Imagine a baby elephant tied to a fence post. It pulls and tugs at the fence and rope but fails to break it. Eventually, it gives up and makes peace with its fate. The baby elephant remains stuck.
Years later, it grows up big and tall and strong. It has gargantuan legs, a huge tusk, and a swirly trunk and could easily break the rope tying it to the fence post if it wanted to. But believing that the fence post is an immovable thing, the adult elephant remains tied to it, falsely believing it can never walk away.
This allegory is entirely an example of limiting beliefs. Part of the reason we fail, don’t try harder, or remain in the stagnant pond is due to our false beliefs.
Therefore, all those things you think are keeping you from your best life? It’s time to reassess your “beliefs.” Let me show you exactly how to do that.
But first, understand completely what limiting beliefs are…
Put simply, these beliefs are stories you tell yourself to be true, although they are not. They hold you back or restrict you from doing things that you really want. They stop you from pursuing your goals, applying to a dream job, starting a side hustle, or finding the relationship that you want (or getting out of one that you don’t want).
Limiting beliefs also keep you from doing unimportant yet passionate things that you should otherwise be doing. Skydiving, scuba diving, hiking, going on a tour, and living your life for what it is.
Trust me, I’ve been held back by the baggage of limiting beliefs that I had created from a traumatized childhood. By the time I unlearned those things, plenty of opportunities had gone by.
And that’s why I am here telling you otherwise.
How to let go of limiting beliefs: 5 simple steps
Seemingly, letting go of false beliefs that hold you back should be an easy and short process. After all, all you have to do is train your mind to think otherwise.
But it isn’t so simple. The 5-step process will get it done for you no matter what. Let’s begin.
#1; The Important Questions to Ask
There are three important questions you should ask yourself to begin the process.
- Is this actually true or is it made up?
- Have I experienced this enough times to know it is actually true?
- Does everyone else believe this to be true about me?
- Is it serving me at all to believe this?
- Where did you come up with this belief?
Do not skip this step. These are powerful questions that open your way to letting go of what holds you back. Answer them honestly.
#2: Reevaluate Your Answers
After answering the above questions honestly, you will have a list of answers. Assess each of them one by one. Dig deeper into where you’ve got those beliefs from.
The key here is to understand that your beliefs should only originate from the personal experiences and advice of experts. All other sources are irrelevant, be it your mother, father, best friend, or even your partner. What’s true for others does not guarantee its validity for you.
#3: Dethrone Old Belief(s)
The third and next most important step is dethroning your old beliefs. It is not merely hypothetical; you have to hear yourself saying out loud, “From this day onward, I choose not to believe this anymore. It is no longer true for me.”
As I previously mentioned in my blog, stating your intentions loudly so that you hear yourself has a profound effect. If you need supporting evidence to let go of a certain belief, tell the following to yourself:
- The person who told me this doesn’t really know.
- I haven’t tried it for myself.
- I’m a different person today and it no longer applies to me (for experiences from childhood)
- I’ve seen others that are less capable than me successful at this.
- There’s no power that holds me back except for myself.
#4: Create A New Set of Belief(s)
Try to create a set of beliefs that work in opposition to your old limiting beliefs. For instance, a false belief that had taken root in your mind such as not being smart enough to apply for an executive position will be changed to, “My next job will be that in the C-suite”
Create beliefs that improve your life and support your ability to make your life better. These closely resemble positive affirmations but they are more actionable, goal-oriented, and focused on the betterment of your life than just yourself.
#5: Check Them With Your Gut Every New Day
The lesser-known characteristic of (letting go of) limiting beliefs is that they are directly linked to your gut – your subconscious mind.
Each day, check with your gut. How do you feel about your old beliefs, and how do you feel about your new beliefs? Do the new ones make you feel good, energetic, and motivated? Does it feel like a weight is lifted off your shoulders as you let go of limiting beliefs?
If those are not true, there’s something you’re doing wrong. The reason why we call it “limiting belief” is that it restricts you in every sense of the word.
Don’t be afraid to show-and-tell
Breaking the shackles of limiting beliefs is an achievement. Not everyone can do it. I couldn’t – but when I finally did, I wanted to tell everyone how I did. This is why my 5 Steps To Connect To Your Higher Self is a free eBook guide that tells you exactly the way it is done. You can get your copy straight to your email with just a click. (Scroll down to the end to see the button)
What limiting beliefs do you have? Let’s share in the comments below!
