5 Tips to Cancel Limiting Beliefs

"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful." - The Buddha

Are limiting beliefs keeping you from becoming the person of your dreams? We all have allowed limiting beliefs to keep us stuck. The difference between those who refuse to allow limiting beliefs to rule their lives and those who do is simply a change in mindset and how you come to terms with those beliefs. "Change your mind, change you life" as the immutable Dr. Wayne Dyer says. You may be living your life based on limiting beliefs if you use any of these excuses to avoid getting to the place you want to be:

• "there's never enough time... money... resources..., etc..,"
• "it's too difficult..."
• "I can't...because..."
• "someday...I'll do it"
• tell yourself and others "I've tried that and it doesn't work for me"
• "I'm waiting for the right time, place or circumstances"
•"I'm not smart enough..."
•"I can't depend on anyone but myself"

Limiting beliefs run deep. They usually start with our caregivers who may say or treat us in ways that cultivate this mental dis-ease. And the excuses we internalize only serve to reinforce limiting beliefs that become a self fulfilling prophecy. And, of course, you get the same results and nothing changes.

To get unstuck and unlock the door to your enormous possibilities, here are some things you can start doing NOW that will get you on your way:

1) Write down all the limiting beliefs you can. Use the above list to get you started. Challenge each one. In other words, if you have the thought, it came from somewhere. Look back at the people who have influenced your life. Someone may have told you that money is the root of all evil and your dream of being wealthy is stymied because you carry that belief. Or you may believe that you are destined not to be wealthy. Why? Write down an exception to the belief. For instance, you may believe that rich people are evil. Can you see an exception? A limiting belief is only limiting when you believe it and it stands in your way of being all you can be. Once you uncover limiting beliefs, they power over you and your thoughts diminish significantly.

2) Challenge your limiting beliefs - Ask yourself if it really is true. For example, if you believe you don't have enough time, look at the ways in which you spend the time you do have. Can you carve out 30 minutes to start an exercise regiment? Where would you be if you didn't have this belief? How do you know ...? What would happen if you didn't believe this...What happens when you believe this...? This line of questioning will flush out what is really true and what isn't and quickly you will begin to see how your beliefs are holding you back. You can now begin to open your mind to new options and possibilities.

3) Dismiss Erroneous Assumptions - the unquestioned beliefs and unsupported assumptions we hold about our own competence, success, and achievements are often buried beneath the level of our everyday perception of ourselves and our world. To move ahead, you will need to become aware of your own assumptions and contradict them. One clue that you might be holding yourself back in a particular area is the simple fact that you are having trouble moving forward.

4) Stop Self Sabotage - Henry Ford once said, "If you think you can.... or if you think you can't...you're right!" It all depends on what you believe about yourself. When you constantly devalue your abilities, make disparaging remarks about your appearance, circumstances and your life, you just attract more of the same and it prevents you from setting and reaching goals that will greatly enhance your being.

5) Listen Carefully to Yourself - Your self-talk determines your possibilities, limitations, reality and how other people value and respect you. Instead of negative talk, begin now to make positive statements about your life, goals, capabilities and yourself.

Shifting your beliefs is like any other skill, it takes practice and commitment. If at first, you find it difficult to shift, don't be too hard on yourself - you won't be able to reprogram your whole life in one day.

Start with something small like conditioning yourself to be more sociable by inviting just one person to join you for dinner or a movie. There is no time limit or deadline. Experiment and come up with what's most important to you.

Article by - Gladys M. Anderson  provides unwavering support for professional, gifted and wise women who are ready to live life out loud with enthusiasm, energy, passion, and self-confidence. Gladys mixes years of experience as a therapist and coach, life experiences and a passion for empowering women to make powerful life-changing ways of being to become the person of their dreams. Contact me at http://www.coachforyourdreams.com so together we can co-create the life you were designed to have.

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