8 Ways to Let Go of Negative Thoughts and Limiting Beliefs

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Do you sometimes feel like you’re drowning in negative thoughts and limiting beliefs?

Perhaps you believe that you could get so much accomplished and reach your goals if you could just get rid of the voice in your head telling you that you aren’t good enough.

These negative thoughts can be difficult to overcome, but the good news is that they won’t control you forever if you learn how to cope with them.

Once you do that, you’ll truly be able to let go and live the fulfilling life that you deserve.

Here is what you need to know about letting go of negative thoughts and limiting beliefs.

What are limiting beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are the not-so-kind things we tell ourselves that hold us back.

They do exactly what it sounds like—they limit us. They convince us that we aren’t good enough or qualified enough. They tell us that we won’t succeed in what we are doing. They may even prevent us from getting started, limiting our potential before it even has a chance. 

Here are some common examples of limiting beliefs.

• You may think you aren’t good enough or qualified enough, because you don’t have a formal degree or a certain number of years of experience.

• You may believe you are too old or young.

• You might think that you don’t have enough time.

• You may think that you aren’t smart enough or lack confidence.

The first step to letting go of negative thoughts and limiting beliefs is identifying which ones you currently carry with you.

Ways to Overcome Limiting Beliefs

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Now that you’ve determined which limiting beliefs are holding you back, it’s time to figure out how to overcome them.

The key thing to note here is that all of these tips take time.

You cannot overcome a lifetime of limiting beliefs in a day, but if you stay consistent, you will notice a change in yourself.

Here are some different things you can try!

1. Pinpoint the root of the limiting belief

There is a good chance this limiting belief is there for a reason.

Do you believe you aren’t qualified enough because a coworker made you feel discouraged?

Do you think you are too old because you see younger people on social media succeeding in the same area?

Figure out where the limiting belief is coming from. Doing so can make you feel more confident in overcoming it.

2. Practice using positive affirmations

Speak positive words to yourself instead of the harmful limiting beliefs.

Affirmations can help! Tell yourself, “I am strong. I am worthy. I am successful. I am confident.”.

Repeat affirmations that resonate with you to yourself, whether in your head, on paper, or in a mirror.

Remind yourself of these affirmations daily.

You can even put sticky notes on your wall so that you see them often!

3. Make a list of all of your accomplishments

Sometimes we just need to spell it out for ourselves.

You may not feel very successful and confident, but what if you saw a long list of everything you’ve achieved in your lifetime?

That’s sure to bring up some feelings of pride and confidence!

Start this list from childhood until now. Include the big moments like graduating college, growing a company, or buying a home, but also recognize the smaller accomplishments too like improving your eating habits, prioritizing self-care, and creating an efficient workflow for your business.

4. Acknowledge that the belief is not a fact

Just because the belief exists, does not mean that it is true.

Treat your belief as something to be questioned and analyzed. Don’t treat it as a fact, because it’s likely not.

Because of this, the limiting belief shouldn’t be controlling your life. Lean into who you are, read through all your accomplishments, and focus on what’s actually true about yourself.

If you struggle with this part, ask a trusted friend or family member to describe you.

5. Journal about your thoughts and feelings

When those limiting beliefs come up for you, journal on them. You can use these shadow work journal prompts to help you identify these beliefs.

Allow your pen to hit the paper and release any thoughts and feelings you have about those beliefs.

Treat this journaling exercise as a brain dump. If something comes up for you, write it down.

Don’t judge or analyze these thoughts and feelings—just acknowledge them.

6. Challenge the limiting belief often

Since we know these beliefs are not fact, we shouldn’t be afraid to challenge them.

You might be telling yourself that you aren’t qualified, but if that was the case, would you have accomplished everything that you have in your life? You might be saying you’re too old, but has someone older than you found success in that particular area?

The more evidence you can gather to prove this belief isn’t true, the more you will overcome it.

7. Replace the limiting belief with a more positive one

Is there something more positive you can tell yourself instead of the limiting belief that currently exists?

For example, if you always tell yourself you don’t have enough time, can you instead say that you make time for the things that are important to you?

If you repeatedly believe that you are too old, can you instead say that you’re never too old to chase after your dreams? 

8. Listen to self-help podcasts and read self-help books

Education can boost your confidence when it comes to letting go of negative thoughts.

Learning why we feel this way sometimes and how we can get past it can be comforting and encouraging.

Self-help podcasts and books are beneficial to anyone—whether they struggle with limiting beliefs or not.

Find the right podcasts and books for you, and make learning a priority in your personal development journey.

Final Thoughts

You should feel proud of yourself for wanting to work towards overcoming your limiting beliefs.

It takes intentionality and hard work, but it is going to be so worth it in the end.

Letting go of those negative thoughts will lead you to step into your full power and embrace newfound confidence.

Try out these tips and see how you feel!