As soon as we commit to making our personal growth and development a priority it can seem as if all our old patterns and limiting beliefs come out of the woodwork in their attempts to maintain the status quo. The voices in our head get louder and it can feel like an all out battle is going on in our minds.

Thoughts like:

"I can't do that!"
"What makes me think I can have this?"
"I don't deserve to be happy, rich, thin. That's for other people, not me!"
"I'm not smart enough, attractive enough, experienced enough . . . I'm not enough."

But here's the thing: They are not true! They are not fact. They are only beliefs.
A belief is a thought you have over and over again until it creates a pathway in your brain, a neural pathway that connects one part of your nervous system to another. In this case it connects the belief to the emotion associated to the belief. So every time that belief is activated, you FEEL a particular way. The way in which you felt when that thought was first created.

For example, when I was in the second grade I clearly remember being scolded by my teacher for coloring outside the lines. She told me that my picture was messy. I felt insecure, inadequate and definitely not good enough! The thought "I am not good at artwork" was created and I have since told myself that over and over again to the point where I wouldn't even try to do anything artistic for fear of feeling those feelings and failing miserably. I even went so far as to convince myself that not only am I not artistic, but I lack any form of creativity whatsoever. I am left-handed and I'm a Libra, creativity and artistic ability being major qualities of both. Yet, here I am 42 years old still telling myself I am not creative.

This is the voice of my Gremlin, The Saboteur, The Dark Side, The Itty Bitty $%itty Committee! However you refer to them, those voices and limiting beliefs can wreak havoc on any positive, enthusiastic attitude.

You may believe that this voice is trying to protect you from danger, or some kind of life altering change. (The Saboteur does NOT like change). The voice is actually there to keep you from taking unsafe risks. In my case, the risk of feeling inadequate or being humiliated by my perceived lack of artistic ability. But it is often overcautious at a time that calls for risk, for the sake of change and a more fulfilling life! The voice is there to keep you small.

So what's a girl (or guy) to do? Do we ignore these voices? Wish them away? Stick them in the closet and lock the door? I don't recommend it. By not acknowledging these old patterns and limiting beliefs they actually gain more power and grow louder. They want to be heard. The hard truth is, these are opportunities for growth. Take this challenge on and you will be amazed at what you find on the other side. Each message, thought, or limiting belief your Gremlin speaks is a chance for you to learn more about your SELF and how to best to serve your SELF.

"Whenever you see darkness, there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter." - Bono

By using the tool below I have created new thoughts about my creativity. I am taking a course in Visual Journaling that encourages me to use crayons and colored pencils to create on paper what I see in my head. My drawings look like children's drawings and for now that is perfect! I am thrilled that I am taking this challenge on and facing my fears. I am changing a belief about myself from " I am not good enough" to "I am just right exactly as I am!" I don't know about you, but the more of those I turn around, the more confidence I have to take on even BIGGER challenges.

Your Assignment

The next time you attempt to move forward and stretch beyond your comfort zone and you hear that voice speaking up telling you all the reasons why you "should" not, ask yourself these questions and move yourself into a more empowering and compassionate energy.

Before you get started I invite you to consider this. This tool works like most tools, only if you use it. Like a great teacher of mine says: "How you do anything is how you do everything". If you are not open to do this, then you are probably not open to do much to make your personal growth and development a priority. Give it a go! I guarantee you will discover something valuable about your SELF.

Belief Changing Technique

1. Identify the limiting belief or old pattern that is no longer serving you.
2. Ask yourself: "Is this true? Is this belief accurate and correct?"
3. How does this belief/old pattern impact my goal?
4. How is this belief operating in my life now?
5. What is the consequence of choosing this belief/old pattern?
6. Would you like to change or keep this belief/old pattern? (Be honest here!)
7. What would be a good replacement for this belief/old pattern?

Are you curious about what it would be like to transform your limiting beliefs into powerful self-serving affirmations that create more personal and professional satisfaction? If you are, why don't you call me and we'll set up a get acquainted session to see if I can help. You can call me now at 781-956-8584 or email me at aimee@cashmerecoaching.com

Author's Bio: 

Aimee Yawnick has been mentoring women to make personal growth and development a priority for over 15 years. First, in the Health and Fitness Industry, now as a Personal Life Coach. With proven tools and systems Aimee helps her clients move swiftly and smoothly from a life of just going through the motions and merely existing to being an active participant and living life to the fullest!

If you are a highly motivated and results-oriented woman who understands the value of developing your SELF, and you are ready to accelerate your personal growth in order to play a BIGGER GAME in your personal and professional life, contact Aimee at cashmerecoaching.com now.