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11 Limiting Beliefs

This post was most recently updated on March 27th, 2014

LIMITING BELIEFSLimiting beliefs can stop you in your tracks as you trudge along on your personal journey. 

 

Sometimes you may not even be aware of thoughts that run through your mind that will limit you in believing what you can accomplish. 

 

It is amazing how many thoughts we have throughout the day that can actually limit our success.  If you think you don’t have them, check again!

 

 

Limiting beliefs come from many places: your home environment, school, any authoritative figures you may have had in your life and yes, maybe it is you.  The point here is not where they come from, but rather what they are so we can identify them. 

 

Once you “identify” a thought you have that is limiting your potential, you become clearly aware of it.  When you are aware of those limiting thoughts, a red flag will pop up in your mind that will allow you to confront it and even turn it around.

 

 

Here is a list of limiting beliefs or thoughts that may run through your mind.  They may be part of your belief system, or just random thoughts you have.  

 

 

1.   I made mistakes in the past. It will only happen again.

2.   I can’t accomplish anything that I’ve had no prior experience with.

3.   I’m too dumb.  I can never be as good as the other guy.

4.   Some people are just lucky. I am not.

5.   I can never do a job like that.

6.   I can’t do a business myself.  What if I fail?  Everyone will think badly about me.

7.   You can’t trust anyone.

8.   Everyone is out to get you.

9.   No one is ever going to love me.

10. I should_________

11.  What if_________

 

 

Ever have either ONE of those thoughts?  I’m sure at one time or another you did.  Thoughts provoke emotions and emotions sometimes get in the way of your behavior.  This can stop you in your tracks and limit your belief system.  So if these thoughts come into your mind, here are some ways to confront them.  You can also use this as an affirmation list to reverse persistently limiting beliefs.

 

 

1.   I made mistakes in the past, but I learned from them and now I know how to do it better.

 

2.   I can do anything I want by learning new things every day.

 

3.   I feel like I am not as smart as the other guy, but I do have other things to offer people that he/she doesn’t.

 

4.   There is no such thing as luck!  

 

5.   I’m going to try something new.  It is a challenging job, but I like a positive challenge.

 

6.   I’m going to give my own business a shot.  If I enjoy what I’m doing, I’ll keep on learning.  If not, I always have my job.

 

7.   Trust is something earned.  I can trust people that display repeated behavior that is supportive and sincere.

 

8.   There are some people out there that are just negative.  I’ll steer clear of them and surround myself with positive people.

 

9.   I am a perfect being.  I deserve to be loved.

 

10. Never say “should”… it’s only a premise, not a reality.

 

11.  Never say “what if”… it’s only a possibility, and it’s a poor use of my time trying to imagine every possibility.

 

 

Do you have limiting beliefs?  If so, how do you deal with them.  Please add to the comments below.

Blessings,

Donna

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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66 Responses to 11 Limiting Beliefs

  1. Steve Borgman April 21, 2013 at 5:01 pm #

    Donna, what a profound and enlightening post! We, as online business entrepreneurs, are often our own worst enemies. I speak for myself on this front. For me personally, I have to remember, that at this time in my life, I have chosen to may God, family, and career a priority. My small online business has to come after that. So I can’t compare myself to full-time online entrepreneurs and get discouraged. I need to compare myself to myself, and to whether I am making daily progress toward my goals.

  2. Sarah Arrow
    Twitter:
    April 14, 2013 at 3:46 pm #

    Ah Donna, I don’t think there’s one on the list that I haven’t thought at sometime in my life. I don’t know where along the way I picked up such self-limiting beliefs. Luckily I’ve shed some of them, but they are hard to shift as they become part of your internal thinking mechanism.
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  3. Raena Lynn April 14, 2013 at 1:35 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I love the way you put together this article. You listed the negative beliefs, then a way to counter them. For me, I’ve had to learn how to become aware that I used to be my own worst enemy! At the time I didn’t know how destructive negative thoughts can be for anything in life. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how powerful thoughts are. Now I replace any negative thoughts with a positive as much as possible. Sometimes it is difficult but replacing them with your counter list can make a huge difference.

    Of course the “should” and “what if” thoughts are killers! Thanks for a very helpful post.

    Raena Lynn
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 14, 2013 at 2:20 pm #

      Hi Raena,

      Yes, I had to become aware of them myself. Wouldn’t it be nice in a “perfect world” for kids to learn about this?

      It takes years sometimes for us to understand and flag negative thinking.

      I’m sure glad you are on top of that!

      Donna
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  4. Cherrie Bautista April 12, 2013 at 11:34 pm #

    Yes, I believe that limiting beliefs block us from getting what we want or in achieving our highest potential, and most of the time, we are unconscious of these beliefs. They are very powerful subconcious programming that were ingrained into us while we were growing up and if we want to move forward, we need to make a conscious effort of reprogramming these beliefs into something that works for us, not against us. Positive aAffirmations is one of the powerful ways to do that. Excellent post, Donna!
    Cherrie Bautista recently posted..21 Ways Rich People Think Differently Than Average PeopleMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 14, 2013 at 11:49 am #

      Thanks Cherrie!

      Yes, we all have ’em – those subconscious limiting believes we attained while growing up. And even as adults. It is so important to know that they are merely just thoughts! And more importantly, we can control them.

      We all deserve the best we can be! Affirmations are a good tool to use, but there are so many others. Whatever one resonates with, I say run with it and grow!

      Blessings,
      Donna
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  5. Lisa
    Twitter:
    April 10, 2013 at 10:44 am #

    A really inspiring post Donna. I do find myself at times starting with I Should….(A no no.) It’s all that self talk that can really make a difference in our lives. Instead of the “I should” it must be an “I do” and just do it. We really have more control over our realities than we realize. Thanks for sharing these Donna.
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  6. Marty Diamond
    Twitter:
    April 9, 2013 at 1:45 am #

    Hi Donna – Thanks for a great post. Isn’t it interesting how easily we can sabotage ourselves with limiting beliefs. Identifying them is definitely the first step – then for me visualizing a different outcome is what helps me create a different automatic response. Marty
    Marty Diamond recently posted..Overcoming Website HypnosisMy Profile

  7. Yorinda April 6, 2013 at 10:02 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    thank you for sharing these great insights about limiting beliefs.

    You gave some great examples of how we can turn them around.

    There are times when using ‘What ifs’ in the context of ‘what if it would be possible that my best is good enough’ since a positive ‘what if’ help our own ‘search engines’ to find the answers.

    Cheers,
    Yorinda
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  8. Rick Lelchuk April 6, 2013 at 4:16 pm #

    Donna,

    You are right, everyone has had these thoughts, it’s what we do with them that counts. You can choose to believe them or realize they are a fleeing impulse that needs no further attention.

    What I have taken to doing is allowing the thought to come, don’t fight it as it’s only a human trait. I put a smile on my face, literally, and move onward. You can’t have a negative thought with a big grin on your face, even if you put it there to combat a negative thought. Give it a try. It certainly amazed me.

    RICK
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 6, 2013 at 9:53 pm #

      Oh Rick…that’s a great one!

      I have used that technique! It is great …all you have to do is sit calmly, keep your facial muscles relaxed and use a half smile or smile.

      It “tricks” your subconscious that you are happy. I learned that as one of the “mindet” skills in a course I’ve taken.

      Works like a charm! Thanks for mentioning that.

      Donna
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  9. Michael Shook April 6, 2013 at 3:52 pm #

    This really is a great article. You don’t deny the existence of limiting beliefs, but acknowledge them and then show examples of how to change them into thoughts that can serve us to our highest good. That part right there about changing them is where so many personal development techniques fall off the cart, but yours are spot on.

    Thank you, things really are this simple if we will just stop what we are doing and take up the suggestions you have offered her. 🙂
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 6, 2013 at 4:03 pm #

      Thank you Michael,

      I try to make things simple because when it comes down to it, they really are. Our belief system is composed of many different things. When we are limiting ourselves, we can just turn it around with some simple words.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  10. Kyle Nelson
    Twitter:
    April 6, 2013 at 10:36 am #

    Thanks for sharing this list. What I did while reading towards the end of the list was filled in the blank then thought about the first think that came to mind. After that I eveluated exactly what I was thinking and thought “Am I really limiting my self?” Thanks for waking me up and getting my mind in the game!

  11. Mayura
    Twitter:
    April 5, 2013 at 4:20 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    Gosh… Gosh… Gosh… How lucky I’m to know you as a friend and read your blog 😉

    I’ve been looking through the list here and thought “Strange, where’s mine?” but that’s only until #10 😉

    I’ve been getting “I should” phrases a lot in my mind lately as I’m busy with a new project and I really thought that’s something for me to remind what I need to do. But when I look back, they never helped me but I admit, they threaten me and told me I’m not doing enough though I’m dead tired 🙂

    I really glad I’m late here ’cause it happened in last 2 – 3 days Donna. Now I know what to do 🙂 I don’t say “I should have come earlier”, ’cause this is the perfect time to know as I believe 😉

    Thanks for wonderful information and boosting my confidence my friend 🙂 Without you, I’d be lost with nagging – “I should”…

    Have a fantabulous weekend ahead Donna 🙂

    Cheers…
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 6, 2013 at 12:28 am #

      Thank you Mayura!

      The “I Should’s” are dangerous! I wish we can take the world should out of our vocabulary. But now you are AWARE! When you start thinking should, you will remember to push that thought aside and go on with your project.

      It takes a bit of practice, but once you do it, you will find that it becomes part of you. You automatically will get a red flag in your head and laugh it off.

      Good luck my friend,
      Donna
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  12. Orneryswife April 5, 2013 at 9:33 am #

    This is such a good reminder. I heard once that our brains discount 90+percent of the impulses they receive, and of the few that are left, often our limiting beliefs cause those few to be cast out as well. In fact it seems amazing we get anything done! great post!
    tm
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 6, 2013 at 12:19 am #

      Hi

      Thanks for your awesome input! Yes, imagine that! Our brain is discounting 90 percent of the impulses it receives. Imagine what we can do when we open ourselves up to all that we can use.

      Thanks,

      Donna
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  13. Chelle Bowman April 4, 2013 at 9:21 pm #

    Great article Donna! My limiting belief used to be that you can’t be spiritual and be financially wealthy! Boy, did that one hold me back for awhile!
    Chelle Bowman recently posted..Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway!!My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 6, 2013 at 12:11 am #

      Hi Chelle,

      And…welcome to my blog.. Wow that is one that I’ve heard many times. So not true. Many spiritual people are financially wealthy. In fact, most wealthy people I know have deep rooted spiritual beliefs.

      Thanks for your input.
      Donna
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  14. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    April 4, 2013 at 7:42 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I carried – and still carry – some wicked limiting beliefs in the form of money. Thank the stars I have released some blocks in this department and have allowed more money into my life, so I could live some wild dreams. I returned from a 2 year trip through Southeast Asia last week so things are going well. But I still address these blocks when they arise. Awesome post.

    2 days ago I generated an idea to offer ghostwriting services. I have churned out thousands of articles for my blog and write articles for pay, too. I noted an opportunity, seized it, and ran with it. I heard a few little, “who would pay, you are confusing your audience,” types limiters, but they were pretty quiet, and I dismissed them immediately.

    This is the key, which you note: awareness. Becoming aware of these limiters by doing new, free and at times uncomfortable things makes these thoughts and feelings pop up frequently. At that point, move forward. No matter what. The belief might whine but if you form a beeline for your dreams these lower energies die a quick death.

    And oh yeah, they keep coming up. I used to think I would conquer limiters, then I move forward, do something new, and the chatter arises. Thank goodness I keep going forward.

    Thanks Donna,

    Ryan
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 5, 2013 at 5:33 pm #

      Hey Ryan!

      What a great comment! So you are back and those 2 years went by so quickly as I followed your journey.

      Yes, it is true that those nasty thoughts don’t just disappear, they exist. But awareness is the key. Once we recognize what it truly is, we can just swat it away.

      Oh boy…cannot wait to read your book! You sure do write a lot. I cannot keep up with all your posts lol.

      Of course this will rock!

      Donna
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  15. Anne April 4, 2013 at 6:30 pm #

    I recently published a post similar to this – about thoughts and feelings. I believe that we all have limiting thoughts. I know I have them, especially about my health. I don’t know why this is an area in which I attack myself – thought wise.

    Sometimes it’s difficult to start thinking positive thoughts if you have a pattern of negative thinking. I tell people to start challenging the negative thoughts first. This is exactly what I do. It’s similar to the last part of your article where you confronted the negative thoughts.
    Great article!
    Anne recently posted..How To Change Your FeelingsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 5, 2013 at 5:25 pm #

      Thank you Anne,

      Coming from you, this is an honor. We do have to challenge ourselves BEFORE we do anything! It is so important to keep up our positive thinking in order to have a fulfilled lifestyle and also a great business.

      Donna
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  16. Beth Hewitt
    Twitter:
    April 4, 2013 at 4:16 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    Really enjoyed your post, I love coming back here. I actually think I have the mindset stuff down now. It might seem big headed but I really feel I can do anything I set my mind to.

    Self limiting thoughts are so frustrating. I think it is a shame that people see themselves different to others. We are all biologically the same, it is only our experiences that are different and it those that make us unique and able to achieve all kinds of things. woohoo.

    Thanks for a great post.

    Beth 🙂
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 5, 2013 at 5:18 pm #

      Hi Beth

      Good seeing you again. Also, great to hear that you have this mindset thing down! I am so glad that you know that you can do anything you set your mind to do.

      Practice makes perfect!
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  17. Sherman Smith April 4, 2013 at 12:16 am #

    This is a great way to turn limiting beliefs around to open yourself up to what’s possible. A lot of us have these limiting beliefs, and a lot of times our peers aren’t that helpful, but if we can switch the way we tell ourselves these limiting beliefs to something more positive, we’ll have a more positive outlook on life and be more open to any improvements that come to us. Thanks for sharing!

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 4, 2013 at 11:45 am #

      Hi Sherman,

      I find that when there is limiting beliefs, our friends are not the people to go to because they are used to us being who we are and are comfortable with that.

      When we grow and change, sometimes our friends and family find it odd and there are situations where it may cause conflict.

      But that is just human nature. I find the best way to grow is to do it yourself! The more we grow and change, the more different people will be attracted to us and we them.

      Donna
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  18. Mary Stephenson
    Twitter:
    April 3, 2013 at 10:28 pm #

    Hi Donna

    Hate those limiting beliefs that keep creeping in when you least expect it. Used to have a lot of those and used to worry right along with them. Now things are at the bottom, so I can’t take the time to think about any of it or it would slowly destroy any possibilities of success. No way out but up and somehow it brings new hope and solutions to the situation. I see great things ahead, but not necessarily from where I first started at in the beginning of this new phase of life.

    I try to change the thoughts when they creep in to, if someone else that is not as smart as me can become successful well what is stopping me. But they do creep in more times than I care to think about. I usually distract myself by getting involved in my online classes. Can’t concentrate on that and let that other stuff take hold of my brain. Sometimes I go get a drink of water, do some housework or pester my cats to change the thoughts.

    Mary
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 4, 2013 at 11:32 am #

      Hi Mary,

      These are wonderful things to do to distract yourself from those darn creepy negative thoughts.

      When you get up and get a glass of water, or complete a small task, it does switch your thoughts around. It is called opposite action and it always works for me too.

      Donna
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  19. Michael A Buccilli April 3, 2013 at 1:25 am #

    I can relate to using all of these beliefs in that past. I was so afraid of failure that I let the negative reactions to my excitements keep me from moving forward.

    Good advice Donna and I thank you again for continuing to push me forward and upward in my business and in my writing.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 3, 2013 at 2:43 pm #

      Hi Michael,

      Well, I think we all have had or still have some of these thinking patterns. The trick is to push on and overcome them. I see your growth and you are doing it my friend. I promise to keep pushing you lol

      Donna
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  20. Neamat Tawadrous
    Twitter:
    April 2, 2013 at 11:50 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is a powerful message Donna! Yes, I know I do have some limiting beliefs and #6 and #11 stood out for me.

    I love the affirmations you suggested too and as you said the key is to continually give ourselves positive affirmations and confront our thoughts.

    This is a great reminder to watch what we say to ourselves.

    Thanks Donna for such a great post! Love it!!

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 3, 2013 at 2:35 pm #

      Well Neamat,

      A big surprise to me that #6 and #11 stood out for you! Have to get rid of that “what if” thought. It’s easy…Once it comes to your mind, imagine an international NO symbol. After a while, “what if” will not enter your mind again.

      There are many techniques how to do it, but being that you are in the self development field with loads of experience, I think this would work for you.

      Donna
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  21. Joan Kappes April 2, 2013 at 11:31 am #

    Thank you for sharing your wisdom about beliefs, Donna! Yes! Beliefs are the drivers of our life and the best part, once we become aware of them, we quickly see whether or not they are serving us. Once we are aware, we have freedom to deliberately choose our beliefs. This awareness and choice of our beliefs is one of our greatest gifts, (I believe!), because then we are on the path of freedom to create the life of our dreams! Thanks again for this great sharing! – Joan

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:52 pm #

      Hi Joan,

      We all have our belief systems, but when they are negative and not serving us well, it is time to change! And Yes, they are drivers of our lives…I like that!

      But when we are aware we can choose ….and to me choice is freedom!

      Thanks for your comment,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  22. Sonia April 2, 2013 at 11:31 am #

    Very powerful post. I have said MANY of those Donna. Do I still? Maybe on some, but I appreciate you pointing that out for me. Once I saw the statements after, it made me think about the self-affirmation that I tell myself each day when things don’t go right or common struggles that I face.

    Recently I started a new venture and I am excited and challenged. I know I can accomplish anything I put my mind to, but one thing I did do was migrate away from people that continually say things like that each and every day to themselves and me. You just don’t know the effect it will have on you to be around someone that is ALWAYS like that. It rubs off on you and you won’t even realize it until its too late.
    Sonia recently posted..My New Look and New DirectionMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:50 pm #

      Hi Sonia,

      Very true! People carry energies that can bring us down. They can reinforce self doubt. This is where we need to put our boundaries up. Once recognized, there is no excuses, otherwise it is too late!

      I just visited your new site and it is Awesome. I can see big changes you are making and that is so wonderful.

      Donna
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  23. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    April 2, 2013 at 11:15 am #

    Hi Donna,
    I love this post because of one important thing. Even though people may have self-limiting beliefs, alot of times they don’t know the words to make the change. In other words, they don’t know what to say to themselves to get to the other side! May sound weird or funny, but it’s the truth! I know sometimes I have trouble trying to figure out how to change a situation in my thoughts and in my heart but it begins with the words. I love that you provide ways to do that by providing the language. Great job and great post. Sometimes we need a little help with the little things! 🙂
    Barbara
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:48 pm #

      So true Barbara,

      So many people don’t know the words to get themselves out of the negative and into the positive. They just never heard them! Guess it is one of the reasons why I wrote this post.

      Growing up, I never heard them either. But I found my way by following my heart. Now many years later, I like to shout it from the roof tops to help people know they are powerful human beings and can do anything they put their minds to.

      Donna
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  24. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    April 2, 2013 at 12:17 am #

    Oh Yeh Donna I have had these thoughts and I do try to turn them around right away!! I love your list of affirmations and have copied them to my desk top! This was an Awesome reminder for all of us Thanks for sharing Chery 🙂

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 4, 2013 at 11:30 am #

      Hi Chery,

      Well, it is nice to hear that you copied those affirmations. Take one at a time and use it for 30 days and see what happens!

      Donna
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  25. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    April 1, 2013 at 9:58 pm #

    Hi Donna

    I love this post and I am sure everyone has these limiting beliefs at sometime.

    When I was younger I thought I could do anything as I have grown older I hear myself thinking more of these thoughts. When I came online I kept telling everyone I was not technical. It got to a point I had to stop saying it as it was stopping me. I changed it to – “I do not like to do the tech stuff so I outsource it” back to choice not victim stuff.

    The other one that I find myself thinking lately is “I am too old to make it online like the young dudes”. I am still working on that one 🙂

    Great post Donna thanks.

    Sue
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:45 pm #

      Sue,

      I am with you on your first one. Not a victim of “I’m not technical” but rather, “I don’t have time for that…need to outsource that one!”

      But thinking you are too old for all the young dudes online….NO!!!!!

      There are so many baby boomers that are coming into the fold; those that have lost their jobs, those that are “retired” and still young enough to have the energy to start a business. I’m sure they feel the same way.

      So my dear friend, with your awesome experience, you can be the poster gal for those that are 45 years and older. Look at the stats…they are coming in like crazy but are the silent bunch.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  26. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    April 1, 2013 at 9:04 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    That’s a great topic!

    You’re right, we all have limiting beliefs, and they come from many places. I am so fortunate that I actually always had some type of dislike for limiting beliefs from a young age. It doesn’t I didn’t have any, I only wish, but I sure fought them back then already.

    Now, with my knowledge of limiting belief I have to say that I kills a few that I had, but again, it doesn’t mean that I killed them all, but it’s really getting much better for me in this area.

    Someone will be more paralyzed by a limiting belief than a person a wheel chair. Limiting belief are like the plague and we need to get rid of them as much as we can.

    Thanks you for bring this great point out!
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..How To Use Your Natural Senses To Attract What You Want In Your LifeMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:42 pm #

      Hi Sylviane!

      Yes, Limiting Beliefs are like a Plague! It does paralyze people and I just don’t like that to happen. That’s what gave me incentive to write this post.

      It was because one of my clients kept saying “I can’t” and it just didn’t sit well with me. After working a while she became like the children’s story “The Little Engine That Could”

      Her affirmation was “I know I Can” and end of story: She did!

      Donna
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  27. Gladys
    Twitter:
    April 1, 2013 at 8:30 pm #

    Hello Donna

    What an incredible article. I love every word you wrote and wow it spoke volumes to me. Donna I do lots of teaching on core beliefs and what can I say.
    You are right, either we have in the past succumbed to those mindsets, or some are still in that frame of mind.
    Number two and number five stood out to me. At once that is how I felt and thought and behaved. I am thankful for changes in my mind.
    Donna you also gave us wisdom with the eleven points to use in our affirmations and decrees.
    Thank you so much.

    Gladys recently posted…Six Basic Measures to Start Personal Development
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:39 pm #

      Hi Gladys

      I’m glad you enjoyed this post. That #5 is one that is common to a lot of people. When I hear that from a client, I immediately know where it comes from.

      People can be encouraged to change and grow. (if they really want to!) If they are dealing with that particular phrase, I like to take them back to something in their lives that they thought they couldn’t do, but then accomplished.

      Building upon that, it usually gets them going!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  28. Corina Ramos April 1, 2013 at 5:58 pm #

    Oh yes, I have uttered many of these before and sometimes they do come creeping back in.

    Like you said the key is to continually give ourselves positive affirmations and only surrounding ourselves with people who inspire you to be a better person and help you grow.

    You gave such great suggestions, thanks. 🙂
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:36 pm #

      Hi Corina,

      Oh those creeper thoughts. We all have ’em! But once we can identify them creeping in, we have the power in our mind to control them.

      Positive affirmations are a great way to overcome that.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  29. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    April 1, 2013 at 4:21 pm #

    Oh girl, I’ve been there for sure. I’m actually kind of smiling because I saw myself in some of what you shared here. I mean who hasn’t!

    I remember when I was part of a group probably about four years ago and they had us take “I can’t” out of our vocabulary. I even wrote that on a tombstone and took a picture of me with that like I was burying those words.

    We don’t realize what words do to us because they are the first things that pop into our minds. We’re so use to saying them that it’s really hard to make that change. BUT, if you really want to you can and I love the examples that you shared with exactly how to start turning that all around.

    Great share Donna and I hope everyone will take your advice and start watching what they say. Pretty soon they’ll also start feeling it too.

    ~Adrienne
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:35 pm #

      Ohh I like that Adrienne.

      What a great exercise that is! I’m sure your mind doesn’t say I can’t anymore!

      I love exercises like that. We are people who need to see things die out. Taking that picture was very powerful I’m sure.

      There are so many great exercises like that…Hmmm Maybe I’ll write the in my next post!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  30. Kesha Brown April 1, 2013 at 4:19 pm #

    Donna, you know I had to share this one all over the place! This message and this message alone has the potential to skyrocket a lot of people towards what they really want in life by just turning around these beliefs that don’t serve us, regardless of where we got them from. We all have/had them but once we realize we have the power to overcome them, man, we’d be unstoppable (I’m talking to myself too)!! Love it! 😉
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:33 pm #

      Thank you Kesha!

      Yes, we have so much power within ourselves it is crazy! Once we tap into it, we become unstoppable!

      I came from a powerless place, but once I found my power, it grows like wildfire. It becomes something that is needed within me and there is no way ANYTHING will get me down. Even me!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  31. Carol Lynn April 1, 2013 at 10:52 am #

    I love your points here Donna, and your counterpoints too. I “should” (or even “should have”) is one way to really mess yourself up. If it’s something you’re going to do, then do it. If it’s something you don’t want to do or aren’t going to do but feel guilty about it, so you tell yourself you “should”, then that’s only going to drive you crazy!

    I don’t know why we seem pre-programmed to be so hard on ourselves but we would probably never talk to anyone else as negatively as we talk to ourselves. If someone was feeling bad and they came to us and said “I’m not as smart as that other guy…” we would say something encouraging. Of course you are! Or you can do your own things well. Or you can learn.

    But no, when it comes to us, we are very mean.

    I love your positive spin on things. It’s all a matter of how we frame the situation and talk to ourselves. Let’s make it good!
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:30 pm #

      Hey Carol!

      Yes, we are so much harder on ourselves than we are with others. It is all within our thinking patterns.

      This is one of the things I like to use “self talk” – When I’m going into the negative thinking, I talk to myself and encourage myself like I would do any other person. It works!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  32. Babanature April 1, 2013 at 10:34 am #

    Hello Donna,
    I’d say everybody in one point have had limiting belief and might even do in the future, but as Harleena have said; We are the ones putting these limitation or restriction our selves. And it takes courage to brake off these limitations.
    I always have this in mind “what if i fail” sometimes but then again i’ll say darn it and move anyways.
    You post truly hit the spot and i’ll say thanks. Do have a great week ahead.
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    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:28 pm #

      Hi Babanature

      I think we all get that “what if I fail” thoughts in our mind. But it is pointless unless we try. The moving forward anyway is a great thing to do.

      Your attitude is great!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

  33. Sarupa Shah
    Twitter:
    April 1, 2013 at 7:24 am #

    Love this- it is so important to shed light on ones limiting beliefs and to be reminded of them as I find they have a way to creep back in when you are not expecting. Thanks for a great post!
    Sarupa Shah recently posted..Why your comfort zone is costing you money!My Profile

  34. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    April 1, 2013 at 4:05 am #

    Lovely post Donna!

    Oh yes…I think most of us must be having some limiting belief or the other, and I sure can relate to a lot of things you mentioned here. 🙂

    We are the ones actually who put these restrictions or limit ourselves, which stops us from thinking or moving ahead. We lack the self-esteem and self-confidence in our abilities at times, which makes us think the way we do. And just as you gave so many examples, I liked the way you gave us the solutions too.

    What works best for me is to fight those limiting beliefs by going ahead and opening our minds and getting those done. This happens when you gather yourself and your confidence, and tell yourself that yes – I can do this. Just those few words can boost you up for sure.

    I can so well relate to #2, as a lot of time I feel I lack experience with something that I don’t know, and tend to just leave it like that because I think I cannot do it or feel I might not do it right. Yes, I also know the answer to it and it takes me time getting back to doing that thing – but I do get it done. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing these limiting beliefs and their solutions with us. Hope you have a lovely Easter. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..How to Cope With Teenage Mood SwingsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 2, 2013 at 4:26 pm #

      Thanks for your lovely input Harleena.

      Yes I agree, we do put these limitations on our selves! We do have to open our minds in order to give it a try! Once we do, we gain the confidence little by little.

      Yes, #2 is a very common one, especially in our business. I have pushed so many things aside because I felt I just couldn’t do it. But when I gave myself the time, followed things step by step, I did do it and a happy dance followed!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..11 Limiting BeliefsMy Profile

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