ALL Limiting Beliefs Victimize You

We all are deceived; sometimes. We are artists of self-deception. We are afraid to look at reality. We are afraid to take full responsibility for our lives. Some of the language we use points out to our limiting beliefs—beliefs that keep us from living the life we are suppose to live.

Do any of the following sound familiar?

I don’t know how to (fill in the blank).

 I come across this limiting belief often in my coaching practice. Unfortunately, we use this language as an easy way out. Whether it’s a business owner who says, “I don’t know how to increase my sales” or an executive who states, “I don’t know what the boss wants” or a husband who claims, “I don’t know where to find a job” ... the fact remains the same: We are responsible for finding out. Recently, I have been facing this scenario myself. I don’t know what to do regarding a particular business decision. Yet it’s my job to find out. So, I am doing my research. I am asking those wiser than myself. I am praying and seeking God’s direction. But, I refuse to stay stuck.

I don’t have time.

In other words, I am too busy to (fill in the blank). I used to say this every day!

Saying that we don’t have time for something is a lie because it presupposes that time is something we can acquire and control. No! Time is the same for everyone. It doesn’t change. What does change are our priorities. Consequently, this limiting belief keeps us from taking full responsibility of how we use our time and whether or not we honor the people and things that are most important.

If I am successful, then I am happy.

Significance far outweighs success. Perhaps you have acquired a great deal of what this world deems success—a beautiful house, a housekeeper to go with that beautiful house, fancy restaurants, a well-known reputation. Good for you! But, there comes a time in all of our lives when we look at ourselves critically and ask, “Is this what I am here for?” We were designed with a purpose. Have you found yours? Are you living a life of significance and meaning? The limiting belief that success is everything will crush a person’s very own spirit and soul.

Limiting beliefs pervade our thoughts. We speak them everyday—to ourselves, to others. You can discover a wealth of information if you look behind these limiting beliefs. It’s not easy; it's not pretty either. And, while confronting ourselves with the truth takes strength and humility, in the end we can arise not as victims but as victors.