Unlocking Your Identity: A Journey from Fear to Freedom

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today." – Franklin D. Roosevelt

How often do we find ourselves held back by our own limiting beliefs?

According to the National Science Foundation, 80% of our thoughts are negative, and 95% are repetitive.

Limiting beliefs create mental barriers that prevent us from pursuing our dreams and achieving our goals. They make us question our abilities and worth. For example,

• believing only wealthy people can invest in financial markets discourages us from starting small and building our portfolio over time.

• thinking we lack financial knowledge to make smart investments leads us to avoid seeking educational resources or professional advice.

• assuming investing is too risky and fearing loss of all our money stops us from exploring safer options and growing our wealth gradually.

These unhelpful doubts hold us back from experiencing life, but mindfulness practice can help identify and challenge their usefulness.

For instance, if you come across a job promotion that excites you but procrastinate due to self-doubt like “I'm not qualified enough” or “There are better candidates out there,”

Catch your thoughts but do not let them control you. Instead, challenge them by asking,

"Is this a fact or a feeling?"

"Am I focusing on my limitations or possibilities?"

"What evidence do I have to prove this belief is true?"

Challenge your doubts with reasoning. Acknowledge the thought, but do not let it consume you.

You are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to if you let go of self-limiting beliefs.

So how can we overcome these limiting mindsets and unlock our potential?

1. Identify your Limiting Beliefs

The first step towards challenging limiting mindsets is identifying them. Take a moment to reflect on your thoughts and patterns that hold you back.

It could be related to career, relationships, finances, health, or any other aspect of life. Write down these thoughts and beliefs on a piece of paper or journal.

Often, these thoughts are baseless and stem from,

• Comparison with others.
  

Too often, we compare ourselves to others, forgetting that each of us has a unique identity and path. What works for one may not work for another.

The best benchmark for growth is the version of yourself from yesterday. By focusing on your own goals and embracing your authentic identity, you can create a journey aligned with your values and aspirations.

When you are being yourself, there's no competition. This leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life, driven by your true purpose.

• Staying in our Comfort Zone.

Growth demands courage to step beyond the familiar boundaries of your comfort zone. It is tempting to settle into routines that feel safe and predictable, but true personal and professional transformation begins when you face challenges head-on.

The journey to growth is seldom a smooth one; but just imagine the excitement of reaching new heights. It is during these challenging moments that you create the best version of yourself.

Remember, there is no growth in comfort and no comfort in growth.

• Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is a common feeling that holds many of us back. Do not be fooled by it, FEAR is simply another four-letter word: False Event Appearing Real.

Most of the fears we hold are just shadows that never actually come true. Instead, they trap us in our comfort zone. By staying within that safe space, we risk missing out on the joy of discovering our true potential and the fulfilment of our wildest dreams.

Instead of letting fear keep us from our dreams, let’s embrace what it means to be REAL: the Rewarding Experience of an Authentic Life!

Picture the real self you could be if you refused to let fear imprison you. Every step outside your comfort zone is a step towards an authentic and rewarding life.

Remember, fear is fleeting, but the legacy we build lasts forever. Let’s choose courage and create something amazing!

2. Question the Validity

Once you have identified your limiting beliefs, question their validity. Ask yourself if there is any evidence to support these beliefs.

Look inwards and take stock of your assets:

"Do I have the necessary qualifications?

Have I had similar experiences?"

If the answer is yes (as long 80%), take action to apply and move on. 

Remember, just because you have a thought does not mean it is true. Our minds function like an ancient operating system, designed over 200,000 years ago for survival mode.

They often generate false narratives based on past projections and insecurities that may not be helpful in our present circumstances.

3. Reframe Your Identity

After questioning the validity of your limiting beliefs, reframe them into more positive and empowering statements.

For example, instead of saying "I'm not good enough for this job promotion," reframe it as "I am capable and qualified for this opportunity."

Or "I'm not good at managing money" can become "I am capable of learning and improving my budgeting skills."

Reframing your identity shifts your focus from limitations to possibilities, allowing room for growth and achievement.

Remember, progress is progress, no matter the size—every step contributes to shaping our future!

Think of a progressionist as a gardener, planting seeds and nurturing growth step by step, while a perfectionist is like an artist who never finishes a painting because it is never "perfect" enough and never achieves anything.

By questioning our limiting beliefs and replacing them with new identity, we can be free from mental barriers and open ourselves up to new results.

Remember that change is the only constant in life, and with each step, we are progressing towards our goals.

So, the next time you catch yourself thinking "I can't do this" or "I'm not good enough," take a step back and ask yourself, "Is this thought true? Is it helping me?" If the answer is no, reframe it and keep moving forward.

You are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to! Keep striving for progress, not perfection.

Be . Do . Have

If this blog resonates with you, share it to inspire others. Let's break free from the chains of limiting beliefs together and unlock the rewarding future that awaits us.