From Wishes to Reality by Ladi Dyvine

Chapter 2: Uncovering Limiting Beliefs

No matter how clear your wishes are, there's one major obstacle that often stands in the way of achieving them: limiting beliefs. These are the thoughts and assumptions that tell you what you want is too difficult, too far-fetched, or simply impossible. Limiting beliefs act as invisible barriers, holding you back from taking the steps needed to fulfill your wishes.

What Are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are deeply ingrained assumptions we hold about ourselves, others, or the world. They are often developed over time, influenced by our upbringing, experiences, and social environment. These beliefs are not necessarily true, but they feel real enough to shape how we view our potential and our opportunities.

For example:

- "I'm not good enough to achieve this."

- "People like me don't succeed."

- "I don't deserve to have what I want."

- "It's too late for me to pursue my dreams."

These thoughts may seem harmless at first, but they create self-imposed limits. Instead of empowering you to go after what you desire, they instill doubt, fear, and hesitation.

How Limiting Beliefs Form

Most limiting beliefs are formed early in life, often as a result of negative experiences or messages we receive from others. Parents, teachers, peers, and society at large play a role in shaping how we view our potential.

For example, if you were told as a child that you weren't good at math, you might grow up believing that you're not intelligent enough to pursue certain careers. Or if you've experienced repeated failures, you might start to believe that you're destined to fail in everything you try.

These beliefs become part of your internal narrative, replaying whenever you consider going after something that challenges your comfort zone.

Identifying Your Limiting Beliefs

The first step in overcoming limiting beliefs is to recognize them. Often, they operate under the surface, subtly influencing your thoughts and actions without you even realizing it. To uncover these hidden beliefs, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What is holding me back from pursuing my wishes?

- When you think about your wishes, what excuses or reasons come up as to why you can't achieve them?

2. What stories do I tell myself about my abilities?

- Pay attention to the inner dialogue that runs through your mind when you face challenges. Do you tell yourself that you're not capable, not worthy, or not smart enough?

3. Where did these beliefs come from?

- Consider the origin of your beliefs. Did they come from a specific experience, someone else's words, or a pattern of behavior? Understanding their source can help you realize that these beliefs are not facts, but interpretations.

4. How do these beliefs affect my actions?

- Look at the ways your beliefs have shaped your behavior. Do they cause you to procrastinate, give up easily, or avoid taking risks? Recognizing the impact of these beliefs is key to breaking their hold.

Common Limiting Beliefs and How to Overcome Them

Here are some common limiting beliefs that many people face, along with strategies to reframe and challenge them:

1. "I'm Not Good Enough"

This belief stems from a fear of inadequacy and is one of the most common blocks to wish fulfillment. Whether it's imposter syndrome or self-doubt, this belief keeps you stuck in the mindset that you don't have what it takes to succeed.

How to Overcome It:

- Start by acknowledging your achievements and strengths. List the skills and abilities you've developed over time, no matter how small.

- Challenge this belief by taking action. The more you step outside your comfort zone and experience success, the more you'll prove to yourself that you are capable.

- Practice affirmations that reinforce your worth, such as "I am deserving of success" or "I am enough."

2. "It's Too Late for Me"

Many people believe that they've missed their window of opportunity, whether it's starting a new career, learning a skill, or pursuing a lifelong dream. This belief is especially common with age.

How to Overcome It:

- Recognize that it's never too late to start. There are countless stories of people achieving great things later in life-starting businesses, writing books, or learning new skills.

- Break the big goal down into smaller steps and focus on the next immediate action, rather than worrying about the end result.

- Remind yourself that progress, no matter when it starts, is still progress.

3. "I Don't Deserve This"

Feeling unworthy is a belief that often comes from past experiences, trauma, or guilt. It can lead to self-sabotage, where even if you get close to fulfilling your wishes, you unconsciously find ways to prevent it from happening.

How to Overcome It:

- Practice self-compassion and forgiveness. Understand that you are deserving of joy, success, and fulfillment simply by being who you are.

- Surround yourself with positive influences-people who lift you up and encourage your growth.

- Challenge the belief by consciously accepting opportunities that come your way, even when you feel unworthy.

4. "I'll Fail, So Why Try?"

Fear of failure is a powerful limiting belief that can paralyze you before you even begin. The assumption that you will fail can prevent you from taking risks, which are often necessary for wish fulfillment.

How to Overcome It:

- Redefine failure. Instead of seeing it as an endpoint, view it as feedback. Every failure teaches you something valuable about yourself or your process.

- Focus on the process, not just the outcome. Break your wishes into manageable steps and celebrate small wins along the way.

- Surround yourself with examples of perseverance. Read about people who faced numerous failures before achieving their dreams to inspire your own journey.

Reframing Limiting Beliefs

Once you've identified your limiting beliefs, the next step is to reframe them. This means replacing the negative thought with a more empowering one. For example:

- Instead of "I can't do this," reframe it as "I haven't done this yet, but I'm capable of learning."

- Instead of "It's too late for me," reframe it as "I still have time to make meaningful progress."

This shift in mindset takes practice, but it's essential to overcoming the mental blocks that keep you from fulfilling your wishes.

Exercise: Rewriting Your Narrative

Here's an exercise to help you reframe your limiting beliefs:

1. Write down one of your limiting beliefs (e.g., "I'm not smart enough to succeed").

2. Next to it, write down evidence that disproves this belief (e.g., "I learned new skills at my last job and succeeded in my role").

3. Finally, rewrite the belief in a positive, empowering way (e.g., "I am capable of learning and succeeding in any role I pursue").

Repeat this exercise whenever you encounter a limiting belief. Over time, you'll retrain your mind to think in ways that support your growth and success.