5 Steps to clear work-related limiting beliefs
Many of us are heading back to work after an unforgettable pause in proceedings. Does anyone else smell the uncertainty in the air? Understandably there is a palpable tension we all feel that is encapsulating us.
Working as a doctor in both Occupational and Lifestyle Medicine, and as a coach, I notice the harmful effects of limiting beliefs on both employees and employers. Limiting beliefs cause stress and frustration, which leads to chronic inflammation; the hallmark of long-term disease.
According to the UK Labour Force Survey in 2018–9 12.8 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, averaging at 21.2 days lost per case.
I want to share with you five actionable steps to clear limiting beliefs so we can all hit the ground running — happy, healthy and performing our best.
Just for a minute, let’s imagine we could dissolve all our problems at work.
Problems with our boss, our colleagues or our projects.
What if all that was required to dissolve these problems was a shift in beliefs, perspectives or constructs?
How many of us experience resistance, blocks and barriers at work?
If this is you — then the chances are a limiting belief is in play.
Does anyone else notice that rumination and self-blame tend to characterise any problem you face?
Our psychology sits at the root of many of our problems. A 2013 study of 32,000 individuals by Peter Kinderman beautifully highlights how self-blame and rumination are key causal factors in mental illness. Our circumstances or traumas do not purely cause mental illness; our response to these events causes it.
On the flip side, positive empowering beliefs leads to optimism and positivity, which have incredible health benefits. Research has shown positive thinking leads to increased life span, greater resistance to the common cold, lower rates of depression and better cardiovascular health.
What steps can I take to clear work-related limiting beliefs?
1. Notice your words
A window into our subconscious lies in our words.
“Your mind is always eavesdropping on your self-talk” — Jim Kwik
When discussing work-related issues, notice when you use phrases such as:
I’m not the kind of person that…
My work is useless.
If only everyone else would do their job.
I’m not going to improve.
2. Notice your feelings
Many of us are unaware our thoughts and beliefs create physical sensations.
Once you have noticed the words — ask yourself, how does it feel? Where do you feel it?
Lion Goodman, a belief therapist, suggests that you try on a limiting belief as if it was a piece of clothing. Is that something you want to wear moving forward?
3. Evidence against
Ask yourself — what is the evidence against your work-related belief? This allows us to start to take on more positive and empowering beliefs naturally. Try journaling on these questions:
What is the evidence against my limiting belief?
What is false about the statement — I’m not the kind of person who…?
When faced with a challenge at work, how have I improved in the past?
4. Accept who you are
“What you resist persists.” — Carl Jung
Please do not confuse acceptance with apathy. Accepting yourself in all your imperfection is the first step to freedom. Is that not what we all want? Acceptance is to understand that fighting is not worth your energy.
“If you fight for your limitations — you get to keep them.” — Jim Kwik
5. Make the goal growth
“Your work is not about your work. Rather your work is the greatest vehicle for personal growth” — Sri Kumar Rao
Approach the next chapter in your career with a shift in mindset — make the goal growth. If every day, we primarily focused on being just 1% better, then growth becomes our identity. Our soul’s purpose is to grow. Align with your purpose, and your work flows with ease without limiting beliefs.
Here are five empowering beliefs that you may resonate with:
My work is a vehicle for my personal growth.
My work contributes to the world.
My work connects me with others.
My work is dependent on me.
I trust that my skills have value.
