“Learning too soon our limitations, we never learn our powers.” – Mignon McLaughlin
So you’re not following your dreams, huh? Why not? You don’t believe your dreams are possible do you? If you really believed you could have what you wanted, you would be doing what it takes to get it, right? We all have limiting beliefs, and it’s these beliefs that hold us back from following our dreams. Some of our limitations are real. We have weaknesses and there are things we struggle with. Other times however, (and this is usually the case) limitations are just a figment of our imagination. We hold ourselves back and don’t give ourselves a fair chance to live up to our potential. I’m sure you’ve said at one point or another: “I’m not the kind of person who can do that.” “I don’t have what it takes.” “I’m not good enough.” Whatever your limiting beliefs may be, don’t cancel your plan to follow your dreams just yet. First read through these ideas on how to dismantle these limitations.
1. Stop comparing yourself to others
Do you tend to put other people on a pedestal and believe you can’t do what they do? When we compare ourselves to others in this way it tends to kill our confidence and makes us feel inferior. I feel confident in my drumming skills, but sometimes when I watch a really incredible drummer I start comparing myself to them. I start to focus on how much better they are and start thinking that I’m not good enough. This leads to doubting my dream of playing drums in a touring band. This type of thinking is natural but it doesn’t help. Drumming is an artistic expression and there is no reason to downplay my potential because someone else is currently better. There will always be someone with more expertise and more experience. This doesn’t mean anything about you though, unless you make it about you.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt
2. Stop letting the past define your future
Do you tend to rehash past mistakes and failures? Everyone has made mistakes in their life, but not everyone interprets mistakes in the same way. Mistakes and failures from your past don’t have to define what is possible for your future. But, this is exactly how many people view their past foibles. They let the past define who they are and end up limiting the possibilities for their future. The past doesn’t have to define you or limit you. Your future is created starting today!
What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
3. Stop saying “I don’t know.”
So many people hold back and stay stuck because they don’t know what to do. This has been something I struggle with, so now I try to catch myself thinking “I don’t know”, and then instead ask myself, “What do I need to learn?” “Who do I need to connect with?” or “What action would I take if I do if I did know?” There are always resources out there to help us create more of what we want. Don’t let “I don’t know” keep you stuck. Go out there and experiment until you find out what you need to learn.
Travelers, there is no path, paths are made by walking.” ― Antonio Machado
4. Take action and test your assumptions
Nothing will shatter your limiting beliefs like pushing your boundaries and living at your edge. Limiting beliefs tend to bring up fear, anxiety, and overall resistance. When we feel resistance we interpret this as a sign that we aren’t supposed to do something, or that we can’t do something. We hit a roadblock and stop doing what we know needs to be done. Instead of letting the feeling of resistance keep you spinning your wheels, get in motion and do what you know works. Don’t assume you can’t do something because you feel fearful and nervous. These feelings simply mean you are climbing above a plateau in your personal growth – so get climbing! How do you overcome your limiting beliefs? Share your wisdom and leave a comment below!
