Why do we have Limiting Beliefs

Have you ever seen someone do something and think, I couldn’t do that? Or doubt your ability to achieve your dreams? Well you’re not alone. Many people have limiting beliefs and as a result it could mean you don’t achieve what you could and deserve to. So why is this? 

Us humans may well be the most complex being known to earth due to our extended neural network that we all have. Our highly evolved nervous system allows for complex thought processes, deep emotions and the ability to manipulate matter more than any other species that we know of.

So although it appears that we are all demi-gods on planet Earth, this is not actually the case. We all have our own limitations and these stop us from achieving our best life or even being the best version of ourselves.

In this blog post, I’ll give you my insight on limiting beliefs and how to work through them, so, let’s get to it!

The Human Operational System

Just like smart devices (computers, smartphones, etc.), we humans also have an operational system (OS) that we run on. For smart devices, that may be Windows, iOS, Android or whatever else, but in our species, that operational system is called our “mindset”.

Your mindset is made up of belief systems, which determine your interpretation of the world around you. Also the mindset you’re in will cause a loop which I like to call the “Think> Feel> Behave” loop.

Example: You are low on money and your mortgage is due soon
Thought	“I don’t have much money, it’s a nightmare, there’s nothing I can do.”
Feeling	Desperation, scarcity, panic –  You’re about to hit rock bottom
Behaviour	You ask someone to lend you money / You open up a line of credit

Asking someone for money or getting a loan can certainly help short term, but really, think about it. Is that the only option that exists in the world?

Probably not. And how do you stop this from happening again when your next mortgage payment is due?

What are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are basically any thoughts and opinions which appear to be the absolute, objective truth in your experience/situation. These are essentially the things that keep you from achieving your goals, whether they are financial goals, fitness goals, etc.

Now, in the context of greater achievement, limiting beliefs are something bad, but at their very core, limiting beliefs are your brain’s best bet. Your brain, in fact, ALWAYS expects the worst, so that it can deal with whatever comes its way. So to a certain extent, limiting beliefs are a survival mechanism that has evolved over millions of years.

However, nowadays we live during the safest time possible and even more so, the time with the greatest opportunities available globally. That is to say that in the 21st century, limiting beliefs doesn’t always protect us, but can block us from achieving our true potential.

“The only thing that’s keeping you from getting what you want is the story you keep telling yourself.”

–  Tony Robbins

The Origin

Though limiting beliefs may have a negative impact on your personal and professional success, I’m not really trying to guilt trip you here. Even the most successful people have those limiting beliefs and it is a life-long quest to get over them.

The first step, before you try and destroy them, is to understand the origin of your self-limiting beliefs.

In the book “The biology of belief”, Dr. Bruce Lipton explains how most of our self-limiting beliefs are developed throughout our earlier years (up to 7 years old).

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During that time, the brain works in wavelengths that are very similar to those in a hypnotic state.In other words, as kids, we are open to information, take everything for granted and accept it as the truth itself.

During our childhood we develop beliefs of all kinds. Ones that support our growth and character which is wonderful. But there are also ones that limit us from achieving during later stages of life.

The Quest

Those limiting beliefs we all hold only manifest during the later stages of life, when we have to take care of ourselves and work for our own development.

After your teenage years, your quest is to recognise and work through those limiting beliefs, in order to update your human Operational System and achieve any dream you may have.

Don’t despair though, there are many things you can do to challenge yourself. In the second part of this blog series, I’ll give you some actionable tips to help you break through the door of limiting beliefs and create the best version of yourself possible.

So subscribe to my blog to stay tuned!