Beliefs are principles of behavior on which we act as if they were true. We build our beliefs based on our experience, and in turn, our beliefs influence our experiences. Our beliefs make some experiences possible and others not.

A belief is a public declaration of our way of seeing the world. To give an example, “money doesn’t buy happiness.” Each person has their own beliefs. There will be those who do not agree with the above and think that “having money is the only way to guarantee that our basic human needs are fully met.”

Some of our beliefs can limit our possibilities, and for this reason they are called Limiting Beliefs. In contrast, other beliefs may expand our possibilities and as such they are called Empowering Beliefs.

Limiting Beliefs

Limiting Beliefs are those things you believe about yourself that place limitations on your abilities. These Limiting Beliefs are a way of observing the world from perspectives that do not allow us to progress in many areas of our lives, depriving us of thriving as a person.

A Limiting Belief is something that manifests itself in your mood or something you believe about yourself that, in some way, conditions you. All of us have some beliefs that limit us, but if we learn to identify them we can avoid them proactively.

Limiting Beliefs are simply assumptions about reality that are not true. For our actions to have the greatest positive effect, we need to have beliefs that are as close to reality as possible; Deceiving ourselves will take us further from the goal.

These Limiting Beliefs tend to be based on certain experiences or on ideas and norms that we have acquired from our culture, education or peer group.

Examples of Limiting Beliefs

• “I’m not able to do business, I’m too honest for this kind of negotiations.”
• “It is impossible for me to be a public speaker, I’m too afraid to face an audience.”
• “I can’t have serious relationships, probably I will never get married.”
• “I’m incapable of learning a foreign language, it is too difficult for me.”
• “I do not deserve to lead this project, I do not have the right skills.”

Empowering Beliefs

Empowering Beliefs, on the other hand, are responsible for improving our mood and self-esteem. Empowering Beliefs are those that help us move towards the goal that each of us sets for ourselves. They are beliefs that drive you to grow, to enhance the best in yourself and to meet your proposed goals.

These Empowering Beliefs come from the information and experiences that a person stores in the subconscious at different times in their life. When we have encouraging experiences, we have the strength, energy and inspiration to develop a positive and enthusiastic personality towards the world.

These are some of the characteristics of Empowering Beliefs:

• They do not limit. They motivate us to achieve something specific.
• They encourage the person to bring out the best version of themselves.
• They help us to develop our full potential, focusing on achieving our goal.
• They generate action, they do not paralyze, but rather they invite us to carry out actions.
• They provide security and positive motivation.

Examples of Empowering Beliefs

• “With great dedication, I will be able to learn French in a short period of time.”
• “I already have many achievements and I will continue to be successful.”
• “The selection process is tough, but I am prepared for the exams and interviews.”
• “There are many candidates, but I am more qualified than most of them.”
• “Although I have not found the perfect partner yet, it is just a question of time.”

Conclusions

A Limiting Belief can block you and not allow you to carry out actions that are totally logical. In contrast, an Empowering Belief can lead you to achieve the most impossible challenges. Therefore, changing your beliefs can change your life experience, and improve your life in a very decisive way.

It is important to recognize which are our Empowering Beliefs to find a way to continue enhancing them, and identify which are our Limiting Beliefs to find a way to change them.