Limiting beliefs
Limiting beliefs are like chains that keep us trapped.
They often spill into our language without us even knowing. I have come across a lot of limiting beliefs in my time as a coach. Believe me there are thousands out there. Here’s a top 30 list I’ve compiled. Some are my own limiting beliefs, some are from the clients I coach.
Seeing a list of limiting beliefs is a great way to start to identify them. Take a look at this list to see how many you are harbouring. Do you recognise any of your own?
All people are out for themselves.
Limiting beliefs 1 – 10
I’m hopeless in social situations
When I talk people get bored.
You have to trample your way to the top
All people are untrustworthy
Everyone is out to rip you off
I cannot change - it’s in my blood/family
I will never succeed
I always attract the wrong people
I always get it wrong
Limiting beliefs 11 – 20
I’m a fraud at work
I am responsible for how other people feel
I am worthless
I am unlucky
People wouldn’t like me if they really knew who I was
I must do everything perfectly (as opposed to ‘I want to pursue excellence’)
If I don’t achieve X, there’s no point in starting
I’m no good at…
I’m helpless to change things
Limiting beliefs 21-30
No one would be attracted to me
There’s no point in trying
It will never work
Why does this always happen to me
Things won’t last (only about good things)
This will never end (only about bad things)
My husband/wife should make me happy
This is a man’s world
Work is biased towards women
I must be happy all the time