Recognise self-limiting beliefs:

Self-limiting beliefs are the beliefs we have that prevent us from being what we want to become. They stop us before we start trying to grow. They keep our minds firmly in place. It is more difficult to recognize them in ourselves than in others.

Restricting beliefs usually stem from our fears. It's also a way to justify why we stay in our comfort zones. We draw lines in our minds that separate us from who we are. Anything beyond what we think is already there, we rule out irrelevant, whether or not it can help us grow.

These beliefs usually take the form of negativity and excuses:

• I can't _______
• Me, no _______
• I'm not _______

Examples of self-limiting beliefs:

• I am not very creative. I am not good at art.
• I'm talented, so I don't need to practice my craft constantly.
• I don't think I can do it; I am very average.
• I don't have the skills I need

Examples of successful mental beliefs:

• I like to create and express myself because it feels so good. I enjoy the process.
• I practice every day to practice because I want to perfect my profession.
• I can achieve that what I set my mind to because of my hard work
• I can develop all the skills I need

The psychology of encouragement: Effects on faith and self-image

We often grow up with positive and negative encouragement that shapes our beliefs and efforts. Our thoughts start at a young age and evolve with our life experiences.

Positive encouragement

We may have parents, friends, or people we respect who tell us that we are "gifted" or "normal." They often do this with good faith: to motivate us to pursue and nurture our innate abilities.

Unfortunately, doing so has a counterintuitive effect. This kind of encouragement makes us believe we already possess all the skills we need, and striving to improve those skills will be seen as improving due to disability.

You can learn more about Eduardo Briceno's Ted talk about the power of faith.

Negative encouragement

Some of us are unfortunate not to get encouraging support as we grow. As we progress, we may share our dreams about who we want to become, and others may tell us to "be realistic." The more our goals are dropped or diverted, the more we lower our bar to fulfill an ambitious dream.

Most people who communicate our subjective beliefs have good intentions. They want to protect you from disappointment and harm.

The effects of this kind of encouragement lead us to conform to what others consider "normal." It causes us to lower our aspirations and expectations to what we consider "realistic."

If our only goal in life is to earn enough money to pay the bills, the standard is too low and attainable to get us excited. So don't make us jump out of bed, ready to follow the daily opportunities we get.

Example:

Context:

Let's say your parents have been running a restaurant for the past few decades, and it's the world they know. Your friends live in the corporate world.

Your drive:

You have high aspirations. You may want to earn a living by exploring the world. You may want to create art or music for a living. You may even want to start the business around your passion for helping people.

Whatever you do, you want to make a massive impact worldwide. You don't want a job; you want a job that you can be passionate about. The work you want to do may not make money right away.

Positive encouragement:

Your parents and friends may encourage you by pointing out that they see your strengths. They may tell you you already have the talent to fulfill your aspirations. But, as much as encouragement may feel, we cannot let that encouragement keep us in a place of comfort. Instead, we must use this as fuel to keep pushing into new areas.

Negative encouragement:

Your parents and friends may also influence you to shift your efforts toward something more "practical" or "realistic." They might think that it couldn't be done because they weren't able to do it themselves. We must remember that what others tell us are usually opinions.

Opinions:

We must be able to absorb the opinions of others but also draw our conclusions. Others tend to project their beliefs and life experiences onto us when sharing their views, and we do the same with others.

Recognize opinions as vital for independent thinking. They are also the key to recognizing limiting beliefs; in us and others.