As I launch one book and prepare to launch a fiction series, I thought it made sense to start meditating again.
I am so excited and passionate about these books that I really have high expectations of myself and their success. I wanted to meditate in an effort to clear away any limiting beliefs that might prevent me from attaining success.
What is a Limiting Belief?
Limiting beliefs are stories that we’ve bought into that rule our thoughts, actions, and reactions.
For example, you might believe that you’re terrible at plotting or writing dialogue. When you sit down to write dialogue or plot a story,that belief pops into your head and it doesn’t go away. It prevents you from writing as powerfully, confidently, and freely as possible.
And limiting beliefs aren’t just about writing. We have them about money, relationships, goals, fitness, and health – just about anything that you’re struggling with is likely due to a few limiting beliefs.
Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is
In an effort to conquer any potential limiting beliefs, I invested $29 to purchase a Beliefs program from LearningStrategies.com. They’re called Paraliminals and they utilize NLP and whole brain learning to help retrain your brain.
Essentially, you get into a comfy position, close your eyes, and listen to the audio for around 25 minutes. During the main part of the audio you hear two voices talking – one in each ear. Rather than try to decipher what one or the other is saying, you just kind of relax into it.
They’re extremely powerful. I started making unexpected connections in the first session. They’re also energizing and a great way to start and end your day.
Here’s the link to the Belief Paraliminal if you want to check it out. http://www.learningstrategies.com/Paraliminal/Belief.asp
You can buy a CD or download the MP3 file. I recommend downloading the file so you can start listening to it right away.
Facing My Limiting Beliefs and Getting Personal
I expected, and wanted, to deal with limiting beliefs relating to confidence and also to money and my ability to make a six figure income writing solely fiction. What I discovered is that I tend to play it safe. I don’t publish anything unless I’ve received rave reviews from other people – external opinions matter to me.
I don’t believe my writing is good unless someone else tells me that it is. I also discovered that the belief was ingrained in me when I was around 6 years old.
That makes things quite difficult doesn’t it?
If I can’t believe my writing is good until someone tells me that it is, I spend months in agony as I sweat over a manuscript hoping and praying that it’s not garbage.
Wouldn’t it be more effective to go into the act of writing each day with confidence and freedom – even writing with the freedom that it’s okay to suck is better than living with the fear that it might.
Part of eliminating limiting beliefs is replacing them with powerful and positive ones.
Oddly enough, the belief that I came to with regards to my fiction writing is that I am simply grateful for the joy that writing stories brings me. At the end of the day, if I don’t receive rave reviews that’s okay because I was able to spend my time doing something that I love.
Moving Forward
To be honest, I still have that goal of earning a six figure fiction writing income. I have no idea how these uncovered limiting beliefs will help me get there but that’s okay. I have faith that it’ll come to me and I’ll keep doing the work.
If you think there are limiting beliefs that are keeping you from succeeding or you want to transform your life in one particular area, check out Learning Strategies and their paraliminals.
http://www.learningstrategies.com/Paraliminal/Home.asp
(This is not an affiliate link and I do not have a promotional relationship with LearningStrategies.com. It’s just a link because I value and trust their products and want to share them with you.)
And if paraliminals aren’t your thing, what is?
Find something, journaling maybe, to help free you to be your best. Do whatever you need to do to clear the path and achieve your writing goals and dreams.
Happy Writing!
Thanks for sharing, Annette.
Limiting beliefs can definitely cause us to self-sabotage our efforts.
I have some paraliminal hypnosis sessions, but listening to two voices at the same time just drives me nuts. I have to prepare myself to be in crowds where a lot of people will be talking at the same time.
However, I do meditate every morning with a sample of om-harmonics and I journal almost every day.
People tell me I’m a great writer but I don’t believe it myself, yet. I’m average, at best, but that’s okay, I love doing it and I’ve been criticized to the point of hurt feelings and anger, but it’s given me tough skin. I’ve gotten over that and will share my work—even rough drafts.
My biggest block, or limiting belief is the thought that I can’t finish anything longer than a short story. I have several novel ideas, bits of outlines, etc. But when I sit to write I keep telling myself this is just a short story. I can’t add enough scenes to make it a real novel length piece. So, I have five novels all stuck in Chapter One.
It took me a few years to get to the point that I could say, “I’m a writer.” I think it’s time to start telling myself, “I’m a novelist,” and see if that will get me past the first three chapters. 😉
I also have limiting beliefs about money, but we won’t get into those.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.
Patti
Hi Patti,
Thank you so much for your response and insight. I think meditation can be invaluable. I wish I was better at keeping a journal. It’s just never been something I could follow through on. If you can share a link or resource for the om-harmonics, that’d be great. Maybe give readers another thing to try.
I believe you can finish a full novel:-D.
For me, a writing group/critique group has helped me tremendously. Sure, they still have to pry the first draft from my hands but the act of handing it over to them is always a positive thing. A writing group may be helpful for you too – if they’re good about helping you brainstorm the possibilities and push your comfort level.
That being said, short stories are tremendously difficult to write and if that’s your forte – that’s wonderful! I love short stories and admire anyone who can write them. Kudos!
Thanks again!
-Annette