3 Childhood Limiting Beliefs and How to Release Them

As children, if we weren’t given some form of limitation through rules, we wouldn’t learn what is considered to be the appropriate or inappropriate behavior to exhibit in various experiences.

And we also wouldn’t learn how to keep ourselves safe from danger or harm. With too few rules or guidance, our wild nature would go untamed and may cause chaos in our lives down the road. Equally so, growing up under more rigid rules and regulations can limit the future expansion of our lives.

So, what happens when the things we were told as children start to cause unease, struggle or any other form of disharmony in our adult lives?

How can we unlearn what were told as children and choose more fitting guidelines for ourselves in order to live more fulfilling adult lives? That may seem like a tall order to some, but let’s jump in and find out just how simple it can be to reclaim your power.

Along our journey as a child, our subconscious mind soaks up the world around us like a massive sponge without much of a filter. From the rules, beliefs, and behaviors of the adults and other kids around us, we learn how to live in this world, how to act, what to say, what to think, how to express ourselves, and to what degree we do so. While we’re observing life around us, we are internalizing what it all means to us and figuring out ways we can fit in with everybody else. This is a natural process we’re all familiar with.

As we progress through life, some, many or most of these early childhood beliefs (depending on your experiences) become outdated and quite limiting to our more dynamic adult lives.

They worked for us as children (to an extent), but if we’re unaware of these “programs” running behind the scenes in our subconscious mind we will still be acting from beliefs we learned as children. This can become extremely frustrating to those who wish to break out of their ruts because these thoughts and behaviors have become second nature and are really good at keeping us “safe.”

Here’s a thought-provoking question to begin to reveal some of the thoughts you picked up from what you were told or shown as a child. Take your time answering this question as it will also reveal your true self.

Who were you before you began believing in any limitation?

Here are a few reminders:

• You were a kid with a wildly vivid imagination where ANYTHING was possible.
• You were creative beyond your own capabilities at the time.
• You were happy and loved, even if those around you were incapable of expressing it to your liking.
• You were more YOU than you knew what to do with!

And guess what? YOU STILL ARE! Because you are still that lively YOU underneath it all.

Asking this question is like a “system restore” for your mind that allows you to go back to a time when you felt more like yourself. It allows you to discern what is truly YOU from that which your world has turned you into. Can you see a difference as you reflect on your life?

Now that you have begun to remember bits of your true nature, let’s take a look at the most common limiting beliefs we pick up as children that have covered YOU up and see them from a new perspective.

Here are 3 Childhood Limiting Beliefs, and How to Release Them

1. “I’m not good enough.”

So many people have a traumatic childhood experience where they proclaim to themselves, “Because [such and such thing] happened, I am not good enough.” But, according to who? Who told you that you weren’t good enough? Someone or something outside of yourself who didn’t know the true you like you do? Was it a teacher, a classmate, a parent, a sibling, another family member, or a friend? Was it really YOU who thought you weren’t good enough or did you come to that conclusion based on external feedback? This is something to consider, because many times, it comes from external feedback, and you do not have to buy into it anymore. Forgive them and move on.

2. “I can’t _____.”

This belief, we may actually have determined on our own, but still in comparison to others or some external standard. The thing about this belief is, as Henry Ford says, “whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.” It is a matter of choice. If someone told you that you can’t, question it! Ask yourself, why not? What if I can? And what if I actually enjoy it? If it’s something your heart truly desires, you will see the value in releasing the limitation and reclaiming your own power.

3. “I’m not allowed to _____.”

Many of us grew up needing to ask permission for everything and we needed to wait to be told what to do. If we continue living that way, life will become the authority figure who bosses us around until we realize WE have the authority to give ourselves permission to do what we please. We are allowed to create what we want and express ourselves as we see fit.

Here’s the truth. You ARE good enough, you CAN, you’re ALLOWED to, and you ALWAYS HAVE BEEN!

You were born into this world as a perfect creation of Source energy and you remain a perfect, divinely created human being, “flaws” and all. You are fully capable of being the very best [Insert Your Full Name Here] and living your life better than anyone else and it’s time to wholeheartedly embrace that reality.

If this article interested you, meet people who can do even more for you right now. From personal to professional well-being, connect with someone who can guide you to a happier, healthier, and whole life! Become a WU Friend today!

If you provide support or products that make the world a better place and help humanity live in health, happiness, and wholeness, join us as a WU World-Changer.

– The Wellness Universe

*This article was previously published on November 26, 2018.

---

All information, content, and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. The information supplied through or on this page, or by any representative or agent of The Wellness Universe, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. Health-related information provided through this website is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. The Wellness Universe reserves the right to remove, edit, move or close any content item for any reason, including, but not limited to, comments that are in violation of the laws and regulations formed pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. None of the posts and articles on The Wellness Universe page may be reprinted without express written permission.

---

see how our self-care books are helping thousands of people around the world. Digital and paperback books are available now.

---

Self-development, self-care, and inspirational classes and sessions by Wellness Universe World Changer instructors who support your total well-being.

---

The Wellness Universe is here to serve your best well-being. If you are experiencing anxiety, grief, overwhelm, guilt, anger, or seeking ways to cope and get help for stress, relationships, parenting, or any other issue during this challenging time, we have wonderful resources for you to connect with. Our WU Best Help members are offering reduced rates, sliding scale payment options, and even pro-bono sessions.
WU Best Help