Hey there, Monsters!

Ever wondered what distinguishes a real leader from a mere manager? When we analyze visionaries like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Sarah Blakely, Oprah, and others, we realize that these people had a vision to change the world. They could see what could be, instead of what is. They were relentless in their passion and conviction. But most importantly, they were aware of their limitations and managed to exceed them.

Today, we’re tackling something that’s been on my mind a lot lately: our limiting beliefs and how they hold us back from being the incredible leaders we’re meant to be.

I’ve been in the corporate jungle for over a decade, swinging from vine to vine, dodging obstacles, and learning a ton along the way. One thing I’ve seen time and time again is how our own beliefs can be our biggest barriers.

What Are Limiting Beliefs?

First off, let’s get clear on what limiting beliefs are. These are the pesky, negative thoughts that sneak into our minds and tell us what we can’t do. They whisper things like, “You’re not smart enough,” “You’re too young,” “You’ll never be able to lead a team,” “They will never accept you,” or “You are too different.” Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so.

These beliefs aren’t truths; they’re just stories we tell ourselves. And guess what? We can rewrite them.

My Personal Battle with Limiting Beliefs

Let me share a little story from my own life. When I first started in the corporate world, I was terrified of speaking—not just public speaking, but speaking in big meetings. The thought of standing in front of a room full of people made me break out in a cold sweat. I was an outsider, my language skills weren’t perfect, and I was much younger than everybody else. My limiting belief was that nobody cared about what I had to say. I worked with senior leaders who were experts in their areas and didn’t invite feedback too often. This limiting belief turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy. Because I spoke very little at meetings and rarely expressed my opinion, my manager got the impression that I wasn’t interested and invested in my role.

But then, something changed. After a talk with my manager, I realized that if I ever wanted to move up the ladder and make a real impact, I had to face this fear head-on. So, I started small—speaking up in meetings, volunteering for presentations, and training my speaking muscle relentlessly. Over time, I rewrote the story in my head from “I can’t do this” to “I’ve got this.”

How to Identify Your Limiting Beliefs

The first step to conquering your limiting beliefs is to identify them. Here’s a little exercise for you:

1. Grab a Journal: Write down all the negative thoughts you have about your leadership abilities. Don’t hold back—let it all out. It’s important to be candid and let the “little voice inside your head” run free. Give it a little time, so do it for a week.
2. Analyze: Look at these thoughts and try to establish patterns. What are your limiting beliefs? How would you classify them? Are they related to your capabilities, looks, knowledge level, background, heritage, or something completely different? How are those negative thoughts holding you back? Also, ask yourself if you would say the same if it were somebody else. We tend to judge ourselves more harshly than we judge others.
3. Challenge: Then, ask yourself, “Is this really true? What evidence do I have?” For each limiting belief, write down a counter-argument. For example, if you wrote, “I’m not experienced enough,” counter it with, “I have valuable insights and a fresh perspective.”

Tips to Defy Limiting Beliefs

By now you know that limiting beliefs aren’t good for you. Now that you’ve identified your limiting beliefs, it’s time to kick them to the curb. Here’s how:

1. Set Small Goals: Start with small, achievable goals that push you slightly out of your comfort zone. This builds confidence and shows your mind that you’re capable.
2. Celebrate Wins: Every time you overcome a limiting belief, no matter how small, celebrate it! This reinforces positive thinking and rewires your brain.
3. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Seek out mentors, friends, and colleagues who believe in you and your abilities. Their positivity will help drown out your doubts.
4. Keep Learning: The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel. Invest in your personal and professional growth through courses, books, and experiences.

Embrace Your Inner Monster Leader

Remember, being a leader isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being authentic, resilient, and willing to grow. Your limiting beliefs are just speed bumps on the road to greatness. By defying them, you’re not only improving yourself but also setting a powerful example for others.

So, my fabulous Monsters, let’s make a pact. Let’s promise to identify our limiting beliefs, challenge them, and rewrite our stories. Let’s step into our power and lead with confidence, passion, and authenticity. The corporate world better watch out because we’re coming, and we’re unstoppable!

Keep roaring, keep soaring, and keep being the amazing leaders you’re destined to be.