Identifying and Conquering Your Limiting Beliefs: Lessons from My Journey

Last week, in Taking a Chance on Potential: What I Learned from Coach Wildman’s Faith in Me, I shared the positive impact my high school coach and winning a state championship has had on my life. This week, I’m going to share how that same experience has contributed to limiting beliefs I’ve carried with me throughout my life.

First, what are limiting beliefs?

A limiting belief is a conviction or thought pattern that holds you back from achieving your full potential or pursuing your goals. These beliefs often stem from past experiences, societal norms, or self-doubt and can restrict your growth by making you think you’re not capable, worthy, or deserving of success. For example, believing “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t deserve happiness” can prevent you from taking risks or trying new things. Recognizing and challenging these beliefs can help you overcome them and open up new possibilities for personal development and success.

So, what was it about a state championship that has led to a limiting belief in my life?

Well, following the win, I was interviewed on television for the local news cast. You likely can relate to how it often feels to hear yourself talk and, worse yet, see yourself on video. Well, that was the case with my interview on TV following the game. The image of that interview has been burned into my mind for the past 37 years. This has resulted in my absolutely hating to stand in front of a video camera and, even worse, stand in front of a group of people public speaking.

Now, I know a few of you that have seen me speak in the past are thinking, “what, I would have never thought Chris had an issue with public speaking”. I say this as the handful of times I’ve done it to include my 25 year high school alumni anniversary, people have commended me on my speaking.

So, why be so vulnerable and bring this up so publicly today?

Well, many of you may of seen my video blog a few weeks back regarding some takeaways on my retreat day. One of those takeaways was the there was a new season ahead which was going to require me to get out of my comfort zone a bit. In the week following, both my executive coach and a public speaking coach challenged me on why I wasn’t public speaking more. They both edified what a powerful story I have and how gifted I am as serving and inspiring others. To this, I acknowledge to them both my limiting belief and how I knew it was something deep within holding me back. While in both cases, it was only one conversation that has made the difference, I truly appreciate both Dale Gibbons and Alex Perry for the loving challenge and encouragement in this area of my life.

As a result of this challenge, I’m transitioning to starting to hold live events to serve other business owners. Starting the 1st Wednesday of the month on October 2, 2024, I’ll host the 12 Habits of Highly Profitable Businesses Workshop in Zionsville for Greater Indianapolis business owners. You can click here to learn more about this event as well as register in the event you’d like to attend. I promise that while I’ve been vulnerable with my fears, you’ll truly enjoy the time and likely never even know it’s historically been a limiting belief in my life.

So, what are your limiting beliefs? What’s holding you back from that next breakthrough in your life? Is it time you take a retreat day and reflect upon this question? Is it time you place yourself in relationships where people can challenge these potentially limiting beliefs in love as my friends did for me? Assuming so, I’d appreciate hearing how today’s post has challenged you.

In gratitude,

Chris