“Our organization can’t raise $1,000,000.” 
“Men my age only want to date younger women.”
“I can’t pursue my dreams because what if I fail?”
“Our board members won’t help with fundraising.”
“That foundation/individual doesn’t give in our area.”
Each of these statements is a “limiting belief.” The term applies to thoughts that constrain us in some way or keep us from living our best lives. Limiting beliefs…do just that…they limit us, keep us small or prevent us from achieving our goals.
It’s important to understand that each of your limiting beliefs serves a purpose. They were formed sometime in the past to protect you from something. This “something” often manifests as a form of pain. Your limiting beliefs have good intentions! These intentions are there to protect you from the pain. However, when it comes to limiting beliefs, oftentimes these “good” intentions can be misguided. They might serve to keep you away from short-term pain, but will often lead to long-term unfulfillment.
To move forward it’s critical to determine what you are gaining by holding on to each of your limiting beliefs. Incidentally, a big clue to what may be a limiting belief in your life is a statement beginning with “I can’t”. Or, when you make an excuse for not doing something.
To challenge these beliefs, ask:
How am I deriving pleasure by holding onto this limiting belief?
What good intention does this belief provide me with?
What value am I gaining by holding onto this belief?
What would happen if I let go of this belief?
Sometimes, overcoming a limiting belief is as easy as simply choosing not to believe that statement any longer. Or, you might test your assumption by changing the statement slightly. Instead of:
“Our organization can’t raise $1,000,000.”
Ask:
“How can our organization raise $1,000,000?”
Suddenly, a world of possibilities opens up! There are an infinite number of ways an organization can raise $1,000,000. Using a “How” question is the way to expand your thinking.
Challenge your limiting beliefs and see what unfolds in your life and work!
Until next time, |
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