Limiting Beliefs (Part 2)
After writing last week’s post on Limiting Beliefs, a few people asked me to further clarify the definition of and role that limiting beliefs play in our lives.
Limiting beliefs are beliefs that prevent us from living fulfilled, happy and satisfied lives. These are the stories we tell ourselves and end up living them. They often begin with the words, “I can’t…” or “I am not…” Probably the best way to understand what limiting beliefs are is to read classic examples:
- I am not good enough.
- I am not lovable.
- I am not capable of…
- This is not the time to do…
- No marriages are perfect.
- My relationship with my parents is irreparable.
- Teens are rebels.
- For any relationship to survive you have to work hard on it.
Each one of us will be held back by a limiting belief at some point in our lives. We are usually not conscious of these beliefs because they are typically ingrained in us from our early family and childhood experiences. Sadly, such beliefs run so many of our lives.
Take the example of, “No marriages are perfect”… My response is, “Why not?” If you believe that your marriage will never be perfect, than it never will be for you. Or, in the case of, “My relationship with my parents is irreparable”. If you believe this is the case, you will never fully try to make amends with them. Such a limiting belief will stand in the way of you repairing your relationship.
To identify your own limiting beliefs, take a week to carefully monitor the things you say and the thoughts that float through your head. Ask yourself, “Which ideas are preventing me from achieving my dreams? Which ideas are eroding the peace in my life? Which ideas are blocking me from being satisfied? What is my truth?”
Awareness of your own limiting beliefs is the first step towards moving forward. Once they have been identified notice the impact your limiting beliefs are having on you, your spouse and your children. What do you see?
- Gonan Premfors
Co-founder, Parentology
Image available under CC License by Zach Klein
Related posts:
- Limiting Beliefs
- Ask Parentology: Jobs for Kids
- Why Kids Lie
- A Response to the “Tiger Mother”
- Who Holds the Power in your Relationships?
Category: Reflections, Skills
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