How to Beat Negative Self-Talk and Limiting Beliefs
A little self-criticism is a common human experience, and can even be healthy at times. But, we can also just as easily open the door to that overly vocal “negative Nancy” voice in our head. Especially if we’ve tried and failed over and over again at something- like trying to fix our gut.
However, if your negative voice is preventing you from doing what you want or need to do in your life, then it has to get booted back out the door. This kind of mental chatter has no right to set up shop in your mind!
Deeply held negative beliefs, especially when they’re firmly rooted in your unconscious, stress you out, damage relationships, and can greatly limit your potential for health and happiness.
If you’re sick of having the same old conversation with negative Nancy, then be sure to try some of the ideas I’ve outlined in this article on how you can shift away from this damaging mindset, and finally release yourself of these limiting beliefs.
What are limiting beliefs?
Limiting beliefs are the little, but persistent voices that convince you that you can’t be or do or have something due to a perceived inadequacy.
Your negative nancy narrative usually goes something like this:
I won’t ever have a regular, healthy day free from gut problems.
I can’t change the way I eat and deal with stress.
I don’t have the time or money to invest in my health.
I don’t deserve to prioritize myself.
And, one really common one that comes up for women:
I am not good enough.
Let’s change up the narrative you may have been having with yourself for a very long time!
Overcoming negative self-talk and releasing limiting beliefs
Your limiting decisions have shaped everything you do, and they have likely prevented you from seeing opportunities and maybe even discouraged you from trying some things at all.
The good news is that it’s totally possible to permanently change a long-held belief -- even the ones that are lifelong.
You only perceive what you believe, so your beliefs shape the very world you live in.
But, when your limiting beliefs come into question, your whole world can experience a shift for the better.
Here are a few ideas to help you silence your inner critic for good:
When you find yourself feeling “stuck”, or repeatedly spinning your wheels on the same speed bumps that life might be throwing your way, it’s always a great idea to seek out the help and guidance of a coach or therapist.
In addition to that, there are several things you can do on your own, in your own time and space...
→ The first step to releasing limiting beliefs is to shift your thinking into AWARENESS
Time to bring those disempowering thoughts out of hiding! Once you do that, know that you have a choice. However, just simply being aware or having knowledge of them is not enough, it’s just the first step. You must understand and truly believe that you have a choice about how to react to stressful situations.
→ Your thoughts are NOT reality.
Your brain is an organ that secrets thoughts, just like your heart pumps blood. BUT just because you think it, doesn’t mean it’s true! When you are aware of your inner critic secreting unhelpful, negative thoughts, you can then remind yourself it’s “just a thought”. And move on!
→ Possible thinking, not just positive thinking
Your mind is a powerful thing, and when you fill it with thoughts of what’s possible (not just positive), your mindset will start to shift.
When you believe something IS possible (like healing your gut and eliminating IBS), you will notice options and opportunities coming up for you that would simply not have be noticed if you did not believe it was possible.
With repetition, your positive feelings will intensify, the new neural connections will strengthen, and you’ll start to notice just how awesome this new “win” really feels!
The mind doesn’t know the difference between a real or imagined experience, so focus your attention on what is possible (total gut health & IBS freedom!) to propel yourself towards that reality!
→ If you wouldn’t say it to your friend, don’t say it to yourself
Your limiting beliefs are assumptions you make about reality that often aren’t true. They aren’t helpful, and they certainly don’t serve you or the goals you want to achieve.
Ask yourself: Would I say these negative, hurtful and unsupportive words to a friend?
→ Think or say empowering beliefs each day, such as:
“I am a healthy person with healthy habits.”
“May I love myself just as I am.”
“I believe in myself.”
→ Take some time and space that’s all yours
Ensure that you are creating space in your life for these new empowering beliefs. Take action and get into the habit of using your new beliefs as often as possible until they begin to feel comfortable, familiar, and routine to you.
Just remember - you have the ability to harness the power of the possible! Overcoming negative self-talk and releasing yourself of limiting beliefs takes commitment, introspection, and a good dose of self-confidence to make the necessary changes stick.
There’s an old saying that we view ourselves through a much harsher lens than the rest of the world does. So, let’s try to bring our own lens back into focus.
