How do I overcome self-limiting beliefs?

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When you're going through a stressful time, you may be having a hard time gaining self-confidence or feeling like you're doing your best. You might even convince yourself that you're not successful or talented. These are known as self-limiting beliefs.

However, you can learn how to identify these beliefs and even change your thinking to help you keep working towards your goals.

Self-limiting beliefs are things you assume or perceive about yourself or other people. They hold you back from achieving your goals and living your best life. These negative perceptions or assumptions can also lead you to form unhealthy habits and relationships with others.

No one's life is perfect. We all have weaknesses and don't always succeed in what we set out to do. However, dwelling too much on what's wrong in your life can lead to limiting thoughts such as:

• "I'm incapable."

• "I'm not good enough/not important enough."

• "I can't do this."

• "It's not worth it."

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If you're developing self-limiting beliefs, you may worry that others are against you or are untrustworthy. You might also compare yourself to other people. Here are some examples:

• "This person is a bad person."

• "I'm jealous of something they have that I don't." (examples: more money, a nicer car, a better job)

• "I'll never be as smart as them."

• "Everyone is out to get me."

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Although it's easy to think you can't change or it's too hard to fix things, there are ways to stop your limiting beliefs in their tracks and take charge of your goals.

First, understand where these patterns are coming from and allow yourself to have those feelings. Then, identify your thoughts and consider how you can turn them into more empowering beliefs:

Don't say...

• "I'm nobody special."

• "I need to be perfect."

• "I can't deal with this."

• "How did I mess this up?"

Tell yourself...

• "I have a lot of talents to share with the world."

• "I may not succeed at everything, but I'll do my best."

• "I'm strong and can handle anything."

• "I can forgive myself and learn from my mistakes."