How to Overcome Self-Limiting Beliefs

Sometimes the biggest obstacle standing in your path to success or happiness is yourself -- when that is the case, it is because you indulge self-limiting beliefs. These are beliefs that hold you back with their negativity, like beliefs that you are not talented, that your efforts will fail or that you should not bother trying. Overcoming these beliefs is a crucial step in achieving the success you deserve, and just as you are the only person imposing these beliefs on yourself, you are the only person who can eliminate them. By tackling them head-on, you can set yourself back on the path to success.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook or journal
• Pen

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Instructions

• 1

  Write down your doubtful thoughts. If you feel pessimistic or unmotivated, determine why. Identify what insecurities or past failures have inspired this self-doubt.

• 2

  Counter each of these doubtful thoughts by writing down a motivational, realistic reason that you can beat them. For example, if your doubtful thought is "If I accept this promotion, I might not be able to handle the increased responsibility," write, "I have proven continuously in the past that I am reliable and capable at my job, and my boss would not offer me a promotion if she did not believe in me."

• 3

  Ask others for support and motivation. The people close to you help assert your capability and worth, and while you should not rely strictly on others for this type of motivation, they can help you maintain your forward momentum.

• 4

  Keep track of your successes and celebrate them. Don't leave things out because they may seem insignificant -- when overcoming self-limiting beliefs, even small victories deserve to be celebrated. Whether you completed a major project on-time, exercised or made it through rush hour traffic without a cigarette, you should congratulate yourself for a job well-done.

• 5

  Practice daily affirmations. Find motivational teachings online or in books. Daily affirmations of self-worth help you maintain a positive attitude and focus on your goals.