The number one thing to do if you want to start realizing your full potential and optimizing your health, happiness, and success is to focus on your mindset. The way we look at ourselves and our goals has an enormous influence on our ultimate success. When you start realizing just how much control your mind has over your actions (instead of feeling like you’re just along for the ride), you can start harnessing that to your advantage to realize your full potential.
One of the books I read this year was, “Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life” by Jim Kwik. One of the things that stuck with me while reading it (which I highly recommend!) was about limiting beliefs.
Limiting beliefs are labels that we’ve given ourselves and that we’ve accepted as truths.
For example, I always say that I’m terrible at remembering names. Other examples include:
- “I’m always going to be overweight.”
- “I’m not good at public speaking.”
- “I’m terrible at networking.”
- “I’ll never like working out.”
Take a minute to think about a few limiting beliefs you have about yourself. If you suffer from Imposter Syndrome, this is a great time to think about what beliefs are contributing to that feeling.
The thing about limiting beliefs is that once we have them we treat them as if they’re a fact and unlikely to change. I’m terrible at remembering names, so I assume I’m just going to forget a name as soon as someone tells it to me. And guess what? I do! When we believe that these labels are true it leads to a self-perpetuating cycle.
But are these limiting beliefs actually based on FACTS or are these OPINIONS you’ve formed? Do I always forget names? In reality, I really don’t forget every name. But once I label myself as Bad At Remembering Names I’m more likely to only focus on the times that has been true.
Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, “I’m possible”.
Audrey Hepburn
When we start to see these labels as opinions it opens up the opportunity to release them.
Maybe I’m terrible at remembering names because I never learned good techniques for remembering them. Or maybe I’m distracted thinking about the next thing I’m going to say instead of listening when someone tells me their name.
Think about what it would be like if one of your limiting beliefs wasn’t true.
I want to be good at remembering names because it’s an important way to connect with others. When someone remembers my name it means a lot to me. And how good does it feel when someone says your name when you talk to them?! Don’t you suddenly perk up, listen more closely, or feel a little more connected when someone says your name while chatting? Make sure to identify WHY you want to let go of that belief.
“Limitless” offers some great tips for remembering names and boosting your memory. By simply changing my mindset and implementing those tips I’m slowly starting to create a strength out of a weakness. What limiting beliefs have been holding you back?
Life Boost Challenge:
Try to choose one belief you have about yourself this week. Start identifying how you can free yourself from that chain to grow in a way you didn’t think was possible.
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