Sometimes there are external obstacles that hold us back; a lack of money, time, etc. However, more often the obstacles that hold us back are the ones that we put in our own way. Do you often tell yourself that you aren’t smart enough to do something? Not strong enough? Have you said you thought you are too old, too young, too busy, and any other limit that you can think of?
I’ve had clients tell me that they are too heavy to be a public speaker, too old to start a new career, too young to be believed by others, too dumb to learn computer skills, and not good enough at math to pass a statistics class. They were all wrong. I knew it but it took some work to convince them of it. Here’s the problem, if that’s what they believed then they were not only sure to fail but they had set themselves up to prove themselves right.
What beliefs are you holding on to that are limiting you?
What beliefs are you holding on to that are limiting you? How can you let go of those beliefs? First, ask yourself how true they really are. If you look at the examples above you will see that none of them were really true. If they aren’t true, then you can push through that belief and accomplish what you had once thought you couldn’t.
The client that thought she wasn’t good enough at math to pass a statistics class was me! I spent most of my life believing that I wasn’t good at math and when I decided to go to graduate school I knew that I would be taking numerous statistics classes. How did I break through my limiting belief? I asked myself for evidence that I wasn’t good at math and I didn’t really have any. Then I asked myself if I was capable of learning, of asking for help, and of pushing myself, and my answer to all of these was yes. It wasn’t easy, I had to constantly convince myself that I could do it but I did.
Check those beliefs at the door and push through to do the things that you have always wanted to do but had convinced yourself you couldn’t. Learn something new, challenge yourself, pass a statistics class, or apply for a job that you once believed you couldn’t do. You won’t regret it.
Love,
Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC