Limiting Beliefs

Google defines a belief as “an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof.” So every belief at the root is based on assumptions of reality. Some assumptions favour our cause, resulting in empowering beliefs while others project an unfavourable future resulting in limiting beliefs.
Limiting beliefs are probably the biggest barriers to success. We construct them unconsciously through biased observation, natural conditioning and environment during childhood etc. As a result, our limiting beliefs are very much imbibed in our perception of reality. So it becomes hard to uncover them and eventually stop letting them weigh us down.
Suppose a lion in the pride suddenly starts eating grass and fruits. All the other lions will be like WTF? This is not because the rest of the lions went out of their way and consciously developed this belief that eating grass is uncommon. They(like us) are creatures of habit and condition. They fall into the crevices that evolution has created over thousands of years. The lions have been conditioned to eating meat and obeying that convention since they were born. It’s also in their DNA (a.k.a evolution). So when a new lion decides to defy convention and eats grass, it has to swim against the mental torrents caused by these limiting beliefs.
It is a battle of the mind to overcome limiting beliefs. If you fight and win, what you get as a result is a new pattern. A new way of thinking and behaving that is more aligned with your vision. The most useful weapon you can have in this battle against limiting beliefs is open mindedness. The question “Why the fuck not?” has helped generations of people overcome limiting beliefs of race, poverty, freedom etc. It’s like the spark of rebellion. You have to rebel against your own limiting beliefs. If you don’t, you will succumb to your own prejudice and live through life without clarity of thought. Even if the surroundings are conducive to your success, your limiting beliefs can make you dig a deep trench and sit there forever.
True freedom lies in escaping your own limiting beliefs. A mind unbound by bias is truly beautiful.
Limiting beliefs cause self sabotage. Many people cannot become millionaires because in their “expected reality” they can never see themselves as rich. This creates a self fulfilling prophecy wherein even if they happen to win the lottery, their limiting belief will eventually lead them to the “expected reality”. To become rich and sustain your wealth, you have to believe at a fundamental level that you are competent enough to create it and deserving enough to keep it.

The thing with biases and limiting beliefs is that they slowly creep back up if you don’t act against them. An initial effort is required to break the mold. After that, you have to normalize the new state of existence and the new habit through repeated action over a set period of time. To me, that is the only plausible way of overcoming limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs won’t disappear just by realizing that they’re limiting or irrational. They are rooted deep in your unconscious so you have to pluck them out with some time and effort.
It also helps to surround yourself in the right “mental environment” with the kind of people that no longer harbour your limiting beliefs and those who can support you in your endeavour. That is critical for almost any form of change. This is why I absolutely love hanging out with open-minded people. They don’t weigh you down with their limited perception. The mental environment is created by your support system, your team, your mastermind, your inner circle, your friends & family, your squad. Stay away from closed-minded irrational judgemental people. It’s easier said than done. The disappointing truth is that sometimes the people closest to you may inflict these biases on you through religion or the family dynamics etc. So it becomes very important to develop a keen eye and a sense of individuality to steer clear when necessary.
Unrestrained — that’s the word.
Constant vigilance against limitations and developing empowering beliefs is the only way out of failure and misery.
Good Luck.
