Have you ever talked yourself out of doing something you really wanted to do? Does any of this negative self talk sound familiar?
‘I’m not good enough’
‘I’m not worthy’
‘I’m stupid’
‘I’m no good’
If it does, you are not alone. Many of us have loads of self talk resulting from our limiting beliefs adopted through the years. These beliefs reinforce themselves the more we tell them to ourselves because the neuropathways strengthen from repetition over time.
Limiting beliefs significantly impact our lives.
Our beliefs are self fulfilling prophecies. As Henry Ford aptly put it: “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.”
For some, it may not be as pronounced as negative self talk - it may be more of a quiet program running in the background. Either way, it will affect you. Our beliefs are self fulfilling prophecies. As Henry Ford aptly put it: “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.” To put it another way: What we believe helps create our reality.
These beliefs that shape our reality are influenced by our experiences, thoughts, emotions, and feelings. Often, they are significantly impacted by the people and events of our childhood.
Even if they are our beliefs, they tend to be outdated. The beliefs just formed a lasting imprint on our brain and thought patterns. These beliefs can sabotage us. They limit us. And, these beliefs are completely, 100% changeable! That is the beauty of the human brain. With the right approach, we can rewire our brain consciously.
The first step is identifying and starting to unwire the limiting beliefs holding us back. Catch yourself in a moment of negative self-talk. What exactly are you saying to yourself? If you have a few moments right then, write down the limiting belief and try to remember the very first time you felt like that (if not, make an effort to write about at your first opportunity).
For example, if you find yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” where did that idea first enter your consciousness? You weren’t born with that idea. Was it something a parent said? A teacher? Maybe it was a sibling or a friend.
As we explored last week, our brains develop thought patterns and beliefs to keep us safe. Our child selves with our childlike logic accepted that belief to prevent from being harmed (emotionally or physically) and it became wired into our brains. How is that idea now outdated? How has that idea prevented you from doing things you really wanted to do?
Think about what would change if you flipped that belief on its head. It takes a concerted effort to remain aware and catch ourselves repeating limiting beliefs to ourselves, but it is key to identify and reflect on them if you wish to change them. In time, you may just find you are instinctively talking yourself into doing the thing you want with confidence.
John dedicates his life to helping others deepen their connection with the Sacred in the world, nature, and within oneself. He is a Certified Spiritual Life Coach, Coach Trainer, NLP Practitioner, and Authorized Guide to John of God in Brazil. John currently lives in Boulder, Colorado with his fiancée and their wire hair terrier found on the streets of Brazil.
With her ability to listen and connect intuitively on a deep level, Julie guides clients to acknowledge and honor their own personal, unique strengths, (re)discover their inner spark, and achieve their goals, both personal and professional. She is a Certified Life Coach
and MBA currently living in Dallas, Texas with her husband and two rescued Labradors, Candy and Boomer. Shine Bright!