How to Beat Negative Self-Talk and Self Limiting Beliefs

​A little self-criticism is normal, a shared human mental pattern, and not entirely a bad thing. But, we can easily open the door to that overly vocal “negative nelly” voice in our head, and that is not a good thing.
 
If your negative voice is preventing you from doing what you want or need to do in your life, then it has to get kicked out the door. This kind of mental chatter has no right to set up shop in your mind.
 
Deeply held negative beliefs, especially when they’re firmly rooted in your subconscious, stress you out, damage relationships and can greatly limit your potential for health and happiness. Simply put, they will hold you back.
 
If you’re sick of having the same old conversation with negative nelly, then be sure to try some of the ideas I’ve outlined in this article on how you can shift away from this damaging mindset, and finally release yourself of these limiting beliefs.

What are limiting beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are the little, but persistent voices that convince you that you can’t be or do or have something due to a perceived inadequacy in some area of your life or personality.
 
Your negative nelly narrative usually goes something like this:
 
I won’t ever be [this]…
 
I can’t do [that]...
 
I don’t have [this]...
 
I don’t deserve to be/have [this]...
 
And, one really common one that comes up for many people...
 
I am not good enough.
 
Let’s change up the narrative you may have been having with yourself for a very long time!

Overcoming negative self-talk and releasing limiting beliefs

Your limiting beliefs have shaped everything you do, and they have likely prevented you from seeing opportunities and maybe even discouraged you from trying some things.
 
The good news is that it’s totally possible to permanently change a long-held belief -- even the ones that are lifelong.
 
You only perceive what you believe, so your beliefs shape the very world you live in.
 
But, when your limiting beliefs come into question, your whole world can experience a shift for the better.

Here are a few ideas to help you silence your inner critic for good! 

When you find yourself feeling “stuck”, or repeatedly spinning your wheels on the same speed bumps that life might be throwing your way, it’s always a great idea to seek out the help and guidance of a life coach, counselor or therapist.
 
In addition to that, there are several things you can do on your own, in your own time and space...
 
→ The first step to releasing limiting beliefs is to shift your thinking into AWARENESS
 
Time to bring those disempowering thoughts out of hiding! Start paying attention to your responses to opportunities or other things that come up for you. This is being aware of your inner talk. Once you do that, know that you have a choice. 
 
However, just simply being aware or having knowledge of them is not enough, it’s just the first step. You must understand and truly believe that you have a choice about how to react to stressful situations. You can choose to listen to that voice and not move forward, or you can challenge what that voice is saying to you.
 
→ Possible thinking, not just positive thinking
 
Your mind is a powerful thing, and when you fill it with thoughts of what’s possible (not just positive), your mindset will start to shift.
 
When you believe something IS possible, you will notice options and opportunities coming up for you that would simply not have be noticed if you did not believe it was possible.
 
With repetition, your positive feelings will intensify, the new neural connections will strengthen, and you’ll start to notice just how awesome this new “win” really feels!
 
Reminding yourself often of these little wins can further shift your mindset and help you embrace the bright side of your perceived “failures” or shortcomings. It also helps to simply accept that you are perfectly imperfect, just the way you are!

When you hear that voice telling you that can't do something, question it with, "Why can't I" or better yet, invalidate it with "Yes, I can!"

 
→ If you wouldn’t say it to your friend, don’t say it to yourself
 
Your limiting beliefs are assumptions you make about reality that usually are just not true. They aren’t helpful, and they certainly don’t serve you or the goals you want to achieve.
 
Ask yourself: would I say these negative, hurtful and unsupportive words to a friend?
 
→ Adopting empowering beliefs such as:
 
“My job is to please myself not everyone else.”
 
“Just be me. There will never be anyone else like me."
 
To swap out your limiting belief with a more empowering one, you’ll need to play a little mind game; one of my favorite ways to do this is to use positive affirmations. Our brains can only do what it thinks it can do, so using affirmations is a great way to fill the void that your limiting beliefs created.

→ Take some time and space that’s all yours
 
Ensure that you are creating space in your life for these new empowering beliefs. Take action and get into the habit of using your new beliefs as often as possible until they begin to feel comfortable, familiar and routine to you.
 
Just remember - you have the ability to harness the power of the possible! Overcoming negative self-talk and releasing yourself of limiting beliefs takes commitment, introspection and a good dose of self-confidence to make the necessary changes stick.
 
There’s the old saying that we view ourselves through a much harsher lens than the rest of world does. So, let’s try to bring our own lens back into focus.
​

Positivity Pie (comfort food without the guilt!)
​

 
Preheat oven to 350°F
 
Savory bottom layer:
 
2 cp finely chopped mushrooms (try to chop for a ground meat-like consistency)
½ medium onion, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 medium organic carrot, shredded
1 medium organic zucchini, shredded (not peeled)
1 Tb extra virgin olive oil
1 - 1½ tsp Himalayan pink salt or Celtic grey sea salt
1 tsp chilii powder
½ tsp cumin
 
Mashed cauliflower topping:
2 small (or 1 large) cauliflower heads
5-6 large roasted garlic cloves*
½ - 1 tsp salt
 
Optional top layer:
½ cup shredded or crumbled organic, non-dairy cheese (your choice but I prefer Miyokos vegan cheese)
 
How to prepare bottom layer:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and sauté onion + garlic until tender. Add the carrot + zucchini, cook until they start to soften.
   
   
2. Add the ground meat, salt, and spices. Cook until the meat is browned, and very little moisture remains.

 
How to prepare cauliflower:

1.  Chop the cauliflower heads into small chunks, and steam until they soften - when a fork can easily pierce.

2.  Add the steamed cauliflower, roasted garlic and salt to a food processor. On low setting, puree until smooth. It may be necessary to use the tamper if you have one.
 
Assemble the pie:
1.  To assemble your Positively Paleo Pie, distribute the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of an 8-inch baking dish. Spread cauliflower mixture over the top, and bake for 25 minutes.

2.  If you're adding the optional cheese top layer, sprinkle the cheese on top after you bake it, and then broil it until the cheese turns slightly brown (~3 minutes more in the oven).  
*Roasted garlic cloves - done ahead of time.
 
3 . Using a sharp knife, cut ¼ inch from the top of of a whole garlic bulb to expose the individual cloves. Place bulb (unpeeled) on top of a square of aluminum foil. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the bulb, just to moisten. Wrap the bulb with foil and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cloves feel soft when pressed. Once cooled, the whole cloves should push out easily when pressed from the bottom.
 
Extra roasted garlic can be used on its own as a spread on bread, crackers, sandwiches, or veggies.
                                    (and yes, roasting the garlic really does make a difference in the flavor - magic!)

REMEMBER: Recipes are just guides, so adjust seasonings and other ingredients according to your taste
                                     (but don't skimp on the roasted garlic, it's MAGIC!)