“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Henry Ford
Is our mindset fixed?
Life is only as good as your mindset. The good news is that the mindset is not fixed. It can be changed and shaped so that it serves life and a higher purpose.
Through our beliefs and experience, we come to live according to some patterns. Every day we can program ourselves.
By understanding the program and the patterns of the mind, we see it is possible to achieve certain goals in life by changing one’s behaviour and mindset.
The mind is the meaning making machine
Some beliefs are mental habits based on irrational fears with no evidence to support them.
These patterns of thinking often turn into limiting beliefs. Beliefs that a person has, especially limiting ones, have an impact on the likelihood of success.
Every behaviour has value and serves the need of the rational mind to protect one from suffering.
Therefore, there is a positive intention motivating and justifying every behaviour.
Behaviours are good or bad when considered for their ability to achieve a certain result or purpose, to prevent putting oneself in a hurtful situation.
How do you know a belief is limiting? It causes you to be unable to do specific actions.
Some of the most common limiting beliefs are:
Fear of rejection, failing, not being good enough, abandonment, not being smart or beautiful, being a procrastinator, not having the skills.
Examples of thoughts that a person repeats in the mind and that lead to limiting beliefs: I am too old, I am too young, I don’t have the connections, I don’t have the support, I am not a leader, I don’t have the time, etc.
Steps to overcome limiting beliefs:
- Gain awareness
- Start defying limiting beliefs: identify and create experiences that prove them wrong
- Invest in yourself
- Heal the inner child
- Trust your intuition
- Find mentors
- Dare to take risks
- Celebrate success, no matter how big or small
- Always use positive, encouraging inner talk
Photo credits: Irina Kostenich @unsplash.com