OVERCOMING SELF-LIMITING BELIEFS & STEPPING INTO YOUR POWER
Self-limiting beliefs are exactly what the term implies—beliefs that we hold about ourselves that aren't true. As my therapist would describe them, they are like "viruses" that can infect our thinking. Many of us carry these self-limiting beliefs, shaped by our childhood experiences, past events, and negative self-perceptions. Do any of these statements sound familiar? “I’m not good enough,” “I don’t deserve to be happy,” or “I won’t succeed; what’s the point?” If so, you’re not alone in experiencing these thoughts. It's comforting to know that we all share these struggles, and there are ways to work through them.
Acknowledging these deeply ingrained thoughts is crucial. Self-limiting beliefs can significantly impact our confidence, mental health, and lower our self-esteem. At the end of the day, they are just words with no real weight. One technique my therapist suggests when I express my self-limiting beliefs is to say them out loud and then reflect on how they resonate in my body. Do they feel comfortable, or do they create a sense of discomfort? Most of the time, they don’t sit well, and I realize just how stuck I am in these negative thought patterns that only hold me back.
I encourage you to try this exercise with your own negative thoughts: say them out loud and notice how they feel in your body. You might be surprised by the insights you gain. If speaking them aloud feels uncomfortable, consider journaling about them. Reflect on which negative thoughts recur and how they impact your mindset. When you voice or write down these beliefs, challenge them. Ask yourself: What evidence do I have to support these statements? This exercise can help reveal the lack of validity behind your thoughts, opening the door to a more empowered perspective.
Before I head out to a Thanksgiving dinner, I want to leave you with three powerful tools to help you break through your self-limiting beliefs:
1. Empowering Positive Affirmations
I find great value in repeating positive affirmations throughout my day. They help calm my mind and encourage self-love. One person I admire for numerous reasons is Gabby Bernstein (for those of you who haven’t heard of Gabby, she’s a motivational speaker and best-selling author known for her work in self-help and personal development). Through her Instagram page, she often shares techniques like meditations, affirmations, and visualizations to help individuals overcome limiting beliefs and tap into their inner strength. Just recently, she shared three affirmations that I highly recommend:
"I am worthy of everything that I desire."
"The universe has a far better plan than I do."
"I can let go and trust that everything is working out for me."
You can choose to say all three or just one affirmation each day, but I promise you'll notice a shift in your energy!
2. Surround Yourself with Positive Energy
It’s essential to have supportive friends, family, and mentors who can challenge your self-limiting beliefs and uplift you. Take inventory of the people closest to you—if they aren’t adding value or positivity to your life, are they worth keeping? Quality over quantity, always!
3. Talk to Yourself Like You’d Talk to a Friend
Be mindful of your inner dialogue. Are you being compassionate to yourself? Speak to yourself as if you were talking to a friend, offering the same love and support you’d give them.
I know how overwhelming self-limiting beliefs can feel, but I promise you that the effort it takes to confront them is worth it. You are more than capable of stepping into your true power. Whether it’s applying for a job you think you’re overqualified for or taking that first leap into a new career venture, trust yourself. Don’t sell yourself short—give yourself permission to go after the life you desire and deserve.
Remember, you’ve got this. You are worthy, you are capable, and you deserve everything you dream of.
PS: If you’re curious to learn more about Gabby Bernstein and her powerful insights, I recommend checking out her books: