Beyond Beer Goggles and Rose Coloured Glasses

A belief is an acceptance that something exists, even without proof.

And god damn these beliefs can be so powerful.

We look through them at life like a pair of glasses- not always noticing them, but they’re there, nonetheless changing the way we see things.

And yes many of our beliefs provide us with insight, meaning, purpose, and understanding of our world.

But sometimes there those whimsical wild rose coloured glassed so blissful that you’d swear you were seeing flying unicorns and sun-shinning out of boys and girls a**holes. Then other times, they're like those beer goggles that make everything look distorted & blurry, clouding our judgment and limiting our potential.

All the same, these beliefs are distorted and limiting.

And thats the ones you want to get a hold on.

Limiting Beliefs.

SO WHAT ARE THEY?
You know.. those false ideas we have, them BS stories we tell ourselves that seriously hold us back from going after what we really want. Them imaginary barriers that hold us back from pursuing our true desires. Almost like hitting a brick wall while riding along our path to success, you feel me? The beliefs that stop us from going for that dream job we've been fantasising about because we thinking were not good enough, or finding that perfect, dreamy relationship (or ditching a crappy one) because we don’t think we deserve it. Oh and guess what? They don't even stop there. They even mess with the fun stuff, like trying out wild adventures, like say buying a one-way ticket to London or giving that totally bizarre business idea a shot, because everyone says it's bonkers.

*Eye roll *

And wow, on reflection it's actually mind-boggling how I’ve allowed some of these limiting beliefs to hold me back.

It’s like they have this ridiculous power to shape how we perceive ourselves and how we think we should act.

Let's talk about my own belief for a moment. So, I've had this notion that selling everything, quitting my job, and jetting off to Bali to start an online business is just plain irrational. And you know what? Maybe that belief isn't entirely off base...for now. It serves as a reality check, preventing me from making impulsive decisions before I'm truly prepared. I mean, let's face it, not all limiting beliefs are necessarily bad. They can actually be helpful in some cases.

But here's the kicker-I can't hold onto that belief forever. If I do, it will become a barrier that keeps me stagnant, preventing me from exploring the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. That's when it becomes a limiting belief, holding me back from taking the leap of faith. So, here's my game plan: I'm going to shift my perspective. Instead of believing it's impossible, I'm going to start embracing the idea that it's absolutely within my reach—I just need to figure out the how.

Now, let's be real, there are certain limiting beliefs that can actually save us from making rash decisions and doing dumb shit. And it's all about balance baby.

But here's the deal—there are these pesky limiting beliefs that sneakily hinder us from becoming who we truly want to be. The worst part is, most of the time, we don't even realise they're there. No worries, though, babes. In this article, I'm going to tackle those exact limiting beliefs head-on. Together, we'll smash through those barriers and unlock our full potential. Get ready to unleash the badass within!

Limiting beliefs usually come in three different types or variations:

There are three common categories of limiting beliefs:

1. Self-limiting beliefs: These are beliefs about yourself that make you feel incapable of achieving something due to a perceived inherent flaw or inadequacy.

2. World-limiting beliefs: These are beliefs about the world that convince you that you cannot pursue certain goals or desires because external factors or other people will prevent you from doing so.

3. Life-limiting beliefs: These are beliefs about life that create the perception that certain endeavour or aspirations are too challenging or impossible to achieve.

BELIEFS ABOUT YOU:

Some of the most ludicrous beliefs are the one we hold about ourselves.

So, picture this: I've always believed I was the worst writer ever. Why? Well, I dropped out of school in grade 10, and my spelling skills are...let's just say they're not my strong suit. My honest thoughts, "Well, I never be a writer."

But here's the hilarious part: Technology swoops in to save the day! With all these fancy auto-correct features, I can write just how I talk, and guess what? Turns out, people find that way more relatable and fun. Who would've thought?

It's so funny to look back now and see how I let those beliefs hold me back. But you know what, girl? Nothing puts chains on us quite like the beliefs we have about ourselves. And the tricky part is, those beliefs are often tangled up with emotions, insecurities, and all sorts of baggage. We gotta unravel that mess before we can challenge those beliefs head-on.

Alright, girl, lets talk about some of these self imposed limits:

Age-related Limiting Beliefs: Too many people use ages as a barrier to do they things they have always wished to do. Age should never be a barrier to pursuing our dreams. Whether you're worried about being too old or too young, it's time to break free from these limiting beliefs. Who says you're too old to go back to school or start a new career? Age is just a number, and the possibilities are endless at any stage of life. Similarly, don't underestimate your potential because you feel too young. Embrace your youthfulness and take bold steps towards your goals. The truth is, age shouldn't dictate what you can or cannot achieve. It's all about your passion, determination, and the belief in yourself at any age.

Personal Traits-related Limiting Beliefs: Our personal traits should never hold us back from reaching our full potential. So what if you think you're not as intelligent as others? It's time to challenge that belief and recognise your unique strengths and talents. Don't let self-doubt hinder your growth and opportunities. Likewise, don't let society's narrow standards of beauty limit your interactions and connections. Embrace your individuality, for true beauty radiates from within. Remember, it's the content of your character that truly matters. And as for those little quirks or imperfections, they are what make you beautifully unique. Embrace them with confidence and know that you are worthy of love and success, regardless of any physical differences.

Emotion-related Limiting Beliefs: Feelings can be tricky little devils. They often become the foundation for our self-imposed limitations:

When we believe our depression makes us unworthy of connection, or our embarrassment keeps us from pursuing our ambitions, or our anger prevents us from building meaningful relationships, we unknowingly trap ourselves. But here's the catch my friend, the very thing we're avoiding is often what we need the most. Liberation lies in confronting these emotions. Pushing past the darkness of depression and engaging with others can spark a transformative journey. Embracing vulnerability and facing embarrassment head-on empowers personal growth and opens doors to unforeseen possibilities. And by engaging in honest conversations and seeking understanding, we dismantle the destructive force of anger, fostering deeper connections and emotional liberation.

Breaking free from these limiting beliefs is about breaking the cycle. When we avoid taking action because of our emotions, we only perpetuate those very emotions we seek to escape.

What about the limits of the World

Alright, babe, let's dive into those limiting beliefs about the world that we often fall victim to. Brace yourself, because we're about to drop some truth bombs.

Disapproval: Oh, the fear of what other people think! It's a common limiting belief that holds us back from pursuing our dreams. We worry about being judged or disapproved of by others, and it paralyses us. But here's the truth: People's opinions don't define us. In fact they don’t matter, thats on them and excuse me but their shit actually has nothing to do with you. And honestly your not a celebrity. They're too wrapped up in their own lives to care as much as we think they do. So let's ditch the need for approval and start living life on our own terms!

Prejudice: Unfortunately, discrimination and prejudice still exist in the world. But guess what? We can't let those ignorant beliefs define our worth or limit our possibilities. Sure, there may be stereotypes or biases out there, but we shouldn't let them hold us back. We are more than just statistics or generalisations. By standing up for ourselves and challenging those stereotypes, we can break barriers and pave the way for change. We have the power to rewrite the narrative!

But Im different Ah, the delusions is to good to be true! Sometimes we think we're so unique and special that the world just can't handle us. We believe our beliefs or ideas are too extraordinary for others to comprehend. People just don’t get us. But hold up, darling! It's time to check our entitlement. The world doesn't owe us anything just because we think we're special. Instead of waiting for recognition, let's channel that energy into honing our skills and proving ourselves through hard work and dedication. It's time to let go of our self-importance and embrace growth. The world owes you nothing, but you owe it to yourself to work on you for you!

What about the limits of life?

Ever felt like you missed the boat? Girl, let me tell you, there's always room for you to sail your own course. Yeah, others may have tried, said, or done blah blah blah, but that's not a reason to throw in the towel. Instead, see it as a sign that you've got something valuable to bring to the table. Entrepreneurs may be cashing in, but darling, you can start your own business and compete. Aspiring novelist? Don't fret that your idea's been written before; write it better, make it your own literary masterpiece. And don't even get me started on age again! So what if you're in your 40s and the dating pool seems crowded? Love knows no bounds, and there's someone out there waiting to embrace the incredible person you are.

That ticking clock.

Ah, time.. the perpetual excuse for not making life changes. The truth is, my dear, we all have the same 24 hours in a day. It's not about not having time; it's about where your heart truly lies. If something matters to you, if it sets your soul on fire, you'll find a way to make time for it. And let me tell you a secret: those "I don't have time" moments often stem from seeking comfort and safety. We settle into routines, hide behind masks we've created, and indulge in distractions that keep us snug in our comfort zones. But girl, growth lies outside those cozy confines. Dare to step into the unknown, challenge yourself, and watch the magic unfold.

The illusions we weave.

Now, let's talk about those beliefs we've absorbed about what's possible and what's not. Sometimes we choose to believe things are impossible as a way to prevent ourselves from trying and failing to achieve them. But honey, those are just tales we tell ourselves to shield us from trying and possibly failing. Love? It's real, raw, and waiting for you to find it. Success? It's not some illusion society cooked up; it's about defining it on your own terms and pursuing your passions with unwavering determination. And as for people, yes, some may disappoint, but don't let that close your heart. Give others a chance, surround yourself with those who lift you higher, and see the beauty that exists in genuine connections

Overcoming those pesky limiting beliefs can feel like an uphill battle, but trust me, it's worth every step of the journey.

Now, let's dive into some straightforward steps that will empower you to break free from the chains of self-doubt and embrace your true potential.

1. Question everything: Picture this—you're convinced something in your personality is holding you back from finding love. But what if that's just a belief you've been holding onto? Take a moment to ask yourself, "What if I'm wrong?" Challenge those assumptions and explore alternative possibilities. You'll be surprised by how often the truth defies our limiting beliefs.

   “To create one must learn to question everything“

2.  Uncover their hidden purpose: Here's a secret—limiting beliefs often stick around because they serve a purpose in our lives. They shield us from the fear of failure and spare us from discomfort. But it's time to examine whether these beliefs truly serve you well. Challenge yourself to imagine a world where your assumption is incorrect. What would that look like? What would it take? Ask yourself, "How is this belief serving me?" and consider if the benefits outweigh the costs of holding onto it.

   “Every limitation we face has come to make us a better person or show us what we are cable of handling”.

3. Embrace creative alternatives: It's time to unleash your imagination! Imagine a world where your assumptions are shattered. So what if the average person isn't attracted to someone with your personality? You're not aiming for average; you're searching for someone extraordinary who will appreciate you exactly as you are. Break free from the chains of your own mind and explore new possibilities.

“Limits are just catalysts that ignite our creative fire. They dare us to break free from the norm, go beyond what we know, and uncover mind-blowing possibilities we never even imagined“.

Now, adopting new beliefs isn't as simple as flipping a switch. It's about creating a habit of questioning and exploring alternatives. Grab a pen and paper, jot down your assumption, and brainstorm 4-5 alternative viewpoints. Recognise that you have the power to choose what you believe in each moment, opening doors to a world of possibilities.

4. Test the waters: It's time for action! Treat those alternative beliefs like exciting experiments. Try them on like a new pair of jeans, or take them for a thrilling test drive. Only by embracing the unknown and venturing outside your comfort zone can you truly discover the truth. Don't let fear hold you back—embrace the opportunity to challenge your own understanding.

Break free from your limits, girl! Question everything you believe. What if they're not true? Challenge norms, imagine new possibilities. Write down your assumptions, explore alternatives. Break free from limiting beliefs and embrace endless options. Test new beliefs like a fearless experimenter. Embrace the thrill, try on new experiences. Expand your understanding, unleash your potential. You're unstoppable, girl! Conquer the world with your limitless spirit! 

Ride unicorns if you have too.. *wink*

Much love

Eliza Jane.