Empower Yourself: Break Free from Limiting Beliefs
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Chapter 1: The Journey to Self-Discovery
My parents often joked that if procrastination were an Olympic sport, I would undoubtedly win gold. This statement was repeated so frequently during my childhood that I began to accept it as my reality. However, one day I made the conscious decision to stop allowing others' perceptions to dictate my identity.
Our upbringing shapes our views about ourselves and the world around us. Many individuals carry beliefs instilled in them by those they are closest to, often throughout their entire lives. This is a phenomenon I find deeply troubling.
Let’s examine three self-destructive beliefs that may have influenced your life and explore how to overcome them.
Section 1.1: “I Don’t Have Time”
Recently, I mentioned to a colleague that I had removed Facebook from my phone, and she looked at me as if I were from another planet. The truth is, I deleted the app to avoid wasting countless hours mindlessly scrolling.
The phrase “I don’t have time” reigns supreme among excuses, but it’s largely untrue. While everyone’s situation is unique—especially those managing multiple jobs or long hours—most people use this phrase to mask their choices.
For instance, it often really means, “I’d prefer to binge-watch my favorite shows or scroll through TikTok.” There’s nothing inherently wrong with these activities; however, if this is how you choose to spend your time, you lose the right to complain about not having time for other pursuits.
Go Do’s:
- Track how much time you spend on TV, social media, and other distractions over a week.
- Accept the reality of your habits.
- Commit to reclaiming your time for activities that truly matter to you.
Section 1.2: “I’m Too Old”
Last week, my boss turned forty and jokingly claimed he needed a day off to mourn this milestone. While he was likely jesting, it highlights a common misconception about aging.
Why do we feel we must be a certain age to achieve success or embark on new ventures? The truth is, age should not deter you from pursuing your dreams. Many successful figures achieved their milestones later in life, including:
- Vera Wang designed her first dress at 40.
- J.R.R. Tolkien published The Hobbit at 45 and completed The Lord of the Rings at 56.
- John Pemberton created Coca-Cola at 55.
- Charles Darwin published On The Origin of Species at 50.
Go Do’s:
- Repeat the affirmation “I am not too old to pursue my goals” until it resonates within you.
- Actively chase after your aspirations.
Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey of Learning
In the video "Make These 3 Self Limiting Beliefs Go Away For Good | Wayne Dyer," Wayne Dyer shares insights on overcoming self-imposed limitations and embracing a life of possibility.
Section 2.1: “I Don’t Know Where to Start”
I’ve never mentioned this, but I share a similarity with Arnold Schwarzenegger—we both started weightlifting without prior experience.
Remember, every great accomplishment began with someone who didn’t know what they were doing. If we allowed ignorance to prevent us from trying new things, humanity would not have progressed.
The formula for improvement is straightforward:
- Try.
- Fail.
- Learn.
- Repeat.
Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost nearly 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Today, the resources to learn are more accessible than ever. Whether you want to master stock trading or enhance your baking business's social media presence, the knowledge is just a click away.
Go Do’s:
- Identify your goal.
- Consume relevant content—be it videos, blogs, or books.
- Take action and learn from your mistakes.
The Bottom Line
If you feel you lack time for your passions, create that time. Age is merely a number and should not hinder your goals. Every skill you’ve acquired was once unfamiliar to you. If you’re unsure where to begin, leverage the vast wealth of information available online.
Making excuses has become second nature for many of us, and changing this mindset won't happen overnight. However, the next time you catch yourself making an excuse, remember—these beliefs only hold power if you allow them to.
Reclaim your power, and you will become unstoppable.
The video "How To Overcome Destructive Habits In Your Life" provides practical strategies to help you break free from negative patterns and embrace a more fulfilling lifestyle.