Let’s talk about beliefs. Specifically beliefs we need to let go of.
There’s a popular saying that warns us that the biggest problems we face won’t come from what we know, but rather from what we know to be true that isn’t true at all. (feel free to read that again).
For years I believed things about myself that didn’t serve me well. Beliefs like:
- I’m not good enough.
- I’ll never achieve my dreams/goals.
- I don’t have a purpose.
- I’m not good at anything.
- I’m a mess.
- I don’t deserve nice things.
- I’ll feel worthy only if people approve of me.
- I’m powerless…I’m not strong enough.
- I can’t start until I’m ready.
Do any of these beliefs sound familiar to you?
These “beliefs” held me back. They stunted my growth. They weighed me down, and they stole a whole bunch of years from my life.
They were really just LIES IN DISGUISE. You see none of them were true. Not a single one. But I thought they were. Some came from beliefs I took with me from my childhood and others simply came to be from the ups and downs of life.
Through the truth in God’s Word and the encouragement of friends, mentors, and counselors, I began to gain confidence, be OK with my mess-ups, give myself permission to be imperfect, truly understand that I was created for a purpose, and learn how to say “no” to negative self-talk and limiting beliefs. Beating the Mind Game with “Reverse Psychology”
So how was I able to beat the mind game and begin living a life filled with purpose? I asked myself questions like these:
- What are some beliefs (lies) that are holding you back?
- What evidence do I have that the belief (lie) is true or false?
- Who Told You That?
And this is a big one: for every “lie in disguise” I told myself a truth. In other words, I reversed the negative impact and replaced the lie with an empowering truth about myself!
Here’s what this “looked” like:
Mind Lie: You’re not important and you’re worthless.
Empowering Truth: No, I’m not. I’m made for a purpose and the world needs me and what I have to offer it.
Mind Lie: You’re not good at anything.
Empowering Truth: Yes, I am. I’ve got unique gifts and talents and I can use them to bring value to people.
Mind Lie: You don’t deserve nice things.
Empowering Truth: You deserve the very best because you are needed, loved, perfectly imperfect, and worthy.
Mind Lie: You are powerless and weak.
Empowering Truth: With the help of the Lord, you are strong and in charge of yourself and able to make decisions toward your best interest.
Mind Lie: You don’t know what you’re doing. You better wait until you’re ready.
Empowering Truth: It’s okay to start even if you don’t feel ready. You will learn things as you go and it will be a learning process from here on out.
The Only Thing Limiting YOU is YOU!
Friend, please know that:
I am good enough and so are you. I did achieve my goals and so can you. I am good at things and so are you. I’m not a mess and neither are you. I do deserve nice things and so do you. I am worthy and so are you. I’m not powerless and neither are you. I can start things even when I don’t feel ready and so can you. You are exceptional and bound for greatness and the world needs you!
“You can’t escape from a prison until you recognize you are in one. People who have chosen to live within the limits of their old beliefs continue to have the same experiences. It takes effort and commitment to break old patterns.” – Bob Proctor