Confront These 7 Types of Limiting Beliefs

How we view something directly translates into what options we see and what actions we take. Discover how you can redefine your perception and break free from limiting beliefs.

Perception is driving your performance. Makes sense, doesn’t it? How we view something directly translates into what options we see and what actions we take.

And while that perception may define our results, we can define our perception. We can break down those limiting beliefs that are in our way to reach that next level. 

While no person and no company is immune to limiting beliefs impeding progress, we don’t have to merely suffer their effects. We can distinguish those potentially subconscious limiting beliefs and address them head on…

Here are 7 types of limiting beliefs and what to do about them. 

1. Conflicting Beliefs

These arise when there are inconsistent viewpoints, motives and goals. For instance, you may prioritize growth but also value tried and true methods that you know work. 

Approach: Get clear on your values, objectives and goals. Note where there are inconsistencies and consider how you might alchemize them for a harmonized path forward. 

2. Close-mindedness

This is the inability or unwillingness to consider alternative ideas or solutions. It can hinder creativity and block ideas.

Approach: Always be learning. Take a class, read a book, check out my friend Dr. Rebecca Heiss’s FEAR[less] course. Our practiced ability to learn and grow opens our minds to new possibilities. If you’re a leader within your organization, you can host workshops, training sessions, and encourage team members to attend relevant conferences.

3. Confirmation Bias

This occurs when you favor information that confirms your existing beliefs and has you ignoring contradictory evidence. Clearly, not the best for growth and decision making. 

Approach: Question your perspectives, assumptions and biases and foster an environment where questioning the status quo is encouraged. Using real data here can be your best friend. 

4. Prejudice

Any baseless and “usually” negative attitudes towards members of a particular group can be detrimental. It not only limits diversity and inclusion efforts, but limits potentially important perspectives. 

Approach: Reframe prejudices as an opportunity to learn and understand another’s point of view. Perhaps, only spending time with those exactly like you is only limiting you. 

5. Misinformation

Relying on inaccurate information can lead to flawed strategies, tarnished reputations and failed initiatives. 

Approach: Double-check sources of information and don’t take things you see and hear at face value (probably especially those on social media). Cross-verify information before you consider spreading news or making decisions. 

6. Ethical Dilemmas

When you and I face situations that challenge our moral compass, it can lead to reputation damage and legal complications.

Approach: The challenge is that much of our moral compass (personally and professionally) is based on feelings and not a clear code of ethics. Spend time understanding your values at a detailed level and open up conversations about potential dilemmas. 

7. Resistance to Change

The longer you’ve been doing something, the harder it is to change. Inability to change long-held practices or beliefs will hinder adaptability and relevance.

Approach: Catch yourself when you’re only defending a past behavior or perspective. Understand that that’s only your thinking holding you back. And celebrate when you’re able to let go of something and change ideas or habits. 

Recognizing these limiting beliefs is access to growth in a new way that’s not just a matter of working harder. We’re able to shed limiting beliefs, for ourselves and within our cultures, to take on new directions and new pathways that we may have been held back by prior. American Philosopher and poet Henry David Thoreau said it best,  “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see. 

Key idea: Perception is driving performance

Takeaway: Consider beliefs, assumptions and perceptions before action