We all possess limiting beliefs in some form or another. We may not even realize it. Our belief systems are the foundations on which we view the world. No two people see or experience the world in the same way. You and I may be in the same car accident, and I may come out with PTSD while you are relatively unfazed. Understanding our internal beliefs, all the good and ugly ones, will help us understand our emotional experiences and help us move through life with a greater sense of control.
Limiting beliefs are often born from a sense of shame. “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do this” are limiting beliefs. But to understand them we need to also understand that our beliefs can work on spectrum. It is true that I cannot qualify for the Olympics in any sport this year. Or maybe ever. It be beyond my physical limitations at this point in my life. I recognize that. But that doesn’t mean I can’t kayak, or ice skate, if I choose to. And as I dig deeper into that belief maybe I’ll find that it isn’t so much about the fact that I can’t be an Olympian. Maybe I believe I can’t be an athlete at all, which is untrue. So by locking myself into the extreme edge of the limitation, of I can’t be an Olympian, I can subtly avoid my deeper and more intimately connected belief of I can’t be fit and active, or I can’t achieve great athletic feats.
Our beliefs are often not particularly rational. Shame is not rational. We can recognize on a surface level what is possible, but it is more difficult to connect to the belief that contradicts that. I know that I can train and finish a marathon. I know that is possible. At the same time, on a deeper less rational level, I don’t believe it is possible. I believe it is possible for others. I believe it is possible for humans. But I don’t believe it is possible for me.
Which is why it is so important to challenge the beliefs that limit us as we are able to recognize them. The marathon one is a true one for me. I’ve been wrestling with that for years. And it may take years more to actually achieve. But I’m working toward it. Mentally and physically. Another limiting belief I currently recognize and am working to shift is that I won’t be successful in my career. I won’t be able to to create something that effectively serves people. Which runs counter to what I know, and even what I present. It requires humility and honesty to be able to connect with our ugly beliefs about ourselves (or others, or the world). But every time we successfully prove our limiting beliefs wrong, we open the door for new possibility. If I can do this, what else can I do? If I was wrong about that, what else what I might be wrong about? We create room for curiosity and the expansion of our comfort zones. The world grows into an even more incredible place, full of wonder and opportunity. It’s out there, what’s limiting you?