“Make believe you are brave and the trick will get you far, and you can be as brave as you make believe you are."
You could replace the word brave for just about anything else, and the quote would still work!
Did you ever notice that the word, ‘Belief’, has the word 'lie' hidden in it ? For good reason, I think. Because a belief is just a lie we tell ourselves. So the lie better serve us, right ?
Last week, I got my students to do an activity, which involved them to reflect on some of their beliefs. And examine whether they were truly their own or something imposed by others. Also if they were empowering in nature or limiting. I did the exercise along with them and realised just how many limiting beliefs I had.
Everyday we are exposed to other people's ideas and opinions - of us, of who we are, what we can or cannot do, of what's important, what's not, how we should be living our lives, what we should be doing etc etc etc. And if we unconsciously take everything in and start internalising those opinions and make them our own, then we risk becoming like this ant, unable to move beyond limitations, created by none other than the self:
One of my friends, Chaitanya, wrote an article on Wordpress on the need to take stock of our thoughts, and clear the unnecessary ones, just as we clear out our Garbage bins. Do give it a read:
https://chaitanyavembar.wordpress.com/2021/03/31/sort-your-thoughts-like-its-trash-day/
The same process can & should be applied to our beliefs. We need to do regular checks to see which beliefs we have internalised as the truth & if that serves us.
Some practical tips to let go of limiting beliefs and adopt empowering ones :
A. Watch out for labeling : People tend to do that to us with statements like, "Oh, you are always late", or "you are unsocial", "you are this or that".
We don't need to make an identity out of our qualities or current situation. Nothing is permanent and change is possible. Just because you are a bit unsocial today, does not mean, you have to remain like that for the rest of your life. You can become more sociable if that's what you desire.
If you are unsuccessful today (as per whatever your definition of success is) , you can be successful tomorrow. It's just a question of looking at what you are doing wrong and changing your process to get a better result.
So don't allow other people's current opinion of you, define you.
You can do this, by being mindful and aware of the labeling as and when it happens. Choose to drop it or reason with it so it loses its power to influence you.
B. Don't do it to others: Just as you wouldn't want others to label you as this or that, watch out for the tendency in you, to label others. We all do this unconsciously and not because we are evil or bad. It's just the nature of the mind to draw conclusions.
Instead of labeling and limiting an individual as incapable of anything beyond our imagination, focus on the light in them. Everything we do or say should be such, that brings out that inner light and gives others the permission to shine - brighter than ever.
Each day, I like to set my intention to compliment atleast one person. It is a conscious practice and it has helped me feel fabulous about myself. Nothing is more joyful than giving out positive encouragement and seeing the sparkle in the eyes of people you appreciate✨So, train the mind to see potential and goodness in others.
C. Once a week belief examination: Set aside one day during the week to examine your beliefs and see what you picked up. Drop it or keep it basis how it serves you. Let this be a life long practice.
D. Most importantly trust your own heart & experience : Your dreams and ideas may seem superfluous to others because they see things from their perspective, not yours. Have faith in the possibilities that you sense from within. Instead of spending your energy in trying to convince the world about how you feel about something, spend it on giving those possibilities wings to take off. Let the world see the results of your faith in yourself 💕
These tips that I have given you are the ones I need myself 🙂. And I know that it's going to be a lifetime of practice. But I just hope that at the end of my life, when I look back, I would have overcome some, if not all of my limitations ❤️
Did you resonate with my post? Which part did you relate to the most? Let me know in comments. I would love to hear and learn from you 💕