Welcome to Article 2 of the “Taming Your Inner Critic and Building Lasting Confidence” series! 

In the previous article, we identified the signs of your inner critic and how negative self-talk is actually just a bad habit. Now, we’re going to dig deeper into wherethose self-doubts actually come from. 

Digging into the root causes for self-doubt

Understanding the root causes is crucial for kicking self-doubt to the curb! It’s like pulling weeds – you need to get the root, not just the leaves.

Think of self-doubt like pulling weeds – you need to get the root, not just the leaves.

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What are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are those deeply ingrained ideas about ourselves and the world that restrict our potential. They’re often subconscious and can significantly impact our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

These beliefs tell us what we can and cannot do, what we deserve, and what’s possible for us. When these beliefs are negative or self-sabotaging, they become barriers to our success and happiness.

Where Do Limiting Beliefs Come From?

Limiting beliefs don’t just appear out of thin air. They’re shaped by a variety of influences, and understanding these influences is the first step to changing them. 

Your “worldview” (remember that example from the previous article?) significantly influences your limiting beliefs, because it’s how you see the world right now. 

It’s shaped by a number of things, like:

• The cultureyou grew up in.
• The valuesyour families instilled.
• Those rollercoaster (positive and negative) personal experiences.
• What you learnedin school.
• Your spiritual or religious beliefs.
• Your own personal philosophy.

It’s a complex mix, and it’s unique to each of us. These experiences and messages create the foundation of our beliefs, and some of those beliefs can become limiting over time.

Step 1: Self-Reflection for Limiting Beliefs (Writing Exercise)

Here’s where you put on your detective hat to uncover the origins of that self-doubt. Grab a piece of paper – yes, actual paper, trust me, it’s a neuroscience thing – and let’s dig deep. Writing things out by hand helps solidify those neural pathways, making these discoveries stick. 

Now, answer these questions:

• Where did this negative thought first pop up?
• Who or what influenced you to think this way?
• Was it a direct hit, like someone saying something hurtful?
• Or was it more subtle, like feeling overlooked or unappreciated?

Take your time with these questions. Don’t rush. Allow yourself to really reflect on your past experiences and identify the moments when those limiting beliefs started to take hold.

Step 2.2: Trace the External Influences (Those Myths and Criticisms)

Still with that paper? Good! Let’s get even more specific. Think about the messages you’ve absorbed over the years.

• Do you notice any common myths or criticisms that contributed to your negative beliefs? You know, those folks who constantly brag, or put others down?
• Or maybe you’ve received similar criticisms from friends, family, or teachers, even if they meant well? Those “helpful” comments like, “I love you, but…” can still leave a mark.

This isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about understanding how these external voices shaped your inner critic. Recognizing these patterns helps us break free from them. 

Sometimes, the most damaging beliefs are the ones we’ve internalized from others, even if those others didn’t intend to cause harm.

Step 2.3: The Emotional Toll (How These Beliefs Hit You)

Now, let’s get real about feelings. How do these limiting beliefs actually make you feel? How do these beliefs show up in your thoughts and feelings? 

Do any of these sound familiar?

• “I’m not good enough.”
• “I’m not smart enough.”
• “I’m too old/young.”
• “I don’t have the right qualifications.”
• “I’m not creative enough.”
• “I’m not worthy of success.”

Your feelings? Totally valid. But remember, just because you feel it, doesn’t mean it’s the absolute truth. These feelings are indicators of the limiting beliefs at play. By acknowledging and understanding these feelings, we can begin to separate them from reality.

Identifying the Root Causes of Self-Doubt

Uncovering the roots of self-doubt is a powerful step towards taming your inner critic. 

By reflecting on your past experiences, identifying external influences, and acknowledging the emotional toll of limiting beliefs, you can gain valuable insights into what’s holding you back. 

In the next article, we’ll explore how to challenge and overcome these limiting beliefs, replacing them with empowering truths.

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• The Hidden Reason Worrying Drains You (And How to Reclaim Your Energy)
• Rewire Your Brain to Sustain Confidence: Part 5 (Tame Your Inner Critic series)
• Replace Negative Thoughts with Powerful Affirmations: Part 4 (Tame Your Inner Critic series)
• Challenge and Overcome Limiting Beliefs: Part 3 (Tame Your Inner Critic series)
• Uncover the Roots of Self-Doubt: Part 2 (Tame Your Inner Critic series)