We are what we think and our identity is shaped by our belief system. We make our choices and decisions in life based on these believes. We form them by observing people around us and understanding what is expected out of us.

To these ideas we add our own assumptions based on meaning we attach to our experience in life.  This leads to us making conclusions in life based on how things have worked for us in the past. Which leads to us adopting belief that becomes our world view. This is the world view we act upon in our life. These interpretations of the world around us is based on our interaction with the world.

Question is : How do these belief create barrier for our own growth?

Most of the times we do things to fit in, to confirm, to belong or to relate to people around us rather than focusing on being ourselves. This creates conflict between what we want to be and how we perceive things.

These limiting believes become main cause for cognitive distortion and limit us to achieve our full potential. Limiting beliefs are reinforced ideas which are unhelpful.

There are three main categories of limiting belief:

First is core identity we form of our selves(who am I!)

In this limiting idea we create set of ideas and belief about ourselves. We box ourselves based on what others think of us in certain categories and roles. These roles create our limitation.

Second is core abilities (what I can do!)

In this limiting idea we restrict ourselves in our abilities We hold on to certain norms and restrict our abilities, this leads to making us unacceptable to change and we hold back ourselves to change without realizing our full potential.

Third and final limiting idea is our ability to learn and problem solve (how can I do!)

In this limiting idea we restrict our capacity to learn and solve problem. Here fear plays an important role, it restricts us from trying and boxes us in social conformity. we limit our own growth by reinforcing the idea “I can't”.

These Limiting beliefs can be changed by changing our perspective. this change happens when we change from being reactive to proactive. Once we are proactive we take responsibility for change and become open, receptive and appreciative towards changing belief. It is a process which takes time and can be challenging.

So next time when you are not able to grow and achieve your dreams look inwards and think , is it your own belief system which is hampering your growth. and holding you back. 

Are you being your own enemy…

Think a bout it!!!