If you found out that your friend or neighbor was spreading lies about you, you would be furious, right? But the truth is you likely spend more time and energy trying to dispel lies that others tell than you do the lies you tell yourself.

That’s because these lies—which take the form of self-limiting beliefs—are hidden. They hide in the deepest crevices of your mind, and their one mission is to distort the truth.

The most important thing to know about self-limiting beliefs is that they are lies. If you aren’t filled with joy, peace, and hope, you are likely buying into a lie and the lie is likely coming from your own mind.

The good news is that the same mind that puts out that self-limiting belief has the power to change that belief.

In my business and in my life, I have found that the same common self-limiting beliefs show up again and again in people of all kinds of backgrounds and temperaments. I’ve listed the 15 most common self-limiting beliefs and the truth you can use to destroy them.

1. I don’t care what others think of me. Every one cares to some extent. Instead of denying that you care, instead say, “It’s not possible to have everyone like me, but I can learn from those who don’t.”
2. I don’t want to ask for too much. This comes from the old adage, “If you don’t get your hopes up, you’ll never be disappointed.” Instead, allow your hopes to rise, and say, “I will allow myself to dream for more.”
3. You can’t trust people. Some people aren’t worthy of your trust, it’s true, but this shouldn’t mean that you lump the entire human race together. Instead, say, “I will trust people based upon their merit.”
4. Pursuing my dreams is selfish. You were placed on this planet for a purpose. Who are you to limit what your dreams are? Instead, say to yourself, “I can do all things, I will trust God and His timing.”
5. If God wanted me to be a success, I would be successful. This is a clever disguise for laziness. Change this self-limiting belief to, “I’ll do what’s required of me and leave the rest of up to God.”
6. If it’s meant to be, it’ll be. This self-limiting belief is a sneaky way of giving up—it usually crops up when you don’t know what else to do. Instead of buying into it, ask for the wisdom on how to proceed.
7. I am what I am. This self-limiting belief hints that you are allowing self-destructive behaviors and thoughts to take over. The truth is you have complete control over your mind and behaviors. If something is self-limiting, change it.
8. I have too much to do to focus on my dreams. If you find yourself constantly giving in to the urgent in your life, you are likely ignoring the important.  The truth is you will always have a lot going on in your life – it’s time to prioritize!
9. If I stay positive it will all work out. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Instead say, “I have faith that God will work this out for my good.” That’s a positive attitude that’s rooted in truth.
10. God is punishing me. Our God is not a punishing God. If you don’t like the results you’re getting, you may be suffering consequences for your actions. Take it as a sign that it’s time to repent, and let God restore you.
11. I’ll be happy when/if… These self-limiting thoughts place the power on your circumstances. Happiness is an inside job, so choose happiness.
12. Because of this, I can’t get that. Your circumstances, past or present, do not have to dictate your future. Instead say, “My future’s so bright I have to wear shades.”
13. All I want is… Oh, please! As if that’s really all you want. Stop lying to yourself and allow yourself to dream bigger.
14. I’m a Christian so I should have no problems. Jesus didn’t say that we wouldn’t have problems, in fact, he told us to expect them (John 16:33). Instead, tell yourself that you have no reason to fear because He has overcome.
15. Things will never change. This self-limiting belief keeps you focused on the adversity that’s presenting itself at the moment instead of seeing the potential good. Instead say, “I don’t know what this was meant for, but I can learn from this too.”

It’s in your power to stop building a case that supports any self-limiting belief. Instead, build a case that supports the truth. As with anything new, repairing your thought process takes practice. But the more you practice replacing self-limiting beliefs with truth, the closer you’ll be to a transformed life.

By:  Kris Reece, Counselor, Coach, Author