LET'S BECOME LIMITLESS! • The Career Collaborator

LET’S BECOME LIMITLESS!

Dr Terry Galvin

During the course of one workshop held at the Middle East Career Development Conference 2019, there was an interesting debate on the subject of self-limiting beliefs and the obstacles they present in pursuit of career choice and career advancement.

What Are Self-Limiting Beliefs?

“I don’t have sufficient experience/qualifications”

“I’m too old/young”

“Someone else is probably more suited to this role”

I am sure that many of us have heard or, indeed, expressed such beliefs, as well as many similar ones, possibly even without realising just how “self-limiting” they are as mental barriers to achievement of what we are truly capable.

It is essential to appreciate that these are beliefs and not facts. They are assumptions we make about ourselves, others, and the reality of the world we live in. Nevertheless, as they can become so deeply accepted, there is the danger that they become assumed as facts.

If we really want to achieve our career objectives, we need to overcome our self-limiting beliefs because, unquestionably, they influence our actions or, often more likely, our lack of action. For instance, if we believe we are not good enough for career advancement, we are unlikely to apply for promotion. In turn, seeing others being promoted above us is likely to reinforce the belief to the point where it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy serving only to hold us back from realising our true potential.

How Are Self-Limiting Beliefs Overcome?

Given that self-limiting beliefs have the potential to sabotage our career progression, what can we do to overcome them?

Before doing anything, we must realise that such beliefs are likely to have been developed, strengthened and reinforced over a long period of time. Hence, any remedial action is definitely not going to be a quick, easy and straightforward affair. In addition, we will need to be truly motivated and confident, as well as genuinely committed, to engage in demanding behavioural change.

A multi-step strategy is usually recommended to overcome self-limiting beliefs by progressing through the following stages:-

Clarify the Desired Outcome

An obvious initial requirement for any process of change is clarity regarding the desired outcome. Taking the opportunity to formulate or, indeed, revisit our present career objectives will provide the necessary foundation for the task ahead of us.

Identify Self-Limiting Beliefs

The required process of identifying and documenting self-limiting beliefs is actually not as easy as it might first appear. A great deal of reflection, introspection and detective work will be required especially as the core self-limiting belief behind a shortcoming we are experiencing might not at first be obvious. Even when a self-limiting belief is properly identified, the equally important reasons for it may not be immediately obvious.

Consider the Consequences of Self-Limiting Beliefs

A useful technique to encourage the change process is to consider the consequences of maintaining each self-limiting belief within the context of the desired outcome we have formulated. The more we perceive a belief standing in the way of our progress, the more motivation and commitment we will have to make a positive change.

Acknowledge Self-Limiting Beliefs Are Not Facts

Acknowledging that these are beliefs and not truths is not easy particularly if years of conforming to them has convinced us that our perceived limitations are real. Nevertheless, after careful and objective analysis, it is usually possible to understand that these beliefs are subjective, having probably been prompted originally by a single bad experience. They simply cannot be justifiably considered as universal facts.

Adopt Different and Empowering Beliefs

Prompted by the realisation that self-limiting beliefs are not true, the door has been opened for the development and adoption of new beliefs better aligned with our career objectives. Yes, we can choose new and empowering beliefs to support our future advancement albeit we must always ensure such new beliefs are actually believable.

A useful starting point for many is to revisit the identified self-limiting beliefs and to see if they can be converted into different beliefs consistent with our values and the career goals we have specified. For instance, if we have always been held back by a belief that we are insufficiently qualified to undertake the responsibilities of a more senior role, let us convert this into a belief that the valuable experience which has been accruing over the years is a positive asset which can be used to great advantage in achieving the objectives of a more senior appointment.

Having committed ourselves to these new and empowering beliefs, we have to now consider ways in which these beliefs can replace the old self-limiting ones and become fundamental in directing our changed behaviour. Several techniques can support us in this endeavour, including:-

Visualization: This entails consistently using imagination to see ourselves displaying behaviour in keeping with our new beliefs before thus developing sufficient confidence to begin behavioural change in reality.
Positive Affirmations: This is a process of writing or vocalising our new beliefs at regular intervals with a view to ensuring they become firmly embedded within our sub-conscious minds.

Act in Accordance with New Beliefs

The ultimate adoption of new beliefs comes from specifically taking action consistent with them. It will inevitably be difficult and time-consuming at first. However, positive results will begin to emerge with true dedication. Certain practices are likely to reinforce and support the adoption of new beliefs:-

Take advantage of appropriate self-development opportunities to ensure you are well-equipped to act in accordance with the new beliefs.
Identify those with similar beliefs and learn from them. Where these are colleagues, they can be easily observed in a work context and they may even be willing to offer valuable advice and guidance.
Celebrate all achievements gained by acting consistent with new beliefs.

Conclusion

Although certainly not easy, making a positive effort to overcome self-limiting beliefs will surely be rewarded by achievement of our true potential, an aim previously sabotaged by subjective obstacles we unwittingly placed upon our road to true progress.

And please accept that a response of, “It sounds a good idea but I don’t have time to put it into practice” is, in itself, a self-limiting belief which will guarantee that our career advancement goals will forever remain out of reach.