Lack of confidence is easily noticeable when you get to know someone. It is characterized by certain limiting beliefs that can hold individuals back. If you find that you possess these beliefs, it’s important to let go of them. Additionally, if you come across others who hold these beliefs, you can encourage them to overcome self-sabotage and tap into their potential.
1) “I can’t do it”: People lacking confidence often believe they can’t do things and focus on their limitations rather than their capabilities. Instead, they should set their sights on what’s possible and work hard to achieve it. Replace this belief with “I can do it. I will do it. I am doing it.”
2) “I don’t belong”: This belief can greatly impact self-confidence, especially for those who are introverted and introspective. People who lack confidence tend to be overly sensitive about whether or not they belong and may feel like they don’t fit in even in situations where they are valued. Replace this belief with “I belong to myself first and foremost. I will find a tribe where I am valued in the same way I value myself.”
3) “The system is rigged”: While it’s true that some systems may be unfair, focusing too much on this can prevent individuals from taking action in their own lives. It’s important to acknowledge the flaws in the system but not let it become the sole focus of one’s life. Replace this belief with “The system isn’t in my control, and I need to stop using it as an excuse.”
4) “The world is against me”: Feeling like the world is against you can be motivating, but it can also be an excuse to avoid trying new things. Replace this belief with “The world is what I make it. The world and Providence will assist me in my purpose and mission.”
5) “Nobody understands me”: People lacking confidence often believe that nobody understands them, even when someone tries to. They may cling to this feeling of being different and misunderstood as a way to hold onto a victim mentality. Replace this belief with “As Saint Francis said, ‘seek not so much to be understood as to understand.'”
6) “I’m not good enough”: This belief is common among those lacking confidence and is often rooted in early childhood experiences of criticism or trauma. It tends to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Replace this belief with “I’m even better than I realize and I will continue to improve myself and achieve my potential.”
7) “Other people are better than me”: This belief is closely related to the previous one. While someone may currently be better or worse than another person in certain aspects, this can easily change. Replace this belief with “I am worthy, and so are other people.”
8) “I don’t have the resources I need”: People lacking confidence often focus on what they don’t have or doubt their ability to acquire necessary resources. These doubts are often excuses. Instead, replace this belief with “I will draw on my resourcefulness, friends, and colleagues to find new ways to achieve my goals or adjust them.”
9) “I can’t recover from past trauma”: While past trauma leaves a mark, clinging to it and using it as an excuse to avoid taking action in life is detrimental. Moving on from past trauma doesn’t mean it didn’t happen or doesn’t matter, but it shows a willingness to take responsibility for one’s life and move forward. Replace this belief with “Moving on from past trauma and being OK does not mean past trauma didn’t happen or doesn’t matter. It just means I am ready to take full responsibility for my life and moving forward.”
10) “I’ll never find love”: Believing that love is unattainable can become self-fulfilling. Replace this belief with “I am already in the process of finding love, and it starts right in my own heart and actions.”
11) “Life has no real point”: People lacking confidence often adopt a nihilistic viewpoint, believing that life has no purpose. This belief disempowers individuals and makes them feel like their actions and choices don’t matter. Replace this belief with “Life has a purpose, and so do I. Every day, I move closer to finding it.”
It’s important to note that confidence is a cycle. The more limiting beliefs one holds, the more they become their reality. However, by replacing these beliefs with empowering ones, individuals will start to notice signs from life that affirm their new beliefs. While there will still be challenges and moments of doubt, the shift in mindset will allow individuals to recognize their value and capability.
