It might come to you as a surprise if you are told that you are full of limiting beliefs. Don’t take it personally, because everyone, including me, has their fair share of limiting beliefs.

A limiting belief is what keeps us from reaching our goals. It fills us with pessimism, negative self talk, and doubt. In short, it keeps us from truly living the life of our dreams.

Every time you hope to achieve something, what gets in your way? Is it timing, resources, luck, or a busy schedule? More often than not, it’s just the belief that you need to go for it and go for it now! Even if you can’t dig up what you want just yet, there’s no reason not to find a shovel and get to work! Stop procrastinating!

Here are the 5 most popular limiting beliefs that keep us from pursuing our passions:

1. I know I will fail

You remember that time you failed on your exam? What happened next? I’m sure the world didn’t end there. Even if you were required to repeat a course or do it again, you eventually passed, didn’t you? That’s exactly how it works in real life. So, instead of thinking to yourself, “I know I will fail”, think again and wonder, “What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Dennis P. Kimbro

2. I will start tomorrow

Forget about that perfect moment for pursuing your passion. Life is short and time is limited. Hours, days, and years will go by and you may still feel that you have to wait for some magical moment or the right time. News flash: that moment will never come unless you make it! Instead of waiting, live with the belief that time is limited. You don’t have forever so it’s either now or never.

3. People won’t understand

First of all, someone who truly cares about you would be highly reluctant to keep you from pursuing your dream (unless, of course it could be deadly!). The right people would encourage you, because they understand you and your need to go for it. Or perhaps, they fear that you might leave them behind or will expose their fears. Whichever the case, remember that not everyone has to understand what you are doing because you are not doing it for them. You’re doing it for you, and that’s just how it should be. As Lao Tzu once said, “Care about what other people think, and you will always be their prisoner.”

4. I don’t know where to start

Even the most famous scientists and inventors had no clue where to start when they had a mission in mind. Often times, what they started with led them to something entirely different, and sometimes, something even more valuable. Letting this belief be the reason not to start is simply an excuse. Start somewhere, anytime, and anywhere. Even if you don’t get it right the first time, you’ll know what to do next, and then next, and so on. The chain will continue until you have finally reached the point you had in mind.

“Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.” – William James

5. I don’t have the resources

We often limit ourselves to reach our goals by using available resources as an excuse. You may feel that you don’t have the money, qualifications, or skills necessary for the job and these are “obstacles” you can’t overcome. But who says “resources” can’t be gained? In other words, who says skills, education, or money can’t be acquired? With internal resources such as willpower, focus, energy, and passion; external resources are just a step away.

Thank you for reading my article! Which limiting belief stops you and why? Please leave your comment below!