make Smarter Choices

4) Feel Better About Yourself

5) Reach Your Goals

Unfortunately, most people fail to even acknowledge these beliefs. They accept them as truths, allowing them to dictate their action and limit their potential.

Is it Fear that prevents you to aim for the stars?

We often time blame fear as the culprit stopping us from trying new things or reaching for our dreams. But, there's more to it:

  • Past Experiences

  • What Other People Say

  • Fear

I have a silly story, so as a minority (Asian) back in high school, my friends told me that white girls don’t like Asian dudes (stupid right?) Well, they are wrong because:

  • Look at K-Pop fans

  • My wife is white 😄

Anyway,

Sometimes we subconsciously believe in these “statements” that are not true at all, and were made up by people that failed and gave up.

Here’s how to overcome limiting beliefs:

Step 1: Awareness

By reading this, you are half way done with this step. You acknowledge the problem.

From now on, pay attention to your thoughts and words you use every day. Of course, if you have kids or loved ones, make sure to stop them from saying these:

  • I Can’t

  • I’m not

  • I’ll never

😁 EASY right?

Step 2: Question the Belief

Once you've identified a limiting belief, ask yourself if it's truly accurate. Are there instances where the belief hasn't held true? Chances are, you'll find that the belief is based more on perception than fact.

I used to believe that to become a programmer, you need to be good at math (IDK why, but I heard this from everyone).

If you know me, programming is my day job, and BRUH, I’m not good at math at all. I use my fingers to count and do quick math ALL THE TIME.

Next time you run into a belief, I want you to hit X to doubt it!

Step 3: Consider the Source

Reflect on where the belief might have come from. Was it something you were taught as a child, or did it develop from a specific experience?

Understanding the origin of the belief can help you see that it's not a definitive truth.

Step 4: Reframe the Belief

After challenging the accuracy of the belief, try to reframe it into a more positive or empowering statement.

Approach every challenge like this

For example:

❌ I'm not good at public speaking

✅ With practice, I can improve my public speaking skills.

❌ If I get this job, I will…

✅ When I get this job, I will…

❌ This is not who I am

✅ I am capable of more than I think

Step 5: Seek Evidence

Look for evidence that supports your new, positive belief. This could be past experiences, new opportunities to practice, or examples of others who have achieved what you're aiming for.

TL;DR

1) Awareness

2) Question the belief

3) Consider the source

4) Reframe the belief

5) Seek evidence

Next time you doubt yourself or your ability, slap yourself and say, “I can do it!”

Badabing badaboom,

Thank you for reading, and for being a special friend 😉 

Reality is make believe

If you make yourself believe THIS

Why not make yourself believe THAT 

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