Whenever we set goals, we need to consider a few things: what we must do before we can start achieving our goals, how we will achieve our goals, and why we want to achieve them.
For many of us, setting goals can be fraught with anxiety, which is often a result of our limiting beliefs about ourselves. As a result of this, we have thoughts about our lack of ability, our current situation, expectations from others, and comparing our lives to those of those around us, among others.
The result is that we set goals that may not be in line with what we really want, and our motivations are not focused on our inner growth.
A limiting belief is a negative self-perception, such as thinking you’re not smart enough or that you’ll fail.
A lot of us struggle with ambition because we have limiting beliefs that lead us to believe that a high level of ambition will only lead to failure and dissatisfaction.
Research shows that having high goals and ambitions makes you happier for a variety of reasons.
Goals Are The New Happy!
It’s common for people to believe that greater ambition increases the risk of failure, but this is a pessimistic view that probably belongs to someone who isn’t typically ambitious.
Ambitious people tend to be happier than those with lower expectations, according to research.
Many studies show that when people set goals, they have two factors in mind – expectancy (how likely you are to succeed) and value (how important the goal is to them) (what the process will do for you).
Our sense of accomplishment and satisfaction is robbed when we set limiting goals or goals that are “safe” and easy to achieve.
It’s all about stretching yourself and not focusing on the potential failures while maintaining a sense of belief that you can achieve your goals, in order to overcome self-imposed limitations.
If you think of a big goal that you want to achieve, what comes to mind?
Consider yourself unqualified? You’re not smart enough, are you?” Neither education nor money is available to you. Consider yourself self-conscious?
These are all examples of limiting beliefs. A lifetime of negative ideas, thoughts, and beliefs can lead to these. If they came from others, either intentionally or unintentionally, it’s highly likely that they did.
Limitations can be a hindrance because they create limiting beliefs about our abilities.
They force us to accept our lot in life and never allow us to pursue anything that will improve our happiness and sense of well-being in the long run. As you can see, this is a dangerous mindset because it manifests as a fear of failing or being judged for pursuing what we truly want.
Investing In Your Own Self-Progress
Realizing that happiness comes from within is crucial. Working on your personal development may be beneficial for those who are unsure of their abilities.
It’s possible that you’re making excuses because you believe that the town you live in is too small for good opportunities, that you’ll put something off until next year when you’ll have more money, that your family would disapprove, or that you’re simply too old.
All things are possible in most cases if not all. Excuses are often the result of low self-esteem and self-limitations.
The most important thing to do is to stop identifying yourself with the limiting beliefs and stop allowing them to define your life.
Building your self-confidence, changing your perspective, and cultivating a positive attitude towards yourself and your goals will provide a solid foundation for your future success.”
Not Giving In To Social Pressures
In terms of ambitions, this is a big deal. But what are social norms, anyway? It is basically a collection of other people’s opinions and ideas that have been imposed on the masses and have become some sort of universal rule that people should live by.
When it comes to following your dreams, no one has the right to tell you that you can’t. It’s important to remember that everyone else has their own problems to deal with.
Negative Opinions Should Be Ignored
In particular, when it comes to people who are close to us, we can be very easily swayed by what they have to say and think.
Sadly, it has the power to stop someone from achieving their goals. That gives others power over us and naturally makes us feel less happy.
Even when we’re on our way to achieving our goals, we may encounter people who disagree with our decisions, which can cause us to question whether or not we’re doing the right thing.
Understanding that people’s fears, insecurities, and issues are at the root of any negative talk is essential. Make sure you’re surrounded by people who are supportive of your goals and who encourage you.
It’s Time To Stop Making Assumptions
Hypotheses are the bane of ambition. A lack of critical thinking skills can lead to a variety of incorrect conclusions based on what you believe you know. But most of the time, we don’t have all the information or we rely solely on our past experiences to make decisions.
We’re always looking for examples of what hasn’t worked in the past, and we’re quick to apply that to our new ideas and goals.
Assumptions need to be tested, and by that, I mean finding ways and evidence to break the pattern of your self-imposed limitations.
You should take action to determine if your previous judgments and conclusions are in fact false. Your mind will be convinced and empowered as a result of this.
Consider taking a short course in something you’re interested in to see if your belief that you won’t be motivated at school is true.
Your motivation at school may have been low due to a lack of interest in what you were learning, but your priorities and interests may have shifted as a result of your newfound freedom. Then, you have a chance to disprove your beliefs and gain self-confidence.