Is it possible that you’re hindering your own success by using unfair limitations? Do you often set limits on your accomplishments without even realizing it? When you tell yourself things like “I can’t do that,” or “I will never be able to figure this out,” you’re setting yourself up for failure.
With this negative mindset, you’re admitting defeat before you ever attempt anything. The sad part is that if you don’t watch what you say and how you live, your negative thought processes and actions can rub off your children and those around you.
Do you know how damaging using negative self-talk is to your psyche? Not only does cynical speech lower your self-confidence, but it can ruin your productivity. What would you say if you heard someone else declaring these negative things to themselves?
No doubt, you would correct them right away for the negative self-talk and offer encouragement. The limitations you put on yourself can suffocate, so you need to learn some life-saving hacks for releasing these self-imposed limits.
Seven Common Self-Imposed Limitations
Are you ready to turn over a new leaf? Today is a new day, and you can start it with the power of positivity. By trying some new thought processes and hacks, you can lift the chains that bind you to try. Here are some self-imposed limitations that most people can identify.
1. Seeking The Approval of Others
Do you think of yourself as a “people-pleaser?” Many people live their lives trying to make everyone else happy, but they often sidestep their own happiness to accomplish this task. Rising to the expectations of your friends and family is a dangerous trap, as you’re the one who gets hurt.
Sadly, it’s a dark and lonely road when you try to please everyone else. You have one life to live, and it should be done doing what makes you happy. Sure, some people will try to guilt you into doing certain things, but you are the boss of yourself.
2. Not Setting Appropriate Boundaries
Everyone makes mistakes as no one is perfect, but how you allow others to treat you is essential. You need to set boundaries on how you expect to be treated. If someone cannot follow your guidelines, then it’s time to move on.
When you tolerate certain behaviors, you’re allowing enabling them to mistreat you. Stop giving people free passes to treat you however they want. It’s time that you stand up for yourself and know your worth.
3. Allowing Negativity To Consume Your Mind
Your thoughts carry a lot of weight. What things you allow to consume your mind will rule your life. When you allow your mind to be consumed with negativity, you’re creating a mental war zone.
You must understand that fear is a liar, and anxiety is the great pretender. Every time you have a negative thought, do you need to evaluate it? Is the idea based on truth, or is it based on lies?
There’s no way you can control the choices of others, but you can be mindful of your life. Your mental well-being depends on purging negativity.
4. Saying “I Can’t.”
How many times did your parents tell you growing up that “Can’t, can’t do anything?” Well, what they were telling you was correct. If you say you can’t do something, then you won’t.
If you don’t believe enough in yourself to have the ability to do a task, then you won’t accomplish it. You’ve already lost the battle before you even begin. To fix this issue, you must change your mindset.
Have you ever seen a child that constantly says “I can’t” whenever their parent asks them to do something? Many times, it’s not that they can’t do what they’ve been asked; it’s that they don’t want to do it. By telling themselves that it’s impossible, then they feel released from trying.
Stop putting limitations on yourself by thinking you can’t do something. You will never know your talents until you try.
5. Having A Negative Inner-Circle
Would you rank your friends as optimistic or pessimistic? You’re known by the company you keep, and if your inner circle is negative, it can be detrimental to your mental health. Notice your attitude and feelings the next time you’re around someone who complains constantly.
It’s likely that they make you feel bad and want to complain about your life. Negativity is contagious, and you don’t need anything in your life to bring you down. However, the good news is that positivity is contagious too.
According To Strong Inside Out, some people need to fire their friends and get new ones. If you’re hanging around with people who zap your energy, encourage bad habits, and are often very judgmental, then it’s time to act. These negative people will choke the life right out of you, so you need to be with folks who bring out the best in you.
When you shop for raspberries, you want to select the healthiest ones possible. No one wants to pay good money for moldy berries. When you pick up a package that has a few rotting ones, you put it back down as it’s lackluster.
Why do you do this instinctively? First, you’re not going to pay good money for moldy berries. Second, it won’t be long before the mold contaminates the other fruit. Simply put, if you hang out with “moldy raspberries,” it won’t be long before the toxic nature rubs off on you too. Remember the saying, “One bad apple ruins the entire bunch?”
6. Afraid Of Leaving Your Comfort Zone
Everybody has a comfort zone. This is the place where you feel safe and content. However, if you never step beyond your comfort zone, then you will never know what’s out there.
The good news is that the bigger your comfort zone becomes, the more confidence you gain in your abilities. Take, for instance, John Lennon, the founder of the famous rock group The Beetles. A single mother raised Lennon, and he was often in trouble.
His report cards were full of comments stating that he would be a failure in life. According to Biography Online, he was even expelled from his university at the Liverpool College of Art. He formed a small group with Paul McCartney called the “Quarry Men Skiffle Band.”
However, the negative personality that Lennon had was often an issue, as was his lackluster appearance. He depended on McCartney to be more endearing during shows. Sadly, they struggled to make the band get attention, and many record labels turned them down.
According to the article, part of the problem was the natural rebelliousness of Lennon. However, he decided to step outside his comfort zone to chase his dream. Brian Epstein became their manager, and he suggests that Lennon get a haircut and change his dress style. It was like flipping a light switch on his career.
Sure, he had to make some changes, but just a short time later, their release “I Want to Hold Your Hand” topped charts around the globe. What would happen if you stepped outside your comfort zone just a little bit?
7. Focusing On Your Failures
What lies behind you is never as important as what lies in front of you. Everyone has a past, and some are worse than others. However, if you can’t go forward because you keep turning around, it’s a major stumbling block.
What do people pack in their emotional baggage that is like tying a noose around their neck? You’ll find things like:
- Guilt
- Shame
- Fear of failure
- Regrets
- Unhappiness
- Anger
- Past relationships
- Stress and worry
- Mistakes
- Turmoil from childhood
- Abuse
- Insecurities
It’s time to unpack this suitcase and start living again. Do you know how much better you will feel when you lay down your burdens? Even if you had a horrible past, your future could be bright and sunny.
Your life is what you make it, so stop turning around and crying over things you cannot control or fix. You can, however, make changes today that will impact tomorrow.
Final Thoughts On Self-Imposed Limitations
What limitations have you put on your life that has your feet stuck in quicksand? Remember that you’re your own worst enemy. The good news is that this is all fixable.
You have the power within yourself to make changes and take control of your life. Is it going to be easy? No! Are you going to struggle to go back to your old ways? Yes!
However, if you change your mindset and develop an attitude of determination, you can accomplish anything you desire. There are things in your life that you’re not happy with, and you want to fix these issues.
Start by quoting positive affirmations to get your brain engrained with positivity. Then, start tackling your limitations one by one. In a short amount of time, you won’t even recognize yourself.
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