Have you ever made a negative decision based upon a poor experience? It can be very easy, too easy and before you know it, it becomes a belief which as the name states, limits us in our thinking and focus. In the workplace limiting beliefs can halt our productivity, cause inaction and hold us back from moving forward.
What is a limiting belief?
A limiting belief is a decision or belief which was made as a result of a negative emotional experience in the past and is then reinforced time and time again until it becomes a belief. Examples of limiting beliefs or decisions can be, “I will not be successful” “I always deliver poor appraisals”, “I write poor reports”, “…the meetings I chair are not productive”. As the belief is self perpetuated after the original event, it reinforces further.
I always remember from school days (yes it can go back many years) when I made a decision that I couldn’t draw after a negative event in the classroom. Every occasion after that event I was asked to draw something, I thought I could not and said so. This became a belief that I carried around for many years later. Sound familiar?
Removing limiting beliefs
During these times when starting up a business or when the pressure is on in the workplace we want to be in the most resourceful mindset possible.
It’s really easy to cause a shift in our thinking. Ask yourself “…when did I make that decision to do x?” (be hard on yourself and push yourself to recall the event). Once you have recalled the event notice the positive learnings are and the change you are now experiencing, you may even find you are smiling by now. I know I did, although it was somewhat sheepishly thinking how much energy I had wasted over the years holding onto that belief!
To explore what is limiting you and holding you back contact me for a free consultation
