What are Limiting Beliefs? How do they prevent our success?

Posted on March 11, 2023 by Clarissa Fuselier, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

Limiting beliefs are beliefs we hold about ourselves or the world that hold us back from achieving our goals. They are the negative thoughts and assumptions we have about our capabilities, potential, and the world around us. Limiting beliefs can prevent us from achieving our healthy life goals and living the life we truly desire.

When we have limiting beliefs, we tend to focus on the obstacles and challenges that stand in our way. We might believe that we are not capable of achieving our goals or that the world is against us. This negative mindset can be paralyzing, making it difficult to take action towards our goals.

For example, if someone wants to lose weight but has a limiting belief that they are “just naturally overweight,” they may find it difficult to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine. They might feel defeated before they even start, thinking that no matter what they do, they will never be able to achieve their desired weight. This limiting belief can lead to a lack of motivation and a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure.

Another common limiting belief is the fear of failure. Many people hold the belief that failure is a sign of personal inadequacy, and therefore avoid taking risks and trying new things. This can prevent us from pursuing our dreams and reaching our full potential. By avoiding failure, we also avoid the opportunity to learn and grow from our mistakes.

To overcome limiting beliefs, we need to recognize them and challenge them. We can start by asking ourselves questions such as: “What evidence do I have to support this belief?” or “What is another way to look at this situation?” We can also seek support from a life coach, therapist, or trusted friend to help us identify and challenge our limiting beliefs.

By overcoming our limiting beliefs, we can break free from the negative thoughts and assumptions that hold us back from achieving our healthy life goals. We can develop a growth mindset and focus on the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. With a positive attitude and a belief in our capabilities, we can achieve our dreams and live the life we truly desire.