Break Limiting Beliefs

(Friday)

 

This week we worked on becoming aware of any limiting beliefs we may have, and how our past can influence how we view ourselves in the present.

Things you have heard or have been told by others can impact how you feel about yourself and your abilities. If you begin to believe what you’re told, and perhaps even echo those beliefs with your own self-talk, it can be a challenge to eliminate those limiting beliefs.

Before we look at some ways to deal with limiting beliefs, let’s also be reminded that past events, experiences, and environments can cause you to develop limiting beliefs.

No matter cause of a limiting belief about yourself or your abilities, keep these points in mind:

  1. Everyone learns at a different pace. Learning is not a competition (though it might feel that way in school sometimes).

  2. You will grow. There are many things that may have been hard for you at one time, that are no longer difficult for you. For example, maybe at one time you couldn’t play the guitar or ride a bike, but can now do both with relative ease. Just because something is difficult for you now doesn’t mean it always will be.

Also, try to apply the following suggestions:

  • Give yourself incremental challenges or sub-goals.

  • Be persistent and develop a strong work ethic.

  • Acknowledge any and all growth and improvement.

Be realistic.

The key to growth is being able to live in the moment, that is, being able to appreciate where you are in your journey. If you understand where you are, you can more accurately set the new realistic goal. Setting unrealistic goals, perhaps by comparing yourself to others, or by being impatient, can end up backfiring. Nothing wrong with challenging yourself, but try to:

  1. Start with what you can do.

  2. Set small goals. Take your time.

  3. Set larger goals. Appreciate your progress.

NOTE: These videos are designed to explain basic principles. To enhance what you’re learning, try to teach a younger sibling the points made in the video.

It starts with a foundation.

A key to replacing negative beliefs is understanding you are a work in progress. Like any building, you must lay a foundation first. Even once the foundation is laid, the building isn’t complete, but you acknowledge that. With each successive addition to the building, the framing, the electrical, or plumbing, the building isn’t yet complete, but you keep building because you understand that it isn’t complete.

Can you apply this same principle and viewpoint to yourself? What are you building at the moment? How can adopting and applying the mentality of constructing a building to your own growth help you overcome any limiting beliefs?

Review the PDF below, and write down your answers to the questions in your journal.

Feel free to complete this metacognitive review.

 

STEPS FOR CHANGE

  • Identify if the past is negatively impacting you. Start by identifying any negative beliefs.

  • Understand and allow yourself to accept that you are still growing and learning. Like a building under construction, the foundation and each additional step contribute to the final structure but takes time. Be patient with your own growth.

    Consciously build the best you. Develop qualities like determination, flexibility, dependability, and empathy. Work on your problem-solving and communication skills. You’re the builder.

  • Like a child learning to walk, your efforts at learning at times will include falling - failing. But learn from those moments and move on - stronger, wiser, and more prepared. Do what you can, set goals that are reasonable for your abilities, appreciate your progress, and keep going.

 

Thought of the day.

A true teacher would never tell you what to do.

Surprise us.

We see your potential. We hope you do too. You can work on breaking any limiting beliefs or mental and emotional chains to the past. We know that you’re building yourself into something incredible. We can’t wait to see what you build.