We all have our limiting beliefs. From “People can’t be trusted” to “I will never be able to”, our thoughts are constantly polluted with limiting beliefs. About ourselves, about others, about the world.
Most often, these limiting beliefs hamper us from creating the life we desire the most . So, you want to get rid of those beliefs that are blocking your life? Here is how to proceed…
We propose 3 steps to deconstruct your limiting beliefs: first a step of objectivity; then a step of open-mind, and finally a step of optimism. Objectivity for exploring assumptions, open-mind for accepting differences, and optimism for thinking positive. Now take one of your most destructive beliefs: identify a limiting belief that you have strongly anchored in yourself and you would like to deconstruct.
Patrick’s could be “I will never heal from Parkinson’s”. Say yours is “I will never be a good public-speaker” (anybody wants to trade places?). Now if Patrick can deconstruct and replace his, you can do that too!
First, use objectivity to ‘confirm’ factually your belief. Explore the underlying assumptions: why do you believe this to be? Dig all the way down to root causes and state the facts neutrally. Here are (some of) Patrick’s facts: no-one has ever healed from Parkinson, it’s a degenerative disease, to date it is incurable. Your objective facts might be: the last speech you gave was not well received, you are always very nervous when speaking in public, you know so many people better skilled than you at this. Write down all the facts.
An open-mind comes second: stay at the raw data level and collect as much data as possible that opposes or complements your initial data. On Patrick’s side: “I know of people with so-called degenerative and incurable diseases who have lived long, some even healed. I also know I am a resilient person, a fighter, ready to explore all options. And on top, there are hundreds of companies and teams worldwide trying to find a cure to Parkinson’s”. Your turn now: admit it, you have one day given a great presentation, you remember that moment when you gave a superb speech, you know there have been situations with less or even no stress. And you know very well that at home, in your family, or in social environments, you can be and have been a great and inspiring story-teller. Write down all those facts that you probably tend to forget…
Third and final step is about deciding to practice optimism: draw positive conclusions from your new set of data. This is Patrick’s: “I will be the first person ever, on earth, in history, to heal from Parkinson” (pause… “and even if I am the second or third I will still be very happy!”). I do not believe it with my brains: I believe it with my heart! This could be yours: “I can be and have been a great public-speaker: I have the power to replicate these moments by preparing well and being passionate about the subject”.
Now go and practice…
If you would like to learn more about this topic, develop power beliefs during our boost seminars, coaching programs and development trainings, contact us!