I recently spent some time back in my hometown. The outcome? A resurgence of internal negative questioning about my lifestyle choices and the dreams I'm chasing.
I firmly believe that anyone can achieve anything they want to with their lives if they set their mind on it and remain determined. When it comes to me, I believe in myself. Kinda. Sometimes. I have full confidence I can achieve my goals. Except for any of the days I don't.
Why is this? Why do I somersault between shooting for the stars, and accepting a failure state?
Because of my "limiting beliefs". A concept I only heard about a few years ago. But now I understand what's going down in my crazy little head, I have ways of shushing them whenever they take root in my mind and prepare to take me down.
Hopefully this blog will help you overcome the mental barriers to your entrepreneurial success too.
What Are Limiting Beliefs?
Let's start with the basics. Limiting beliefs are those sneaky, self-imposed mental barriers that convince us we can't achieve something, or that we're not worthy of success. They often sound like the following:
"I'm not good enough."
"I don't have what it takes."
"Success is only for lucky people."
These beliefs are like the anchors holding down your entrepreneurial ship. They can stifle your creativity, sabotage your confidence, and ultimately, hinder your business growth.
For some, they're the reason they unnecessarily quit, or don't even start.
Where do these sneaky thoughts come from?
Limiting beliefs don't just magically appear; they develop over time due to various factors, such as:
Childhood Experiences: Your upbringing and early experiences can shape your self-perception. Negative feedback or comparisons to others can plant the seeds of doubt.
Negative Feedback: Criticism or rejection, especially when starting a business, can reinforce limiting beliefs. One setback can lead to a series of self-doubts.
Social Conditioning: Society's expectations and stereotypes can infiltrate your mindset, making you doubt your abilities based on your gender, age, or background.
Fear of Failure: A fear of failing can lead to the belief that success is unattainable, causing a self-fulfilling prophecy.
What They Look Like
If the first step is to become aware of your limiting beliefs and this is new to you, you may need some more examples to identify with. And, here they are!
I'm not good enough: Feeling inadequate or comparing yourself to others can undermine your self-esteem and hinder your progress.
I'm too old/young: Age-related self-doubt can limit your willingness to take risks or explore new opportunities.
I don't have the right education: Believing that formal education is the only path to success can limit your potential.
I'm not a natural leader: Underestimating your leadership abilities can hinder your ability to manage and inspire a team.
I'm too risk-averse: Fear of failure can prevent you from taking calculated risks that could lead to growth.
I can't handle rejection: A fear of rejection can deter you from pursuing sales, partnerships, or opportunities.
Success is only for the lucky ones: Thinking that success is solely a matter of luck can discourage proactive effort.
I'm not cut out for entrepreneurship: Believing you don't have the entrepreneurial spirit can hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
I can't handle stress: Underestimating your stress-handling capabilities can deter you from stepping out of your comfort zone.
I need more experience: Waiting for the "perfect" level of experience can keep you stuck in your current position.
I don't have the right connections: Believing you lack the necessary network can hinder your ability to access opportunities.
I don't have enough time: Feeling overwhelmed by time constraints can lead to procrastination and missed opportunities.
Money is the root of all evil: Negative beliefs about wealth can sabotage your financial goals and growth.
I should do it all myself: Refusing to delegate can lead to burnout and slow business growth.
I'm not creative: Believing you lack creativity can limit your ability to innovate and problem-solve.
I'm not tech-savvy: Fear of technology can impede your ability to adapt and use digital tools effectively.
I can't handle failure: Treating failure as a catastrophe rather than a learning opportunity can hinder resilience.
I'm too introverted/extroverted: Self-labelling based on personality traits can limit your adaptability and ability to connect with others.
I'm not a salesperson: Undervaluing your ability to sell or market your products can hinder your business growth.
I'm destined to struggle: Adopting a victim mentality can prevent you from taking control of your circumstances and achieving success.
Turning Limiting Beliefs into Limitless Potential
The best thing about limiting beliefs, is that once you know about them, you have the opportunity to transform them into something even more powerful than you had before!
Here's a roadmap to help you turn those limiting beliefs into limitless potential:
1. Identify Your Limiting Beliefs:
The first step in conquering limiting beliefs is recognising them. Ask yourself:
What beliefs are holding me back in my business and personal life?
When do these beliefs tend to surface? Are there specific triggers?
2. Challenge Your Beliefs:
Now that you've identified your limiting beliefs, it's time to dissect them. Start by asking:
Are these beliefs based on facts, or are they simply assumptions?
Can you find counterexamples that prove your limiting beliefs wrong? Seek evidence that contradicts your doubts.
3. Reframe Your Thoughts:
Once you've challenged your beliefs, replace them with empowering thoughts and affirmations. For example:
Instead of "I'm not good enough," say, "I am constantly learning and growing, and I have the potential to succeed."
Visualise your success and focus on the positive outcomes. Create a vision board or journal to remind yourself of your goals.
4. Seek Support:
Sometimes, breaking free from limiting beliefs can be challenging on your own. Reach out for help and guidance:
Connect with a mentor or coach who can offer insights and strategies for overcoming your specific limitations.
Consider talking to a therapist or counsellor if your limiting beliefs are deeply ingrained or causing emotional distress.
5. Take Action:
Taking action is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of limiting beliefs. Start by setting small, achievable goals and gradually increasing their difficulty. As you succeed, your confidence will grow.
6. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity:
Recognise that failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. Instead of fearing it, see it as an opportunity to learn and improve. As Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
7. Practice Self-Compassion:
Be kind to yourself. We all make mistakes, and we all have doubts. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend facing similar challenges.
8. Celebrate Your Wins:
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Each success is a step closer to breaking free from limiting beliefs.
9. Cultivate a Growth Mindset:
Adopt a growth mindset, as championed by psychologist Carol Dweck. This mindset emphasises that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Remember that you can always improve and grow.
10. Surround Yourself with Positivity:
Surround yourself with a supportive and encouraging community. Engage with people who uplift and inspire you, as they can counteract the negative impact of limiting beliefs.
As psychologist Albert Ellis said, "The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realise that you control your own destiny."
Useful Resources:
"The Power Of Believing That You Can Improve", Carol Dweck, Ted Talk