Limiting beliefs can be a major obstacle in achieving personal and professional growth, especially for business executives like you. You are constantly striving for excellence. But limiting beliefs can significantly impact your health and your well-being, and hinder you from moving the needle towards greater health and vitality.
What Are Limiting Beliefs?
Limiting beliefs are the negative thoughts and assumptions we hold about ourselves and our capabilities. These beliefs often stem from past experiences, self-doubt, or we have been conditioned by society and cultural norms that certain things we just can’t do. As an example, you might believe that you're "too busy to exercise" or "not good at cooking healthy meals."
Recognizing Limiting Beliefs
The first step towards overcoming these limiting beliefs is recognizing them. Pay attention to the thoughts that cross your mind when you think about your health, or any other challenges you may face, maybe even a team or leadership challenge. Do you find yourself thinking, "I can't do this," or "This won't work for me?" If so, you might be dealing with limiting beliefs. A first step you can take is to ask yourself: “Why not? What if I could?” Did you ever notice how a lot of coaches and gurus say things like “If I can do it, so can you?” They started out as ‘normal people” like you and me, and here they are. They simply kept moving forward, took small leaps of faith, and kept trying.
How Limiting Beliefs Harm Habit Changes for Better Health
Holding onto limiting beliefs can prevent you from adopting healthier habits. For example, believing that you don't have time to exercise can stop you from even trying to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Similarly, thinking that healthy eating is too difficult can keep you trapped in unhealthy eating patterns. It closes your mind off from evaluating the possibilities and you may miss out on discovering a solution that is uniquely perfect for you. It really blocks your creativity as well, as your creative thinking is called upon to sniff out the possibilities that would actually get you to exercise or eat healthier - just maybe not in the way you assumed at first!
4 Easy Strategies to Overcome Limiting Beliefs
Identify and Challenge Your Beliefs
Start by identifying the specific limiting belief that is holding you back. (We will start with one to avoid overwhelm here!) Write it down and ask yourself if it’s based on facts or assumptions. You can jot those down in two side by side columns for better visualization. Challenge your belief by questioning its validity and consider an alternative, more empowering idea.
Visualize Success
Visualization is a powerful tool for overcoming limiting beliefs. Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself successfully adopting a new, healthier habit. (Again, let’s start with one and then become more ambitious over time.) Picture yourself enjoying a workout, preparing a nutritious meal, or feeling energized and healthy. And most importantly, let your imagination flow! Don’t shy away from ‘crazy’ ideas, because they might just work for you! Let your creative side take over. Free idea flows are the best way to get our neural pathways unstuck and clear those gummed up cables that were relegated to the “when I was younger” chapter. (I for example think of my sci-fi stories I made up as a kid and just wander around in that inner world. It’s amazing what ideas pop into your head when you combine it with current life!)
Seek Support and Accountability
Share your goals with a trusted friend, family member, or coach who can provide support and hold you accountable. Having someone to encourage you and celebrate your successes can make a significant difference in overcoming limiting beliefs. Also, a word on accountability: the way I like to view it is as a promise you make to yourself, rooted in deep respect and love you have for yourself. No one can make you do anything, and if they do, it comes with a bitter taste of coercion. Definitely counterproductive to what you are trying to achieve. A promise made to yourself in this way uses your coach (or other trusted person) as a tool for yourself for support and encouragement. It’s always more fun doing things with others instead of alone.
Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Each step forward reinforces the belief that you are capable of making positive changes. Celebrating small wins helps build momentum and confidence, making it easier to overcome limiting beliefs. My small wins are simple things like going to bed by a certain time when I’m post night shift call, or eating a home-cooked lunch at work instead of the offered packaged plastic goods. Small steps done consistently matter more than big steps every once in a while.
Conclusion
Overcoming limiting beliefs is crucial for making lasting changes to your health and well-being. By identifying and challenging these beliefs, visualizing success, seeking support, and celebrating small wins, you can break free from the constraints holding you back.
Are you ready to unlock your full potential towards better health and even reversing pre-diabetes? Check out my Timeless Health Coaching Program here and start your journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life today!
Happy living and happy leading!
Dr. Kat
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