Difference between revisions of "Limiting beliefs"
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[[File:Beliefs and knowledge and truths.png|right|thumbnail|400px|A Venn diagram picturing the traditional definition of knowledge as justified true belief (That is represented by the yellow circle). ]] | [[File:Beliefs and knowledge and truths.png|right|thumbnail|400px|A Venn diagram picturing the traditional definition of knowledge as justified true belief (That is represented by the yellow circle). ]] | ||
| − | '''Limiting beliefs''' "are [[belief]]s we hold about our abilities or potential that can prevent us from pursuing something we want or need."<ref>[https://opportunity.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk8876/files/inline-files/limiting-beliefs.pdf Limiting Beliefs]</ref> | + | '''Limiting beliefs''' "are [[belief]]s we hold about our abilities or potential that can prevent us from pursuing something we want or need."<ref>[https://opportunity.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk8876/files/inline-files/limiting-beliefs.pdf Limiting Beliefs]</ref> |
| + | |||
| + | Limiting beliefs are [[Negative thinking|negative, self-imposed thought patterns]] that restrict one's potential by hindering or preventing [[Personal development|personal growth]]. They frequently stem from [[fear]] and past experiences. These [[belief]]s can manifest as [[Self-doubt|feelings of inadequacy]], [[fear of failure]] or [[fear of success]], and [[Change management|resistance to change]] (See also: [[Comfort zone]]), hindering [[happiness]] and success/[[achievement]]. Overcoming them requires [[self-awareness]], challenging these beliefs, and cultivating more [[Positive thinking|positive and empowering thoughts]].<ref>[https://www.google.com/search?q=limiting+beliefs+and+fears&oq=limiting+beliefs+and+fears&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTINCAEQABiGAxiABBiKBTINCAIQABiGAxiABBiKBTIKCAMQABiABBiiBDIKCAQQABiABBiiBDIKCAUQABiiBBiJBTIKCAYQABiABBiiBDIGCAcQLhhA0gEJMTAwMTJqMGoxqAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Limiting beliefs and fears]</ref> See also: [[Self-talk]] and [[Self-confidence]] and [[Courage]] and [[Imposter syndrome]] and [[Jonah complex]] | ||
== Characteristics of limiting beliefs == | == Characteristics of limiting beliefs == | ||
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<br /> | <br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
| − | See also: [[ | + | See also: [[Self-confidence and [[Courage]] ]] |
| − | ''See also:'' [[Peak performance]] and [[Self-efficacy]] and [[Confidence]] and [[Comfort zone]] and [[Achievement]] and [[Achievement orientation]] and [[Goal setting]] and [[Interpersonal relations]] and [[Friendship]] and [[Social networking]] | + | ''See also:'' [[Peak performance]] and [[Self-efficacy]] and [[Self-Confidence]] and [[Comfort zone]] and [[Achievement]] and [[Achievement orientation]] and [[Goal setting]] and [[Interpersonal relations]] and [[Friendship]] and [[Social networking]] |
According to John. J. Prendergast, Phd, it is important to overcome one's limiting beliefs for the following reasons: | According to John. J. Prendergast, Phd, it is important to overcome one's limiting beliefs for the following reasons: | ||
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'''1.''' Unlock your potential: Limiting beliefs prevents us from exploring our true potential and discovering our talents and abilities. We open ourselves to new opportunities and personal growth by overcoming these beliefs. | '''1.''' Unlock your potential: Limiting beliefs prevents us from exploring our true potential and discovering our talents and abilities. We open ourselves to new opportunities and personal growth by overcoming these beliefs. | ||
| − | '''2.''' Increase self-confidence: Limiting beliefs erode our | + | '''2.''' Increase self-confidence: Limiting beliefs erode our [[self-confidence]] and [[self-esteem]]. Overcoming them helps build resilience, belief in oneself, and empowerment. |
'''3.''' Expand your [[comfort zone]]: Limiting beliefs create a comfort zone that keeps us within familiar boundaries. We can expand our comfort zone and embrace new challenges and experiences by challenging and overcoming these beliefs. | '''3.''' Expand your [[comfort zone]]: Limiting beliefs create a comfort zone that keeps us within familiar boundaries. We can expand our comfort zone and embrace new challenges and experiences by challenging and overcoming these beliefs. | ||
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*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tSVLp0XKE8&list=PLbjmSS6LZDGoS0wA1hZPBsnewzUjAnmaM&index=3 How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs (reprogram your mind!)] | *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tSVLp0XKE8&list=PLbjmSS6LZDGoS0wA1hZPBsnewzUjAnmaM&index=3 How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs (reprogram your mind!)] | ||
*[https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/empower-your-mind/202311/overcoming-self-limiting-beliefs#:~:text=Everyone%20has%20self%2Dlimiting%20beliefs,t%20think%20you%20are!). Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs] by Melanie A. McNally Psy.D. | *[https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/empower-your-mind/202311/overcoming-self-limiting-beliefs#:~:text=Everyone%20has%20self%2Dlimiting%20beliefs,t%20think%20you%20are!). Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs] by Melanie A. McNally Psy.D. | ||
| − | *[https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-are-limiting-beliefs Don't let limiting beliefs hold you back. Learn to overcome yours]</ref> | + | *[https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-are-limiting-beliefs Don't let limiting beliefs hold you back. Learn to overcome yours] |
| + | *[https://markmanson.net/limiting-beliefs How to Overcome Your Limiting Beliefs]</ref> | ||
'''1.''' Ask yourself the question: What is holding me back? | '''1.''' Ask yourself the question: What is holding me back? | ||
| − | '''2.''' Ask yourself: Why am I like this? Where did this come from? What triggers these thoughts/[[behavior]]s? Look for recurring thoughts/behaviors. Keep questioning yourself via good [[questioning skills]] until you have a good understanding (For example, who, what, where, why and how). Potential sources of limiting beliefs ( | + | '''2.''' Ask yourself: Why am I like this? Where did this come from? What triggers these thoughts/[[behavior]]s? Look for recurring thoughts/behaviors. Keep questioning yourself via good [[questioning skills]] until you have a good understanding (For example, who, what, where, why and how). Potential sources/triggers of limiting beliefs ([[Fear]], lack of confidence, [[self-doubt]], [[Jonah complex]], [[imposter syndrome]], upbringing such as family beliefs and values, community beliefs/values, education, life experiences, etc.). |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''3.''' Monitor your [[self-talk]] in terms of limiting beliefs. |
| + | '''4.''' Come up with a list of limiting beliefs you engage in with some regularity (Limiting beliefs about yourself, circumstances, world and life) | ||
| + | [[File:Mayo clinic Rochester MN.jpg|thumbnail|300px|According to the [[Mayo Clinic]], "Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst."<ref>[https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950 Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress]</ref>]] | ||
'''5.''' Recognize that the limiting belief is merely a belief and beliefs can be changed. | '''5.''' Recognize that the limiting belief is merely a belief and beliefs can be changed. | ||
| − | '''6.''' Challenge these limiting beliefs and gathering evidence to dispute the limiting beliefs. | + | '''6.''' Challenge these limiting beliefs and gathering evidence to dispute the limiting beliefs. Recognize the bad consequences of the limiting belief. |
| − | '''7.''' What is the new belief(s) and behaviors that | + | '''7.''' What is the new belief(s) and behaviors that you will adopt. Work on 1 to 3 limiting beliefs that will be replaced with constructive/positive beliefs and behaviors at a time |
| − | '''8.''' Specify a plan in terms of time(s), places and methods that you will instill the constructive/positive beliefs and behaviors (For example, see: [[Self-talk]] and [[Positive thinking]] and [[Rational thinking]]). | + | '''8.''' Specify a plan in terms of time(s), places and methods that you will instill the constructive/positive beliefs and behaviors (For example, see: [[Self-talk]] and [[Positive thinking]] and [[Visualization (psychology)|Visualization]] and [[Rational thinking]] ). |
Articles and videos: | Articles and videos: | ||
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* ''[[Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life]]'' by Nick Vujicic. WaterBrook. June 5, 2012 | * ''[[Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life]]'' by Nick Vujicic. WaterBrook. June 5, 2012 | ||
* ''[[Born Limitless: Crush Limiting Beliefs, Cultivate an Infinite Mindset, and Unleash Your True Potential]]'' by Rick Torrison. Ethos Collective. May 7, 2024 | * ''[[Born Limitless: Crush Limiting Beliefs, Cultivate an Infinite Mindset, and Unleash Your True Potential]]'' by Rick Torrison. Ethos Collective. May 7, 2024 | ||
| + | * ''[[Personality Isn't Permanent: Break Free from Self-Limiting Beliefs and Rewrite Your Story]]'' by Benjamin Hardy. Portfolio. June 16, 2020 | ||
* ''[[The Big Leap]]: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level ― A Transformative Guide to Overcoming Fears and False Beliefs for Personal Growth and Success'' by Gay Hendricks. HarperOne. April 21, 2009 | * ''[[The Big Leap]]: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level ― A Transformative Guide to Overcoming Fears and False Beliefs for Personal Growth and Success'' by Gay Hendricks. HarperOne. April 21, 2009 | ||
* ''[[Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life]] (Expanded Edition)'' by James Kwik. Hay House LLC. November 14, 2023 | * ''[[Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life]] (Expanded Edition)'' by James Kwik. Hay House LLC. November 14, 2023 | ||
* ''[[Think This, Not That]]: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be'' by Dr. Josh Axe. Thomas Nelson. April 2, 2024 | * ''[[Think This, Not That]]: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be'' by Dr. Josh Axe. Thomas Nelson. April 2, 2024 | ||
* ''Beyond Limits: Shifting Beliefs and Reshaping Reality'' by Randy Campadore. Self Publisher. April 16, 2025 | * ''Beyond Limits: Shifting Beliefs and Reshaping Reality'' by Randy Campadore. Self Publisher. April 16, 2025 | ||
| + | * ''Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential'' by Scott Barry Kaufman PhD. Tarcher. April 22, 2025 | ||
* ''Shush!: Simple, Relatable Ways to Silence Limiting Beliefs Through Stories, Affirmations, and Reflective Journaling'' by Adedoyinsola Abitoye. PEOPLESMITH LIMITED. February 6, 2025 | * ''Shush!: Simple, Relatable Ways to Silence Limiting Beliefs Through Stories, Affirmations, and Reflective Journaling'' by Adedoyinsola Abitoye. PEOPLESMITH LIMITED. February 6, 2025 | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Quotes == | ||
| + | [[Image:mount_everest.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Mount Everest]]]] | ||
| + | "I realized that I could do a lot of things. I realized that the human body, my body, is capable of so many things if you expand the boundaries of your own consciousness first. [[Mount Everest|Everest]] gave me this feeling – if you are ready, then you have to go all the way. Face your [[fear]]s. That’s where I realized that I could do a lot. Actually, just like everyone else around me. It’s just that many people don’t realize it. They live constantly with their own little and big fears. But you just have to let go and do it. If it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out. If you don’t try, you’ll never know." - Alpinist Antonina "Tonya" Samoilova<ref>[https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56053 Tonya Samoilova: Woman Who Stopped Wind on Everest], July 13, 2025</ref> | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
| + | *[[Insecurity (Psychology)]] | ||
| + | *[[Self-sabotage]] | ||
*[[Irrational thinking]] | *[[Irrational thinking]] | ||
*[[Negative thinking]] | *[[Negative thinking]] | ||
| − | *[[Self-doubt]] | + | *[[Self-doubt]] or [[Inferiority complex]] |
*[[Jonah complex]] | *[[Jonah complex]] | ||
*[[Cognitive bias]] | *[[Cognitive bias]] | ||
| + | *[[Neuroticism]] | ||
*[[Comfort zone]] | *[[Comfort zone]] | ||
*[[Rational thinking]] | *[[Rational thinking]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:11, October 9, 2025
Limiting beliefs "are beliefs we hold about our abilities or potential that can prevent us from pursuing something we want or need."[1]
Limiting beliefs are negative, self-imposed thought patterns that restrict one's potential by hindering or preventing personal growth. They frequently stem from fear and past experiences. These beliefs can manifest as feelings of inadequacy, fear of failure or fear of success, and resistance to change (See also: Comfort zone), hindering happiness and success/achievement. Overcoming them requires self-awareness, challenging these beliefs, and cultivating more positive and empowering thoughts.[2] See also: Self-talk and Self-confidence and Courage and Imposter syndrome and Jonah complex
Contents
Characteristics of limiting beliefs
Below are common characteristics of limiting beliefs:
1. Limiting beliefs are often formed subconsciously and/or unconsciously
2. Are treated as truths - even though they may be untrue.
3. Assume that there is undeniable evidence that supports such a truth
4. Have a negativity bias (rather than assume we can we assume we can’t). See: Positive thinking and Negative thinking and Optimism and Pessimism
5. Might be excuses, justifications, worries, perfectionist thinking, fears, etc. See: Excusitis and Rationalization (Psychology)
6. Are detrimental to achievement and peak performance oriented activities. See also: Achievement orientation
Importance of overcoming limiting beliefs
[[File:Lion.jpg|right|thumbnail|300px|"The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion." - Proverbs 28:1 (NASB)
See also: [[Self-confidence and Courage ]]
See also: Peak performance and Self-efficacy and Self-Confidence and Comfort zone and Achievement and Achievement orientation and Goal setting and Interpersonal relations and Friendship and Social networking
According to John. J. Prendergast, Phd, it is important to overcome one's limiting beliefs for the following reasons:
| “ | Overcoming limiting beliefs is crucial for personal growth and success. These beliefs can hold us back from getting promotions, trying new things and so many more important steps in life.
Here are some reasons why it is essential to challenge and overcome these self-imposed barriers: 1. Unlock your potential: Limiting beliefs prevents us from exploring our true potential and discovering our talents and abilities. We open ourselves to new opportunities and personal growth by overcoming these beliefs. 2. Increase self-confidence: Limiting beliefs erode our self-confidence and self-esteem. Overcoming them helps build resilience, belief in oneself, and empowerment. 3. Expand your comfort zone: Limiting beliefs create a comfort zone that keeps us within familiar boundaries. We can expand our comfort zone and embrace new challenges and experiences by challenging and overcoming these beliefs. 4. Achieve success: Limiting beliefs act as roadblocks on the path to success. By breaking free from these self-imposed limitations, we can pursue our goals with renewed determination and succeed. 5. Improve relationships: Limiting beliefs can hinder healthy relationships by creating barriers to intimacy, trust, and vulnerability. Overcoming these beliefs allows for deeper connections and more fulfilling relationships.[3] |
” |
Articles:
- The Importance of Overcoming Limiting Beliefs (With Examples) by John. J. Prendergast, Phd
- Why Overcoming Limiting Beliefs is the Fast Track to Success
- How limiting beliefs might be holding you back & how to fix them
Overcoming limiting beliefs
Steps to overcoming limiting beliefs:[4]
1. Ask yourself the question: What is holding me back?
2. Ask yourself: Why am I like this? Where did this come from? What triggers these thoughts/behaviors? Look for recurring thoughts/behaviors. Keep questioning yourself via good questioning skills until you have a good understanding (For example, who, what, where, why and how). Potential sources/triggers of limiting beliefs (Fear, lack of confidence, self-doubt, Jonah complex, imposter syndrome, upbringing such as family beliefs and values, community beliefs/values, education, life experiences, etc.).
3. Monitor your self-talk in terms of limiting beliefs.
4. Come up with a list of limiting beliefs you engage in with some regularity (Limiting beliefs about yourself, circumstances, world and life)
5. Recognize that the limiting belief is merely a belief and beliefs can be changed.
6. Challenge these limiting beliefs and gathering evidence to dispute the limiting beliefs. Recognize the bad consequences of the limiting belief.
7. What is the new belief(s) and behaviors that you will adopt. Work on 1 to 3 limiting beliefs that will be replaced with constructive/positive beliefs and behaviors at a time
8. Specify a plan in terms of time(s), places and methods that you will instill the constructive/positive beliefs and behaviors (For example, see: Self-talk and Positive thinking and Visualization and Rational thinking ).
Articles and videos:
- Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs by Melanie A. McNally Psy.D.
- Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs by Melanie McNally, PsyD
- Don't let limiting beliefs hold you back. Learn to overcome yours
- How to Overcome Your Limiting Beliefs
- 6 Steps to Breaking Your Limiting Beliefs
- Recognizing Core Limiting Beliefs by John. J. Prendergast, Phd
- 22 Limiting Beliefs (Almost) Everyone Has and How to Deal With Them
- 10 limiting beliefs and how to overcome them
Videos:
- Limiting beliefs - video playlist, Video playlist
Books
See also: Books about having a winning mindset
- There Are No Limits: Breaking the Barriers in Personal High Performance by Danny Cox. Executive Books. January 1, 2006
- Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life by Nick Vujicic. WaterBrook. June 5, 2012
- Born Limitless: Crush Limiting Beliefs, Cultivate an Infinite Mindset, and Unleash Your True Potential by Rick Torrison. Ethos Collective. May 7, 2024
- Personality Isn't Permanent: Break Free from Self-Limiting Beliefs and Rewrite Your Story by Benjamin Hardy. Portfolio. June 16, 2020
- The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level ― A Transformative Guide to Overcoming Fears and False Beliefs for Personal Growth and Success by Gay Hendricks. HarperOne. April 21, 2009
- Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life (Expanded Edition) by James Kwik. Hay House LLC. November 14, 2023
- Think This, Not That: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be by Dr. Josh Axe. Thomas Nelson. April 2, 2024
- Beyond Limits: Shifting Beliefs and Reshaping Reality by Randy Campadore. Self Publisher. April 16, 2025
- Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential by Scott Barry Kaufman PhD. Tarcher. April 22, 2025
- Shush!: Simple, Relatable Ways to Silence Limiting Beliefs Through Stories, Affirmations, and Reflective Journaling by Adedoyinsola Abitoye. PEOPLESMITH LIMITED. February 6, 2025
Quotes
"I realized that I could do a lot of things. I realized that the human body, my body, is capable of so many things if you expand the boundaries of your own consciousness first. Everest gave me this feeling – if you are ready, then you have to go all the way. Face your fears. That’s where I realized that I could do a lot. Actually, just like everyone else around me. It’s just that many people don’t realize it. They live constantly with their own little and big fears. But you just have to let go and do it. If it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out. If you don’t try, you’ll never know." - Alpinist Antonina "Tonya" Samoilova[6]
See also
- Insecurity (Psychology)
- Self-sabotage
- Irrational thinking
- Negative thinking
- Self-doubt or Inferiority complex
- Jonah complex
- Cognitive bias
- Neuroticism
- Comfort zone
- Rational thinking
