How do you figure out your limiting beliefs?
The easiest way to figure out your limiting beliefs is to evaluate areas where you’re overly critical.
For example, do you judge yourself or others for certain things that they say or do? Now, see if you have a limiting belief in that area. For example, if you judge people who have money, you may have limiting beliefs around being wealthy.
Often, a limiting belief is a thought you believe to be a fact when it is actually a judgment (not a fact at all!).
If you are still struggling to identify your limiting beliefs, just know that they often stem from beliefs that were programmed into you at a young age—beliefs your family considered true. So you can also take a look at the things that you know your family believes to be true and see if any of these beliefs might be holding you back.
Written By Tiffany Woodfield, Financial Coach, TEP®, CRPC®, CIM®
How I Was Stuck in a Limiting Belief that Kept Me from Connecting with Others
I remember in my early 30s being closed off to others without even realizing it.
I would often judge people based solely on appearances, dismissing them as trying too hard or being fake. At the time, it didn’t seem like a big deal. But those negative thoughts were like small digs that occurred daily.
Then I recognized I was pushing people away with my judgments and telling myself they weren’t worth the effort.
Curious about these beliefs, I wondered if my judgments were true. I made a decision to learn something from everyone I met, and that change in mindset transformed my experience. I would pause when I was about to judge someone and instead be curious about their story.
This shift has not only expanded my connections but also taught me that we are all here to learn.
I believe we are all on a journey of learning. I also believe that breaking free from limiting beliefs—often rooted in fear of rejection and judgment—can set us free. I urge you to explore where you tighten and judge, and approach every situation with curiosity.
What exactly are limiting beliefs?
Limiting beliefs are thoughts that hold you back from feeling free.
They are usually subconscious and ingrained from society and your family during your upbringing. Limiting beliefs can affect decision-making, behaviour and your quality of life. Identifying and then challenging them can lead to personal growth and greater freedom.
What are 10 common limiting beliefs?
These are some examples of common limiting beliefs that you might have experienced:
- I am not worthy of love.
- I believe all relationships end in failure.
- I am not qualified to achieve certain jobs or success.
- I am unattractive.
- I believe men are sneaky, lazy, and selfish.
- I believe women are spoiled, selfish, and conniving.
- I am bad with money.
- I won’t be able to change or grow.
- I will never be happy.
- I will never be healthy.
- I can’t trust people.
Can you see yourself in any of these thoughts?
📖 Related Read: What Are Limiting Beliefs About Money
How do I free myself from limiting beliefs?
First, you need to want to release the limiting beliefs.
Begin by acknowledging your limiting beliefs. For example, let’s say your limiting belief is that you think that people who buy expensive cars are just trying to impress others. Then, next time you are about to judge someone in a fancy car, pause and recognize that you’re making a judgment.
Try to see that this thought reflects a limiting belief.
Often, strong limiting beliefs feel like facts, leading you to think, “This isn’t a limiting belief; it’s the truth!”
However, not everyone buys an expensive car for the same reasons—you don’t know their story. Maybe they are car lovers because they grew up in a family of car lovers, and they appreciate the design. Maybe they are worried about safety, and they believe their car is the safest on the market. Or, maybe they do want to impress others because that’s what they were raised to value. But how can you know for sure?
Remember that you would likely not be judging them if you were not judging yourself in some similar way. And your judgment of them actually holds you back.
Your limiting beliefs may not be true and could hinder your happiness.
The more you acknowledge these beliefs and practice alternative perspectives, the closer you’ll be to freedom.
Limiting beliefs function like a locked door, keeping you from exploring opportunities, such as driving a new car, pursuing a fulfilling career, or just being freer in your everyday life.
Be curious about your beliefs and challenge the idea that they are factual.
Why is it important to figure out my limiting beliefs?
It is important to identify your limiting beliefs, or you’ll be holding yourself back from success, freedom, and happiness.
If you consciously set goals but haven’t released your limiting beliefs about them, you may struggle to achieve them. It’s like trying to drive a car with the parking brake engaged.
You have your destination in mind, your tank is full, and your bags are packed, yet the parking brake is slowing you down. Even worse, you may not even realize it!
Can limiting beliefs hold me back from success?
Absolutely! They create an internal struggle within you.
It’s like having a devil and an angel on your shoulders. The angel is saying, “You’ve got this; you know what to do, and I believe in you.” Meanwhile, the devil whispers, “This is too hard; you are worthless and will never succeed.”
Your limiting beliefs make it harder to feel happy and free.
Final Thoughts
There are many great resources available on how to achieve success, financial freedom, and healthy relationships.
The problem is that if you haven’t acknowledged and worked on releasing your limiting beliefs, it can be difficult to make changes. However, the good news is that by becoming aware of where you are critical and questioning whether the beliefs that lead you to judge are 100% true, you can consciously transform judgment into curiosity.
As a result, you’ll begin to see things differently and consciously turn judgment into curiosity. The road to freedom will become easier! aliquet magna, a maximus orci interdum at. Maecenas non finibus tortor.
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Read More:
💎 How to Remove Limiting Beliefs about Money
💎 How to Change Your Mindset on Making Money
💎 22 Limiting Beliefs (Almost) Everyone Has and How to Deal
About the Author
TIFFANY WOODFIELD is a financial coach, cross-border expert, and the co-founder of SWAN Wealth based out of Kelowna, BC. As a TEP and associate portfolio manager, Tiffany has extensive experience working with successful professionals who want to leave a legacy and enjoy an adventurous, work-optional lifestyle. Tiffany combines extensive knowledge from her background as a financial professional with coaching and her passion for personal development to help her clients create a unique path that allows them to live their fullest potential. Tiffany has been a regular contributor to Bloomberg TV and has been interviewed by national and international publications, including the Globe and Mail and Barron’s.