The easiest thing to do when we fail is to blame others, which could be justifiable. But the truth of the matter is that we are often the ones holding ourselves from success. Our limiting beliefs almost always get in the way, sabotaging our every effort to break the ceiling. These unconscious beliefs are deep-rooted, and often, when we make decisions, they influence the course of action we take.
So, what are some of these beliefs, and how do they limit our potential? Read on to find out how you’ve been sabotaging yourself.
I’m too young or too old to…
They say age is just a number, but most of us rarely believe in this saying. You’ll cancel classes, events, or programs because most of the participants are way below or above your age group.
Being with a different age bracket may make you uneasy, but instead of quitting, think of the experience you will gain from another generation. You might find a worthwhile friendship with people whom you thought you had nothing in common with.
Another common concept is the thought that you are too old or too young to go back to school, start a business, start a family, or climb the corporate ladder. Your age has nothing to do with what you can or can’t do. The limiting belief that your age is a determining factor is the only thing hindering you from pursuing your purpose.
Every time you hear a nagging voice using your age as a limitation, give it an elbow and sprint towards your goal. You are never too old or too young to experiment new things, start afresh, pursue different hobbies, try a new career or be whatever it is you want to be.
I don’t have time
We all have 24 hours in a day, but some of us have worked so hard to convince ourselves that an entire day is not enough to get things done. Perhaps six more hours will do.
The whole conversation about the lack of time is a fallacy. If you really want to do something, you’ll find the time to do it. So, every day you skip meditation, a workout session, a family function, or a work deadline. It’s all a matter of priority, not lack of time.
Instead of perpetuating the limiting belief that you don’t have time, you can start by checking your schedule and identifying the gaps. Which tasks take too much of your time than they shouldn’t? What are you doing repeatedly? Is there anything you are neglecting? Be accountable for your time and prioritize wisely before you drown in the sea of procrastination.
I will be judged
More often than not, we project our deep-seated fears on others, and because we feel inadequate, we believe others are perceiving us the same way we perceive ourselves. When you feel judged, it’s often a reflection of how you perceive yourself and the judgments you hold about your abilities and behaviours. It’s nothing more than a mind trick. A survival strategy to guard your ego.
Suppose others are judging you, can you control what they think or say about you? You can’t. Besides, just like you, other people struggle with their perceived inadequacies. So, shift your focus from the judgment point of view. Do what your heart desires and fail at it, make a fool of yourself. So what if they laugh at you? At least you showed up and gave it a shot. And then again, this could be a defining moment that takes you to the next level.
I am not ready
There is nothing like the right time. You’ll always not be ready for the big promotion, a business deal, or a healthy eating program. The right time concept is an illusion that will always hold you hostage. Why? There is no guarantee that you’ll succeed if you wait longer. The sooner you know how far your resources and abilities can take you, the better.
So, instead of waiting for the perfect time, try the simple act of starting where you are. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You only have to be crazy enough to redefine what readiness means to you.
I am not enough
We are all familiar with the little voice that keeps telling us that we are not good enough. This self-limiting belief always leads us to develop behaviour patterns that keep us in our comfort zone.
If you convince yourself that you are not good enough, you limit yourself from opportunities that could potentially take you a step closer to your dreams. It’s a perfect case scenario of disqualifying yourself before you even try.
So, why not curb the anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and procrastination that comes with feelings of inadequacy by starting a self-awareness journey? Get in touch with who you are and silence the defeating thoughts because, to be honest, you are more than enough.
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