The LIES We Tell Ourselves

Today's Episode: Limiting Beliefs
 
 Limiting beliefs are those little whispers in your mind telling you things like, “You can’t do that,” “You’re not good enough,” or “You don’t have what it takes.” These thoughts might cause you to think or dream small, preventing you from seizing opportunities and reaching your full potential. Essentially, they’re mental blocks that hinder growth.
 
 Here’s the truth: having limiting beliefs doesn’t mean they’re true. You’re experiencing them because you’re human. Often, we give these thoughts too much power simply because we believe that if we think something, it must have some truth to it.
 
 Mo Anderson, the first CEO hired by Gary Keller at Keller Williams, shared a valuable insight. She explained that the higher you climb and the more successful you become, the stronger your limiting beliefs may appear. At first, this might sound discouraging, but it makes sense. As we grow, the stakes get higher, and so do the risks. However, we also gain the tools to challenge and manage these beliefs effectively.
 
 How to Break Free from Limiting Beliefs
 
 Let’s explore three actionable steps to overcome limiting beliefs:
 
 1. Identify the Belief
 The first step is to call it out. Acknowledge the belief and bring it into the light. Much like turning on the light to check for a monster under the bed, naming the limiting belief helps strip it of its power. Ask yourself:
 - What is this belief?
 - Where did it come from?
 - Is it even true?
 
 When you question these thoughts, you’ll often find they lose their grip on you.
 
 2. Determine What You Can Control
 Limiting beliefs often make us feel powerless, trapping us in a victim mindset. The key is to distinguish between what’s within your control and what isn’t. Ask yourself:
 - What part of this situation is in my power to change?
 - What steps can I take right now to move forward?
 
 For example, you can’t control how talented someone else is, but you can control how much effort you put into improving yourself. Reframe the thought by focusing on actions you can take, such as working hard, staying coachable, and learning new skills.
 
 3. Reframe with Evidence
 Your brain is wired to find evidence for what you believe. If you focus on negative thoughts, you’ll unconsciously look for proof that supports them. Conversely, when you focus on your strengths and past successes, your brain will align with those positive beliefs.
 
 Start by:
 - Reflecting on past wins and times you’ve overcome challenges.
 - Surrounding yourself with mentors, friends, and supporters who encourage and uplift you.
 - Taking your thoughts captive and redirecting them toward possibilities instead of limitations.
 
 Reframing is not about ignoring reality. It’s about choosing to focus on opportunities rather than obstacles. Replace “Why me?” with “Why not me?” or “I can’t” with “How can I?”
 
 A Final Thought
 
 Limiting beliefs don’t mean you’re failing; they mean you’re human. More importantly, they may indicate that you’re on the verge of a major breakthrough. By identifying these beliefs, focusing on what you can control, and reframing them positively, you can align your mindset with your goals.
 
 Take action today: Identify one limiting belief you’ve been holding onto, and take a step to challenge it.
 
 If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might benefit from this message. Remember, when you invest in your growth every day, you’ll see incredible returns in your business and your life.
 
 Thank you for joining me on The Upside Podcast. I’ll see you next time!