7 Limiting Beliefs that Keep You from Reaching Your Dreams

Amy Taylor September 19, 2014

Can you still remember what you wanted to become when you were just 6 or 7 years old? If you’re like most kids way back then, you probably have wanted to become a doctor saving lives, a lawyer protecting the rights of others, or a superhero fighting against crimes. The options are endless, and there’s nothing possible. But as you reach the age of 12, you get more aware of what ‘reality’ really is, as portrayed by our society. And as more years pass by, you began to realise that you can’t get things easily, and that not all things are possible.

It’s true – we all have limitations. We’re not perfect. We all have flaws. We all have weaknesses. But focusing too much on the negative aspects of our individuality can really set us up for failure.

Below are self-limiting beliefs that plague grownups today. Changing them today can help you overcome difficult challenges and find your way to success.

It’s too late for me.

Is writing a book your childhood dream? Don’t think that it’s never going to happen now that you are in your mid-30s. Some of the greatest authors and novelists never wrote an award-winning story until they were in their 60′s or older. Have you been dreaming to become a pastry chef and put up your own bakery? Don’t think it’s not possible now that you are older. As long as you can think of it, you can actually do it! It’s never too late to pursue your dream, despite your situation in life now. You must START NOW.

I’M NOT SMART ENOUGH.

Sure, some of us have a higher level of genetic intelligence, but that’s just a very small margin of our overall intelligence. You are smart. You’ve just had something or someone who lead you to thinking that you are not. Being smart is a product of learning and experiences. It involves constant studying, practising and using your skills, and discovering new ones. If you feel like you’re not good enough in the craft you’re in, don’t feel discouraged. Rather, invest time and effort to improve your skills. If you become very good in even just a few things, great opportunities will start knocking on your door.

I’M NOT EXPERIENCED.

In today’s world, it really doesn’t matter much if you are experienced or not. Some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs are very young, just in their 20s. Sure, experience is a plus. But it doesn’t mean that without it, you are not going to succeed. What matters more is that you are willing to learn. You are open to encountering failures, committing mistakes, and starting all over again. That’s where you gain experience, after all. Your passion for learning your craft is what will make up for what you lack in years.

THIS IS JUST ME.

To succeed, you must believe in yourself, and value yourself. The way you treat yourself is critical to your success. If you don’t love yourself and you don’t believe in your abilities, you are not going to succeed. Accept who you are now while working hard to become a better version of you.

I’M TOO BUSY TO DO IT.

Are you’re too busy to start a side business, to pursue a Master’s Degree, to work out, to be a parent, to start your own family, etc? Being busy has been the biggest scapegoat of all time. If you truly believe that you are too busy pursuing your dreams, try to assess how much time you spend on social media, or in watching your favourite TV series. Ask yourself how much time you spend browsing the web and reading magazines, hanging out with friends, and procrastinating. Be honest to yourself. You will realise that you are not really that busy and that you still can spare some time to pursue your dreams.

I’M NOT GOOD LIKE THEM.

There’s a saying that “comparison is the thief of joy”. One of the best ways to feel absolutely miserable is to constantly measure yourself by other people’s lives. This is why many people feel bad after browsing their Facebook newsfeed, according to studies. Comparing yourself with others inevitably sets you up for failures because you have given yourself a false benchmark based on what you think about the person’s life. What is wrong here is that you don’t know, 100%, what the person has gone through in life – how many times he/she fell and stumbled, before getting the life he or she has now. The need to compare yourself is so self-limiting belief because you can’t possibly measure up. Instead of basing your progress on other people’s lives, base it on your own.

I CAN’T BE HAPPY UNTIL…

Yes, you can’t be happy until you stop thinking like this. Happiness is not a destination. It’s a journey. If you allow your happiness to depend on something or someone, you will never be happy. The thing is that happiness is something you find within you. By working hard, and at the same time, being grateful for what you do have, instead of wanting something more, you will wake up each day feeling happy and contented.