Beliefs that hold you back

Are you being held back in your career by limiting beliefs? If the answer is yes, you’re in good company. Most of us are, to some degree. This article on beliefs that hold us back lists some of the most common. Do any of these feel familiar?

When it comes to our careers, here are the most common limiting beliefs.

1. I am not skilled enough.
2. Hard work is noble.
3. Fulfilling work is for others, not me.
4. Fulfillment comes from my personal life, not my work life.
5. I’m too old to make a major life change.
6. My family and friends will think I’m crazy.
7. I’m a fraud – my success is a result of the corporate structure, or my tenure.
8. The unknown isn’t safe.
9. I’m not sure that I can trust my decisions or choices.
10. I’m afraid of failing in a new role.

Much to our chagrin, altering those (or other limiting beliefs) isn’t typically just a simple matter of changing our minds. They seem to have an all-too-sticky staying power. Why?

Beliefs stay with us for three primary reasons:

First, we label them. (”I’m no good at math. My Mom (or Dad) wasn’t either.”) Labeling beliefs and focusing on where they come from helps us rationalize and make them okay.

Then we engage in selective data gathering. We seek out evidence to support our beliefs and ignore evidence that would support the opposite belief.

Finally, we disguise them – sugar-coat them – to make them more palatable. They become an ego advantage. For example, “I’m not as smart as…” can become “I work harder” – an empowering belief which could aid your career. (Just think of what could happen when you let go of the limiting belief – it makes positive even stronger: you are smart AND you work hard!).

The article goes on to suggest five steps for changing those limiting beliefs for good.

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Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst (sm)

Time for a career change? Launch it with…
The Occupational Adventure Guide:
A Travel Guide to the Career of Your Dreams

Originally
from The Occupational Adventure (sm)

by Curt Rosengren

on Mar 23, 2007, 7:43AM

Posted by Jeff Bosco with no comments.
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