Which identities no longer serve you?

✨ 1. Write down or reflect on the areas where you believe you aren’t good at or capable of something.

These are self-limiting beliefs - i.e. the beliefs about ourselves that hold us back from our potential.

For example, I am someone who:

• doesn't exercise, lift weights, run
• Isn’t patient or creative
• Can’t cook
• doesn’t journal, meditate
• can’t remember people’s names

In fact, all of these are skills that can be developed with practise.

Limitations are often self-imposed. For example, if someone identifies as being “bad at math” due to their expectations about themselves, past experiences or societal labels, they may develop self-limiting beliefs about their ability to succeed in maths.

I’ve seen this many times when tutoring uni stats courses in psychology. A hurdle to doing well can often be our own beliefs that we aren’t smart/capable/skilled enough.

✨ 2. Write down the identities you want to possess - this can be tied to your goals, or the kind of person you want to be.

For example:

• I am someone who exercises
• I am someone who practises self-care
• I am a mindful eater
• I am someone that learns new skills
• I am someone who is brave

When a self-limiting belief arises, acknowledge it as just that - a belief - it’s not an absolute truth. Recognise that our beliefs about ourselves can sometimes hinder our potential. So, transform a limiting belief into a statement of the person you are becoming.