Coaching Tip – Manage Self Limiting Beliefs

By Pam Solberg-Tapper on April 22, 2011

Self limiting beliefs are a group of thought processes and feelings that hold us back and cause us to maintain the status quo. They are normal – the key is to be aware of them so you can be at choice.

Here are some terms related to Self Limiting Beliefs:

  • Negative self talk
  • Inner critic
  • Noise
  • Distraction
  • Comfort zone
  • Lack of confidence

How to determine when Self Limiting Beliefs are present:

  • There is a lot of struggle – “this will be hard”
  • You are stuck
  • The same issue presents itself over and over
  • You use words such as “I can’t”, “I need to”, or “I have to” vs. “I can” ,“I will”, or I want to”
  • There is a fear of failure or “What will people think?”

Here are some ways to deal with Self Limiting Beliefs:

  • Identify it – realize that a self limiting belief is present. Then choose to move past it
  • Antidote using a prior positive experience –  such as “I ran a marathon – I can certainly do this”
  • Challenge yourself – “I am bigger than this barrier”; “I have it within me to move beyond this doubt”
  • Future pull – “My vision is really important to me – when I focus on it, I will find a way”
  • Different perspective – Look at the situation through the eyes of success. “Act as if” what you intend to do is already a reality.

For more resources, see the Library topic Personal and Professional Coaching.

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Pam Solberg-Tapper MHSA, PCC – I spark entrepreneurial business leaders to set strategy, take action, and get results. How can I help you? Contact me at CoachPam@cpinternet.com ~  Linkedin ~ 218-340-3330