“Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.”
― Roy T. Bennett
How often have you thought, “I could never do that” or “This is just impossible”? Thoughts like these create self-imposed limitations, which keep us from reaching our goals and fulfilling our potential. However, with the following tips, you can overcome these limits, setting yourself up for a more productive future!
Recognize When Limits Come From Within
The first step to overcoming self-created limitations is identifying them. So how do you know if you are limiting yourself?
Spoiler alert: Almost all limits are self-imposed.
However, if you’re unsure, review this checklist to help you identify a self-imposed limit:
- You are worried about what others might think of you and sometimes feel vulnerable.
- You lack motivation and have lost sight of your “why.”
- You catch yourself inventing excuses for not working toward your goals.
- You struggle with thoughts of insecurity and self-doubt.
Stop Identifying With Limiting Beliefs
Once you have recognized the limits you are creating, it’s time to transform these inner beliefs into positive thoughts. Doing so will allow you to work on your personal development, retraining how your mind operates.
When you make excuses like “I don’t have enough money to accomplish this goal… I’m too old to do this now… Or my town is too small to supply the opportunities I need,” you are creating self-imposed limits. They may FEEL like they are external obstacles, but they are not.
Instead, try replacing these thoughts with things like: “I will make my financial situation work in harmony with my goals… I have years of life experience, which will give me the knowledge I need to reach my goals… While my town may be small, I have countless resources elsewhere to help me.”
Stop allowing yourself to be defined by limiting thoughts – actively work to modify your perspective and develop a positive mindset toward yourself and your goals.
Don’t Listen to Negative Opinions
“Sometimes we let our past or other people’s opinion define us, which goes far in shaping our identity. This can cripple our self-esteem, shatter our confidence, and have us placing limitations on what we can accomplish.” –Thriving in the Storm: Nine Principles to Help You Overcome Any Adversity, Bill Murphy.
If we allow it to happen, we can all be persuaded and even manipulated by those close to us. But doing so often cultivates new self-imposed limits.
Now is the time to stop listening to others’ negative opinions and regain control of your situation. While this does not mean you should isolate yourself from everyone, you must learn to recognize others’ negativity and not let it define how you view your circumstances.
Improve Your Self-Image
“Self-image” is how you perceive yourself, both inwardly and outwardly. You will struggle more with self-created limitations when you have a low self-image. Try a few of these tips to enhance how you view yourself:
- Take just a few minutes each day to complete a journal entry. Choose one prompt to nurture your self-image, such as reflecting on your greatest strengths, acknowledging your unique qualities, and writing about your ideal future.
- Memorize at least two positive affirmations you can repeat to yourself when needed. Here are two examples: I have everything I need for success, and I value myself as a person.
- Focus on giving yourself grace throughout the day – appreciate that you are working hard to overcome your self-imposed limits and allow for plenty of self-compassion.
Focus on Past Accomplishments
Unfortunately, we don’t always give ourselves enough credit for our incredible achievements. Take a moment to appreciate everything you’ve accomplished over the years.
“If you’re struggling with this step, or if there is even a shred of doubt that you’re capable of achieving what you set out to do, make a list of all the things you have accomplished in your life. Are there moments when you surprised even yourself with what you were able to do? Times when people counted you out, but you proved them wrong?… Take a few minutes to appreciate what you have done. If you’re struggling, ask a close friend or a family member to tell you about everything you’ve accomplished or done well. Sometimes we can’t see it ourselves, so their answers might surprise you. Let that sink in… Remind yourself what you’ve done and what you can do. Use those moments as fuel when you begin to doubt that you’re capable of completing a new challenge.” –Thriving in the Storm: Nine Principles to Help You Overcome Any Adversity, Bill Murphy.
Keep an Open Mind
If you truly want to conquer your self-imposed limitations, the last step is always to keep an open mind. Negative beliefs can come from trying to remain in your comfort zone.
Be open to accepting new ideas, examining new possibilities, and trying different approaches. When you begin thinking this way, you will see new opportunities everywhere. You’ll be able to finally remove all your self-imposed limits, making room for great successes and accomplishments.
Conclusion
Bill Murphy’s new book Thriving in the Storm: Nine Principles to Help You Overcome Any Adversity tackles self-imposed limitations on a deeper level. This encouraging read also gives readers tools for managing their minds, finding their purpose, and facing adversity head-on. Order your copy today to ensure you’re ready for life’s upcoming storms.