subject: Increase your self confidence by removing limiting beliefs in your life [print this page] Increase your self confidence by removing limiting beliefs in your life
If you read this title and thought, "I want to have more self esteem but I don't think I can do it" then you just had a self limiting thought. This is a thought that you allow to sabotage your self.
Whether you realize it or not, you are always either embracing your self esteem or diminishing it. You have the power to raise your self esteem one thought at a time.
It is quite simple when you think about it and certainly you must if you want to regain control over unruly, negative thoughts. When you allow a thought to limit you then you are allowing your self esteem to be lowered.
You are not a bad person because of this by any means. You are actually becoming your own best advocate for your self esteem!
How to recognize self limiting thoughts in real time
Become aware of these self esteem lowering thoughts. You do not have to do anything about them now, just note them.
Note the feeling you are experiencing as you recognize this thought. It probably is a negative one. Even an ambivalent reaction must be noted.
Take note when someone tells you that you are putting your self down. Often in dialogue with others we fail to note how often we insert negative or belittling words that reflect our own internal dialogue.
These are easy things to do and they, in themselves, will give you a better sense of self esteem. After all, you are now becoming aware and that means you are preparing to grow!
Taking control of self limiting thoughts
Know that the choice is yours. You can either choose to think in a self limiting way or not.
Take notes. Now that you are aware of these thoughts start noting a few or a hundred, whichever you prefer.
Pick the top five self limiting thoughts. While you may actually have hundreds, it is necessary to choose the top five to begin to control.
Write each one down on a separate piece of paper. You can be as creative as you like, use special pens or paper or colors, it is your personal list so make your self happy.
The most important step
Under each self limiting thought, use it in a sentence. For example; if you think "I am never on time", write that sentence down.
Now, take that very same sentence and write it this way; "I choose to never be on time".
What a difference that makes when you look at it that way. You may find yourself sputtering that you certainly do not choose to be late, but really, everything is a choice.
Taking control of self limiting thoughts increases your self esteem because now you know you are choosing. So choose well and wisely and enjoy your self esteem boost!
