"When I believe my thoughts, I suffer, but when I don't believe my thoughts, I don't suffer" - Byron Katie.

I kept my dreams locked up in the back of my mind being careful not to get too excited because I didn't think I could achieve them. 

I had distant dreams of creating a podcast, making videos, starting a newsletter, and building a successful business, but I believed these were all out of reach. So they collected dust in my mind. 

Something was blocking me from them. 

Over the years, self-doubt had settled in and became a self-limiting belief that made sure I didn't progress toward my dreams. 

Being stuck in our minds is a dangerous place to be. It is crucial to remember that we all have the potential and desire to change. We want to be free to achieve our wildest dreams, but something may be blocking our way and keeping us from achieving our goals. 

That something is our thoughts of what we think we can or cannot do. These are self-imposed beliefs that keep us down and out. These beliefs hold us back from realizing our creative potential. Over time their grip gets stronger and stronger until we have lost the fight to be free, along with giving up on our dreams.

But there is a way to cut through the self-limiting beliefs we have developed.

An Exercise

Before we get to the question, let's try an exercise. Take a moment to think about a dream you've been carrying around with you. Take your time; this is important. 

Have a dream in mind? Good. 

Now think about the reason you give to yourself for not being able to achieve your dream. Is the reason only in your head? Stay with the self-limiting belief and see how it makes you feel. Feel the emotions the thought brings as it keeps you from your dream. 

Here is the question to ask yourself.

What would you do if you didn't have the thought standing in your way? 

Imagine you had no problem standing in between you and this dream. How does this make you feel? Does it open up the possibility of a path forward toward your goal? Does it give you a sense of relief and make you feel lighter now that you can achieve your goal?

At that very moment, you have opened the door to let in the light of opportunity. You can now realize that your self-limiting belief is a thought you don't need to believe or carry around. 

Question your thoughts before they become beliefs that hold you back because the world is full of infinite possibilities, and you can achieve anything you want to. 

See how it unhooks you from the belief that holds you back and keeps you from achieving your potential. So the next time you face a thought that suggests you can't achieve your dreams, stop and question it by asking yourself, how would I feel if I didn't have this self-limiting thought?

You have the power to achieve your wildest dreams! I’m rooting for you.

Till next time, stay strong!

Rizwan 💜