What is holding us back?
The more I think about why I cannot achieve or do something that I really want, the more this famous concept comes to my mind: limiting beliefs.
Limiting beliefs are something we all have. I imagine them existing somewhere on the border between consciousness and the unconscious mind. If we never think about them, we do not notice anything strange. But when we start asking ourselves why something feels so difficult to achieve, we often discover that something is deeply rooted in our mind. Something we take for granted. Something that feels like our own universal truth.
But maybe we should question everything.
There is no absolute universal truth, especially not in our own minds. Everything we think can be questioned. One of the best ways to deal with limiting beliefs is to become aware of our thoughts. To notice patterns in our behavior. To experiment with small changes. To adopt new behaviors and maybe even new beliefs.
It sounds simple, but in reality it is very hard. Beliefs are deeply rooted. Most of the time we only notice them when it is already too late. After the event has passed, when we no longer have the chance to change the situation.
Today I came across a set of questions that I hope will help me deal with my limiting beliefs. I heard about them from Nir Eyal in one of his podcast conversations with Lewis Howes. The questions themselves come from Byron Katie.
The process goes like this.
First, write down the belief that is making you feel upset. Then ask yourself these four questions:
Is it true?
Can you absolutely know that it is true?
How do you react when you believe it?
Who would you be without it? Stay awesome!