Firing Your Limiting Beliefs

I discovered my calling on August 14, 2013 when I shared my story publicly for the first time and realized if I could help others by sharing my story, I could find purpose in the pain. Ten days after that, I resigned from my career to pursue my calling because I couldn't dedicate enough energy to either one if I tried to do both. And, as John C. Maxwell says, "Once you've tasted significance, success is never enough."

It was a struggle at first in many ways. I had (and still do I'm sure!) some limiting beliefs but one of the biggest in 2013 was that no one would be inspired by my story. We have probably all struggled at times, or are still struggling, with a false belief that we aren't good enough to be successful, make a difference in the world, or touch other people for the better.

“Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.” ― Les Brown

So, my efforts at sharing my story were tentative at first as I grew into the shoes I was called to fill. Gradually, that limiting belief became a little smaller, but it still lingered in the back of my mind. And then, something happened that gave it a giant boost: I was working with an event planner for her upcoming program for an annual conference and she told me they decided not to use me for a keynote speaker after all because they thought my story was too depressing. "They don't want to hear about sad stories," I was told.

I had stepped out in faith and resigned my career to become a speaker and bring hope to other people.  To have someone tell me my story was too depressing was devastating and it fed that limiting belief that had lingered in the back of my mind. For one night, I felt sorry for myself. Then, I got up the next morning, threw my self-pity in the trash, and ran ten miles. With every step of that run, I tore that limiting belief into small pieces. I fired it - right then and there with no severance package. I realized it was not serving me, so I deliberately, intentionally, and purposefully destroyed it. In truth, we create our own limiting beliefs by listening to the negative voices around us. And, we have the power to destroy them as well.

“You begin to fly when you let go of self-limiting beliefs and allow your mind and aspirations to rise to greater heights.” ― Brian Tracy

 It's important to realize when I say, "fire your limiting beliefs" I mean you should challenge the thoughts or beliefs you have that are holding you back from realizing your potential. I don't mean ignore the facts. If you aren't any good at singing and you realize it, that's not a limiting belief. It's reality. You may still choose to pursue a career as a singer but you should do so fully aware of your lack of talent. However, if you are incredibly gifted as a singer but feel too self-conscious to sing in front of others, you should consider how to fire that limiting belief. It's holding you back from your potential.

“If you accept a limiting belief, then it will become a truth for you.” ― Louise Hay

When it comes to beliefs about our potential and ability, make sure perception is reality. I had a limiting belief for many years that I wasn't athletic, until someone helped me see my potential to inspire others by teaching group fitness. (To hear that story, click here and listen to my podcast episode on this topic!)

We all make mistakes and we all can learn to improve. But, don't ever let anyone tell you that you aren't good enough. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, perfectly imperfect, and created for a purpose. Limiting beliefs don't serve you and they don't serve your potential. Fire them, and step more fully into the person you were created to be.

Like what you read? Click here to listen to Ria's podcast on "Firing Your Limiting Beliefs!"

Like many, Ria faced adversity in life. Ria was sexually abused by her father from age 12 - 19, forced to play the role of his wife, and even shared with other men. Desperate to escape, she left home at 19 without a job, a car, or even a high school diploma. 

Today, Ria is a motivational leadership speaker, TEDx Speaker, and author of 10 books, including Leadership Gems for Women. Ria’s background includes more than 10 years in administrative healthcare with several years in leadership and management including working as the Director of Compliance for a large healthcare organization. Ria is a certified leadership speaker and trainer. 

Ria shares powerful leadership principles and tools of transformation from her journey to equip and empower women, helping them develop 360° influence and maximize their potential in life and leadership.