How to Identify Your Limiting Beliefs

It’s getting pretty trendy to talk about limiting beliefs these days and that’s a good thing. Limiting beliefs hold us back from living our best lives and reaching for our dreams. Who wants to live in the super safe box? Not. Me.

But what in the heck are limiting beliefs and how do I know what mine are? Good question. Read on to find out and how to discover what is holding you back.

1. Write it Down

Get out your journal, a piece of paper, or open a new digital doc.

2. Write down three to five fantastic and huge things that you could do differently in your life.

Write down things that are totally outrageous and unrealistic. Don’t think about this too much or you’ll talk yourself out of stuff, just write down the first three to five amazing things that come to mind. (Your not going to marry them…)

For example:

• Live on a yacht in the Mediterranean.
• Have a beach house on the ocean.
• Take my entire extended family on a yearly vacation, all-expenses paid.
• Become a full-time artist.
• Start my own business or switch careers.

3. The Limiting Beliefs

Now for each thing you listed. Explain why you CAN’T do it. Because if you could have, you would have right?

You’ll see things like:

• I am too old or too young.
• I am not smart enough, as smart as, or don’t know enough.
• I don’t have enough time.
• I don’t have enough money.
• No one will listen to me, or care about what I have to say.
• I can’t be my real self or I’ll be judged.
• They will reject me.
• I’m not good enough.
• Rich people are greedy.
• What would people think?
• I am not good with money.
• I am always broke.
• I will never make enough money.
• I don’t deserve to be loved.
• I will never find a better partner.
• Love hurts too much.
• I don’t want to hurt them.
• I don’t have the right education.
• I don’t have the experience.
• It’s too late to start over.
• I should just be happy with what I have.
• I can’t make money doing what I love.

These items you’ve identified are some of your limiting beliefs. 

You can discover more limiting beliefs by paying attention to why you don’t do things in your life; things that tend to hold you back. Where are you procrastinating or what do you avoid? These might be good areas to look for more limiting beliefs.

You might say, they aren’t limiting beliefs, they are true statements, but I disagree. These beliefs are NOT true statements.

You may believe they are, but they most certainly are not.

4. Find Proof 

Take one of your limiting belief statements from above. Ask yourself – Is it true? The answer is no. You might vehemently disagree, but I tell you that it is not TRUE, without a doubt. 

Let’s say your belief is, I am too old. I can promise that you are never too old for anything, ever. Age is just how many years you’ve walked this earth. You did not come with an expiration date or a sell by date because as long as you physically and mentally can, you are not too old.

Now google oldest women to “fill in the blank”. I bet you will find many women your age or older who have accomplished your thing or something even bigger. Seriously don’t skip this step. It’s super inspiring.

Look for people who have done what you want to do. Everyone has limitations, not just you.

So now you say, well she could do it because she is smarter than me. Is that TRUE? Can you really know that’s TRUE? NO, you cannot….

Work through each belief and prove to yourself they are simply beliefs, they are not TRUE. As you do this you begin to see how these beliefs hold you back. 

Some beliefs are really deeply ingrained and can be super difficult shake off. No one is born bad with money or bad at relationships, these things are learned and can be changed. Trust me, these things are just labels, you can change those labels if you just decide to.

6. Practice Better Thoughts

It will still be difficult to just go out and believe differently, but practice makes this better each day. You might want to turn these beliefs around into affirmations. 

I’m too old can turn into I can do anything or I get this one life.

I don’t have the know-how can turn into I’m learning how to every day.

I’m terrible with money can turn into I’m learning to be better with my money.

Becoming aware of your limiting beliefs is the first step in creating your dream life or improving the awesome life you already have. Go out there and do it, you truly are capable of anything. 

7. A Final Thought

Maybe you’re wondering how this practice will allow you to live on a yacht in the Mediterranean. Let me just say, if you are never willing to entertain the idea as a possibility you definitely won’t get there.

Dream big my friends.