Trevor founded a manufacturing company 20 years ago. The business continues to expand; the customer list now includes Fortune 500 companies. He has been asked to share his wisdom on several occasions, but declined. Despite his success, Trevor secretly feels inferior to other owners, insecure because of his lack of formal education.
Sarah was born to style hair, to make people look their best. Customers enjoy not only her expertise but also her witty conversation. She is always booked weeks in advance. She knows other salons charge more for the same services, but she is hesitant to raise prices. Sarah perceives herself as dull and fat, unworthy of charging more.
Dwight grew up learning every aspect of the family business. Eventually he purchased and continues to grow this thriving enterprise. He has good business instincts and a knack for taking risks that pay off. Dwight’s father, a confident outgoing man who makes friends easily, has been gone from the company for years, yet when confronted by a big decision, Dwight second-guesses himself, wondering how his father would handle the situation.
These three individuals all suffer from limiting, irrational beliefs, messages about life we send ourselves, that keep us from growing emotionally. These baseless attitudes and opinions are out of sync with how the world really is.
Irrational, limiting beliefs cloud our thinking, impair our judgement and cause us to perceive ourselves in ways that do not match the facts. They cost us money and steal peace of mind.
In her book, Loving What Is, Byron Katie challenges irrational thinking with four powerful questions: 1.Is it true?
2.Can you absolutely know it’s true?
3.How do you react -what happens – when you believe that thought?
4.Who would you be without the thought.
All of us have limiting thoughts from time to time; the trick is to recognize them, challenge them and learn to see ourselves in the same way as the people who care about us see us: as successful, confident individuals