From WOLF to ALPHA: Limiting Beliefs

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

Wayne Dyer said it best with “The only limits you have are the limits you believe.” If you do a quick google search on the definition of “believe,” which I did for you, you will find the following definitions, provided by our friends at Webster dictionary:

1. Consider something to be true or honest
2. Have confidence in the truth, existence, or reliability of something, even without absolute proof.
3. Credit upon the authority or testimony of another, be persuaded of the truth based on evidence.

We all have our own personal belief systems, which we have developed throughout our lives, based on our unique experiences and use them to interpret and navigate our environment and interactions with the people around us. The issue with our belief systems is that they are often built upon shaky foundations and assumptions we make about our world without the existence of tangible proof or evidence to support them. These assumptions can lead to a fixed, limited mindset and outlook, which is the antithesis of growth and opportunity.

Take a look at the definitions I have listed above. Is there something you believe to be true, even without absolute proof or evidence? In some circumstances, a belief of this nature is perfectly acceptable and necessary in order to navigate our daily lives. For example, you decide that you want to take your family on a vacation to Disney World. In order to get there, enjoy your time, and make it home safely, you must believe in the existence or reliability of several aspects of your adventure, many of which are out of your control, for this to become a reality. When you board the plane with your family, you likely believe or assume that the plane has been properly checked, serviced, and is ready for the trip. Without meeting the captain or knowing his or her credentials, you put the lives of your family in their hands, believing they are capable of getting you to your destination. While at the amusement park, you hop in the seat of that crazy rollercoaster that reaches the clouds, assuming that the operator of the ride is properly trained, responsible, and attentive. At night, after a great day, you go out to a fancy restaurant, and order a wide array of food, never actually seeing how it was prepared and handled by the staff, but you and your hungry kids consume every last crumb anyways. I could continue regarding beliefs and assumptions you and your family had to make on your trip, that were necessary for enjoying the present moment and getting the most out of your vacation but that is not necessary. Much to your delight, the vacation was a resounding success, and you have made countless memories that your family will cherish for the rest of their days. Well done.

Your answer to the above question, may give you some insight into whether you have a limiting, fixed mindset, or a more opportunistic, growth mindset.

Now what if you heard, read, or experienced something previously that led you to believe that taking your family on the vacation to Disney World would be a disaster, and thus, you decided to not go? Now we are getting into the land of limiting beliefs, which can ultimately prevent you from enjoying new opportunities and reaching your limitless potential. Let’s dive into the hypothetical and limiting beliefs that could derail your dream vacation. You mentioned at work that you were planning the trip, and a coworker spoke about her negative experience at Disney World: the long lines, the expensive and especially average food, and the stuffy hotel rooms which leads you to create a similar and possible outcome for your family’s trip. Unbeknown to you, your coworker and her better half, have been experiencing marital issues, which created stress, and ultimately, a negative personal experience for her. Her experience and circumstances do not align with yours and should not ultimately impact your thoughts and actions.

“Never let the limitations or insecurities of others limit what is possible for you.” Hal Elrod

What if last year, you read the title of an article that mentioned an unfortunate and devasting plane crash, which has subsequently led you to avoid all aviation related endeavors since then. If you had read the article, you would have seen that although the crash did occur, statistically, traveling by plane is far safer than by automobile, and perhaps the belief you formed, is limiting you from making new memories with your family, including a well-planned trip to Disney World.

“Fear is a perception, not a reality, and derives from the unknown.” Debasish Mridha

As a child, you went on the Ferris Wheel at the local or nearby amusement park, and due to a minor oversight by the operator, got stuck on the ride for 30 minutes. This experience led you to not trust in the abilities of other staff at the park or the functionality of rides in general, and you have carried these beliefs and fears into adulthood. Now, while at Disney World, you refuse to let your kids go on certain rides, limiting their experience, which you are paying an arm and leg for, because of one event in your life that shaped your perception of what is truthfully, unlikely to occur again.

Our limiting beliefs lead to the development of fears, excuses, and misperceptions of our realities, and ultimately result in missed opportunities for growth. The following activity entitled “Limit your limiting beliefs” ties much of what we have discussed as part of the “FROM WOLF to ALPHA” process up to this point.

Limiting beliefs are restrictions we build in our minds, that keep us from enjoying the present moment and from taking action to improve our current circumstances. Do not let the past hold you back from enjoying the present. You are the protagonist and writer of your life’s story. Why not make it something worth reading. Stay tuned for my next post as part of the “FROM WOLF to ALPHA” process entitled “Failure: The Great Teacher”

Written By:

Man With a Plan