Why Do We Hold Onto Our Self-limiting Beliefs?

Have you heard the phrase that it’s “better to be right than to be happy”? It speaks to only seeing evidence that reinforces our beliefs. When these beliefs limit ourselves, this short-term satisfaction comes at the cost of our long-term happiness. Why do we hold onto our self-limiting beliefs?

We’ve lived with our beliefs for so long that they have become part of our identity. We hold them as truth, so we don’t question them. Self-limiting beliefs such as “I’m a good person if I put the needs of others ahead of my own” or “working hard is more important than anything else (including maintaining my health or relationships)” usually originate from our past. They are often formed based on our role models at the time or as a survival strategy.

Do we still need our old survival strategies?

The survival strategies that we once found necessary can become counterproductive in our adulthood. For example, constantly putting others’ needs ahead of our own means that our own dreams are never realized.

“Learning too soon our limitations, we never learn our powers.” —Mignon McLaughlin

There’s a sense of comfort in having our beliefs and actions in alignment. But what if those beliefs are faulty? What if those beliefs hold us back from being better versions of ourselves?

“We limit our capacity for growth and happiness by our unexamined assumptions.” – Dr. Davidicus Wong

When a consequence of your beliefs is to limit your growth and happiness, it’s time to question those beliefs. How would your life be different if you weren’t bound by them? How could you grow your happiness if you set aside your self-limiting beliefs?

“Life has no limitations except the ones you make.” ―Les Brown

What limits have you placed on yourself? Not sure? My next post will examine ways to help uncover the “truths” by which we live, that aren’t really truths at all.

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