As this year draws nearer to a close, I’ve been thinking about my own anxiety and how I want to approach my outlook on life in the next 12 months. Overcoming barriers and limiting beliefs is something we all want to do at some point in our lives, but the question is “How?”. When I start to draw up in my brain what I want the next year to look like, I want relief from anxiety and worries in myself. I want to be able to stop worrying about things I have no control over. (Why I do that in the first place is beyond me.) In order to understand something that lies ahead of us, we need to know what that something is and where it comes from.
So what causes limiting beliefs in the first place?
Limiting beliefs are thought to be caused by our own brains to protect us from pain in the future. (Is that not just another way of saying ‘anxiety‘?) Our brains are powerful tools and have so much power and potential. Ok, so let’s just change our way of thinking and we will be good, yes? No. Not really, but kind of. That’s part of it, a large part, but there is timing and other factors that come into play. It’s much harder than that for those with limiting beliefs or outlooks . But there is something we can do which will quickly begin to change our thinking and ideals. It all stems from our brain anyway, so if we just begin to retrain our brain it will take shape with this new formed habit and begin to work for us, not against us. We have to start somewhere though, so where do we start?
Identifying language is a big one. Thoughts that begin with ‘I can’t’ or ‘I don’t’ or even ‘I’m not’ are the core of limiting beliefs. How many times a day do we say to ourselves something that begins with one or all of these?
“I don’t have enough time.”, “I can’t do this.”, “I’m not good enough…”
What if we retrained our brains to think on the opposite end of the spectrum. Could it possibly reduce our anxiety over certain situations in which we use this language? “I probably have enough time.”, “I can do this.”, “I am good enough…”. Now, first and foremost I am guilty of using this self destructive language for years. I know it has taken years to even get to the point where I am ready to accept positive language about myself, so this is not an overnight process. Please don’t begin this thinking it is. But it IS a start. And we all have to start somewhere.
Many New Years Resolutions coincide with a belief system. For instance, going to the gym/losing weight is probably the number 1 NY resolution. But imagine if you say to yourself, ‘I don’t have enough time.’ or, ‘This is too hard.”. What would be the point in your resolution? If you think to yourself instead. ‘I am going to make time for me.’ or ‘This might be hard at first, but it will get easier.’, already you feel better and more positive. It’s a mindset. And changing our negative mindset can lead to a positive belief system. This, is a way and a step to reduce anxiety!
As I mentioned earlier, this is not an overnight thing, and there is no expectation but the one you burden yourself with. (Yes, sometimes expectations can be burdens!) Take small steps toward this goal of a positive belief system. Recognize what your limiting beliefs are and always, practice self-compassion.
My family and I are planning on moving next summer and in order to do so, we have to list our current house. Knowing we have to do some upgrades and get ready to list our house is causing anxiety and stress because of what seems like a lack of time and energy. We are both very busy but, I have begun to tell myself, ‘We can do it if we put forth the effort.’ and ‘I’m ready and I want this.’
A lot of the language we use with ourselves can change by using ‘I Am’ statements rather than the negative ones I explained above.
One exercise I have done (well, continue to do because it is difficult) is writing out 100 ‘I Am” statements. Let’s just say I have been working on this for well over a year. I don’t do this every day, but I do struggle to find new ones not listed already, or ones I truly believe. But, once I put pen to paper, it almost becomes part of my psyche and lifestyle. I truly feel positively about myself or my actions after I find a truthful ‘I Am’ statement and replace a negative thought with a positive one.
I read somewhere once that ‘Limiting yourself is when you accept your current situation because you have no power to change it’. That’s a very powerful (and somewhat depressing) thought. Most of all our mental barriers and limiting beliefs can be changed, we just have to understand and accept where we are…and where we want to be. As Dr. Phil states, ‘You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.’.
If you too want to reduce your anxiety level in the coming year as a resolution, or if you just simply are fed up with the negativity surrounding yourself and being stuck in your brain, I challenge you (and myself!) to start changing your thought processes and be gentle with yourself. Have self-compassion. Begin to change that internal language and realize that you do have the power to change a situation, or even just how you feel about it. There is no sense in giving power to a situation you have no power over.
I hope these last few weeks of the year are great ones for each of you, and I hope you find it in yourself to be kinder, more understanding and more loving toward number 1. Let’s all go into 2025 with an open belief system and self power.
What are you excited about for this new year?
The goal of these blogs is to set intentions and to manifest a beautiful and purposeful life! To find beauty in the ugliest of places and to find light in the darkest.
Come with me on this journey as we discover a pathway to healing, health, purpose and joy!
And remember: Don’t take life too seriously, no one gets out alive!
XOXO, Juls
Awaken Your Soul's Potential 