Free Yourself From Mental Blocks

I think a lot about thinking — particularly about the power of our thoughts.

When any of us worries, feels insecure, or is doubtful, we tend to think about the external causes for those uncomfortable feelings.

We worry about things like our bank balance, we feel insecure about a relationship, we doubt our ability to meet someone’s expectation. We easily default to feeling fear and scarcity, And we point to reasons those thoughts are reasonable or justified.

The truth is that no matter what is going on externally, it’s your mindset that’s the key to the way you think about and respond to everything — the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Your thoughts can pull you down — or lift you up

When you tune in to the power of your mindset, the lens through which you chose to see the world, you can begin to choose your thoughts.

You have the opportunity to look at the old, ingrained thinking that has long kept your thoughts running in a specific way. And with that awareness, you can actively start considering the same situations differently.

For instance, with some focus, you can identify old stories you grew to believe, that drive thoughts that get in your way.

You stories and beliefs might be like some of these:

• You have to mind every cent you spend, because money is hard to earn and hard to keep

• You have to work really hard to prove that you are smart enough or talented enough.

• The world is unfair.

• Only having many degrees and certifications will prove you are smart.

When you continue operating without awareness that stories like these are coloring your outlook — or running the show — you are at the mercy of your thoughts.

The good news is that you have the power to begin to think differently.

How to start shifting stuck thinking

To begin to change old engrained ways of thinking, first identify the stories and beliefs that have been on automatic pilot in your head.

Pull out a journal and start jotting notes.

• Recall what you always heard a parent say about money.

• What did they say about love?

• What were their warnings about the world?

• Did they teach you you had to sacrifice yourself for other’s wellbeing?

• Did they judge your looks, your intelligence, your quietness or brashness?

• How about what you heard from teachers?

• Did a sports coach impart a way of thinking that has limited you?

See what shows up on the page. 

Then choose ONE thing to consciously be aware of for the next few days.

Spot when that belief or story shows up. (And congratulate yourself each time you spot it!)

Once you have noticed it, choose to consider the situation, in that moment, as if that old belief were not there. 

As you gently practice reconsidering and reframing a situation (like moving your thoughts from scarcity to abundance, or from feeling shame to ease —or even confidence), you will be making important mindset shifts.

Stay with it and watch how your life changes

Having made one limiting belief your focus for a while, you can begin to bring awareness to other old limiting beliefs you recalled in your notes.

The key is to be patient with yourself as you spot and reframe. You are doing deep inside work, and it takes time.

Thoughts that have been embedded for years will not disappear in a flash.

And, they will shift with consistent awareness and conscious efforts to see the world in a new light.

When you consistently believe in the real you — the woman who is remarkable in so many ways — without the doubts and fears that had been in your way, you will notice how much easier it is to move through each day.

You will relish feeling freer. Things will move more smoothly and be easier. You will naturally feel happier.

And if you want a guide to help you let go of old entrenched beliefs, book time for a call with with me here.

I’ll be happy to chat with you.

The stories we tell ourselves

We all have our stories — and often there are several that play a prominent role in our lives. They may be old family scripts, or we may have adopted some along the way. But whatever the origin, these stories get in our way and hold us back.

I recently wrote about a story of mine that many of us tell ourselves, and looked some of the root causes. This particular story is about how so many of us believe we need to go it alone, and do everything by ourselves, which is exhausting and costs us in many ways.

But there are lots of other stories that get in our way, too. Some are stories about money — and there are oh so many versions of money stories we pick up and cling to! Some are stories about worthiness — many of us are sure we are not good enough, not deserving, or not up to the task in a host of ways. Some are stories about how much is possible for us — the cliché that says all artists struggle through life is a classic example. And there are many more.

I call these limiting stories. And, sadly, these are stories we hang on to — usually with tenacity.

Why? Because they are familiar. And they feel real. They “save” us (translation: they provide a powerful excuses for us). They make us feel we are powerless to take new steps, or take action, even when we feel certain we want to make a change.

Can you think of a story or two that you cling to?

Have you considered the impact the stories have on your life? Have you tried to break free of your stories and not known how to do it, or found it to be hard to fully let them go?

Your limiting stories create a mindset that can be shifted — but not without awareness, tools, and practice. When your mindset is addressed, your behaviors can more easily start to change. New habits can be formed. And new freedom can be found — to take bold steps, to make clear decisions, to live without fear, to find the direction you have been seeking.

A great example is about when I stopped believing that I had to do it all on my own. I made a commitment to myself to let go of my story. I sought out the support of a great coach and courageously started to do deep personal work that has made a huge difference, in my work and the way I live my life.

In time, I found and engaged a number people with expertise in areas that were not my strong suit, and was relieved to see how much better those tasks were being handled on my behalf than when I had been managing them myself. And more recently, I got a lot more help with tasks that could be delegated. I began to trust others to do things I’d always felt only I could do to my high standards. These changes did not happened quickly, but as I let go of my story, one step at a time, I was liberated! I am now more self-aware, confident, bold, and clear about the direction I am taking in my life. I have the peace of mind that comes from experts handling matters that were not really in my skill set. And, I now spend my time focusing on what I do best, and what only I can do. I love all of my life, and have much more freedom and time to enjoy it.

Do you feel ready to look at your limiting stories and to connect to what you really want? Are you ready to create a roadmap and start on the path to a bigger, more fulfilling future?

I invite you to leave a comment below about how this topic resonates for you. And, don't hesitate to reach out to me. We can make a date to talk.