Browsed by
Tag: believe

Rewrite the Stories Holding You Back

Rewrite the Stories Holding You Back

Comments 0 Comment

As children, we often believe false ideas about ourselves that adults told us. These ideas become beliefs, and we act on them as if they were true, even though they weren’t. You can begin to rewrite those old stories, using the simple exercise in this video. Watch Rewrite the Stories Holding You Back.

Transcript:

Thank you for joining me for mindset tips.

Did you know that, as children, we believe stories about ourselves, and then act on them as if they’re true? A budding artist gets told by a teacher that she has no talent, so she abandons her passion. An elementary school teacher can’t explain math, then blames her students for being dumb when they don’t understand. In the years following, the students under perform in that subject. A frustrated parent lashes out and tells a child that they’ll never amount to anything. And the child grows up to sabotage themselves just before they’re about to succeed.

All of these opinions are demonstrably false, but the children who received them accepted the ideas were true. Then those children grew up acting on the lies, and those falsehoods became self-fulfilling prophecies. Do you carry any such stories that you believed that then became true for you?

Judgements that you’ve accepted about yourself were programmed into you earlier in life. Just because you believe them doesn’t make them accurate. I’d like to share a short, mindset exercise to help you begin to erase those lies and rewrite your story about yourself.

I’m Linda-Ann Stewart, a focus mentor, writer and hypnotherapist. These videos are dedicated to empower you to focus and align your heart with your vision so you can achieve your goals.

Here’s the exercise. Divide a piece of paper into two columns. In the first column, write down something you’ve been believing, some judgement, some idea from childhood that’s been holding you back. Something like, “I’m not good enough.”

Beside it, in the second column, write, “That’s a lie” or “That’s a falsehood” or any other phrase that denies its validity.

Below, in the first column again, write the opposite of that false belief, such as, “I am enough.” Include comments from friends, co-workers, or even superiors that support your new idea about yourself.

Include any objective measurement that confirms this new belief. Then, in the second column, write, “This is the truth,” or “This is the fact,” or anything else that confirms it for you.

It may take some time, but this exercise will help you deconstruct childhood programming, and recognize and accept what is true about you. Keep repeating the new idea to yourself. As you do, you’ll begin acting on your new belief, which will change the course of your life for the better.

Thank you for watching. If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up. And if you’d like to be notified when I release more videos on mindset, motivation and empowerment, please like my channel and click on the bell. As always, stay focused.

Read the accompanying article, What Stories Are You Telling Yourself That Are Holding You Back?

What False Ideas Do You Believe?”

What False Ideas Do You Believe?”

Comments 0 Comment

by Linda-Ann Stewart

Thoughts

A client came to me with very low self-esteem. In our consultation, she stated that her parents had told her that she was “worthless,” she’d “never amount to anything,” and they “wished she’d never been born.” She wondered why she’d sabotaged her professional career, tried to avoid attention that could further her career, and had trouble with relationships. The trouble was that her subconscious had accepted her parents’ edicts as fact, and was following its programming.

No matter what she tried to accomplish, her subconscious was acting on false information about her as if it were true. It viewed everything about her through the incorrect lens of those ideas. If she began to succeed, it said, “No, you can’t. If you do, you’ll violate the beliefs of worthlessness that your parents taught you.”

When she tried to assert herself, her subconscious held her back with fear, because she’d disagree with what she’d been told about herself. She attracted friends and lovers who echoed her parents’ ideas, putting her down and belittling her. All of this was her subconscious mind manifesting her belief, or lack thereof, of her self-worth, and making sure that she stayed within the boundaries of its information.

Ideas Your Subconscious Mind Accepts

The subconscious mind will act on an inaccurate concept as if it were true. If you’ve accepted an idea that you can’t lose weight (stop smoking, make money, succeed, can’t paint or anything else), then your subconscious will make sure that the belief gets justified. These may be attitudes that were handed to you by parents, teachers, friends, family, or society and because of the emotional impact, you soaked them up like a sponge. From then on, the subconscious will view everything in your life through these attitudes and make sure that they’re confirmed. It’ll attract situations that will verify your beliefs.

Even if there’s an experience that could change your mind, because of the programming, your subconscious will only accept the information that would validate your preconceived notions. For example, Jo might receive a compliment from the boss on her work. But because she doesn’t believe she’s that capable, she’ll ignore it, telling herself that the boss just said that to make her feel good.

Your Beliefs Can Change

The good news is that these false concepts can be changed. It takes persistence and consistency, but by using affirmations or self-hypnosis, you can change the incorrect facts. The first step is to recognize what erroneous ideas you’re acting on in the present.  Where are they holding you back? Without identifying the problem, you can’t move to the solution.

Examine the thoughts that come into your mind when you’re about to succeed at whatever goal you have. If they’re negative thoughts about you or your goal, those are the incorrect assumptions you’ve been acting on. Then create a positive statement that counters the negative one. This is your affirmation that you use whenever you think of your goal. You can also use it in self-hypnosis when your subconscious is more receptive.

My client and I worked to improve her self-esteem, convincing her subconscious that her parents were incorrect in their assessment of her. They’d done the best they could with their background, but that they were wrong when they’d said those things to her. She began to do things that were more self-affirming, and soon had a promotion at work. It took some time, because the programming had been there a long while, but soon she attracted new friends who appreciated her. And as her opinion of herself improved, so did her entire life.

Affirmation:

Any thoughts that have restricted my good are false ideas that my subconscious has accepted. They are counter to what the Universe wants for me. I accepted those false concepts before I knew any better. My subconscious mind knows that I no longer need or want them. I release them and now create new ideas that are more in alignment with the good that the Universe holds for me.

As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, wellbeing and prosperity.To boost productivity and reduce overwhelm, register for her FREE guide, Design Your Best Day, at https://www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html

What Stories Are You Telling Yourself That Are Holding You Back?

What Stories Are You Telling Yourself That Are Holding You Back?

Comments 0 Comment

by Linda-Ann Stewart

When Tammy was very young, her mother had a good friend with several children Tammy’s age and younger. When the lady would come to visit, her brood would come with her. They’d bully Tammy, play with her toys, destroy them and steal from her. When Tammy objected, the lady said that she had no right to complain, because Tammy had advantages that her children didn’t have.

This idea was reinforced several times during Tammy’s childhood. If Tammy excelled, there was often a teacher or adult who told her that she was making others, who hadn’t done as well, feel bad. As a result, the story she told herself was that if she made herself small and invisible, others would feel better.

Did it work? No. They never felt better. Tammy has worked her entire life to overcome the story that her achievements harmed others. That story derailed her in many areas of her life.

What Are Your False Stories?

Unfortunately, many times, opinions that we received from adults when we’re kids build into self-sabotaging beliefs. What false stories are you telling yourself that are holding you back? They may be ideas that an adult or friend told you when you were a child.

The ideas may not have been malicious, but simply to deal with an unfortunate or uncomfortable situation for them. And although you were never meant to take those ideas to heart, they might have impressed you deeply. Then, you created a whole false impression about yourself based on them.

Think about some of the beliefs you hold about yourself and your world that have been undermining you. Ask yourself:

  • “Where does that belief come from?”
  • “What was the intention of the person who gave it to me?”
  • “Is it actually true?”
  • “Does that belief serve a purpose now?” 
  • “If so, what?”
  • “What can I do to change it?”

Update Your Stories

When Tammy finally realized how those adults had impacted her, one way she began to dismantle the story was to ask herself, “What kind of adult says those things to a child?” That helped her realize that the adults were being unreasonable and cruel to her. The adults were trying to protect their kids, or other children, at her expense.

When you’re able to realize your self-sabotaging beliefs were often based on someone else’s frustration,  inadequacy, or convenience, you can begin to deconstruct them. They don’t benefit you now, or reflect who you are. It’s time to dispose of them, and begin creating stories that reflect who you truly are. Develop beliefs and stories about yourself based on reality, your strengths, values and abilities, and that support your goals and aspirations.

Affirmation:

I deserve to be myself. I give myself permission let go of old, false and outdated ideas that I once accepted about myself. They never reflected who I was. The Universe loves and approves of me as I am. I now accept myself, right here and right now, knowing that who I am is enough. It is safe for me to be true to myself.

As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, wellbeing and prosperity.To boost productivity and reduce overwhelm, register for her FREE guide, Design Your Best Day, at https://www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html

Mindset, the First Step to Success

Mindset, the First Step to Success

by Linda-Ann Stewart

Steps to Success

When you want to move towards a goal, which comes first, action or mindset? Many coaches  advise you to get into action as quickly as you can. They say that swirling around in planning can suck the life out of a project, which is true. They also say that you’ll build your mindset as your actions are successful.

But if action was the first step to fulfill your vision, then everyone who did it would be successful. So many people jump into motion without considering where they’re starting and where they’re headed.

If mindset wasn’t important, then every person who started a business, quit smoking or set a goal would have been successful by simply taking action. And you know that isn’t the case. The vast majority of people don’t achieve their goals and their businesses fail. In fact, according to Bloomberg, 8 out of 10 businesses fail. Some of the failures are due to not taking action, but most of them are related to a mindset issue.

What Your Mindset Is Composed of

Your mindset is a combination of thoughts, beliefs and attitudes about your vision. It frames your mental patterns about your life and your goal. Because you filter your world through your mindset, it also affects the way you respond to situations. The Law of Attraction operates through your mindset by drawing to you what you mainly think about. Just take a look at your life to see what the tendency of your mindset has been.

Your mindset has to be in alignment with your vision if you want to be successful in any area of life. Along with focus, it spurs your actions. By influencing the decisions you make, it can prevent you from taking action due to a fear of failure or success. To confirm some old concept about yourself, or success, it can also promote wrong action.

Without the right mindset, you could avoid following through with clients or making behavior changes that would improve your life. The wrong mindset is like dragging a 100 pound anchor behind you. You might be able to keep moving, but it’s exhausting and you’ll soon give up. Your mindset is your motivation to move forward, and action is the result.

How Your Mindset Obstructs You and What to Do

Do you have a focused mindset or does it vacillate day to day? An inconsistent mindset produces erratic actions, which leads to failed results. There are several ways your mindset interferes with your actions.

1. You don’t want to do the work. Instead of accepting a step by step approach, you want your vision to magically appear in your life. To remedy this, decide how important what you want is to you. If it’s off the charts, then get started on the consistent actions you need to take.  

2. You don’t want to step out of your comfort zone. Even though you’re not happy where you are, you’re not motivated enough to take the actions necessary to get to where you want to be. The only way to grow is to step into areas that feel scary and unfamiliar. Realize that fear is a normal response to the unknown.

3. You want to avoid pain. Change is difficult. Often you have to let go of ideas and behaviors that have been part of you for a long time. The discomfort will only last a short time. Accept that the benefits of your vision outweigh the pinch of releasing a mindset that no longer works for you.

4. You’re afraid of how the result will affect you and your loved ones. One of the side effects may be that you change the way they think of yourself and your world. And once you’ve accomplished your aim, you fear how others may feel about it. After you realize your vision, your whole world will improve and you’ll feel better about yourself. And the loved ones who are truly on your side will be supportive of your accomplishment.

5. You lack commitment to your vision. You’re ambivalent about whether or not you want to move forward. Many times, you’ll get close to accomplishing your goal, only to back away from it. The next time you’re on the threshold, understand that the fear is simply trying to keep you safe. Step through the doorway and keep going.

How to Move Forward

Once you’ve addressed your mindset and gotten it to support your endeavors, start taking small, consistent actions. This convinces your subconscious that you truly want your vision. Then the Law of Attraction will be successful in drawing possibilities to you. Taking action also builds momentum that helps you stay on course. Only by establishing your vision, and being consistent in your mindset, will you be able to take effective action. Your mindset plus your actions results in success.

Affirmation:

I release any idea, thought or belief that has undermined the accomplishment of my vision for my life. I fully commit myself to moving forward towards my vision. I attract all that I need for the fulfillment of my goals and vision. I deserve it and the Universe completely supports my endeavors.

As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, wellbeing and prosperity.To boost productivity and reduce overwhelm, register for her FREE guide, Design Your Best Day, at https://www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” – Marcus Aurelius

You filter every situation through your beliefs and attitudes. What annoys you, another person could simply ignore. It all comes down to how you perceive what’s going on. You then react to it according to how you’ve labeled it – either good or bad. But it just is. Your distress is due to how you think it may affect you. And your negative reaction could cause it to impact you unpleasantly. Fortunately, you have the power to take a step back and assess the situation differently, even if it’s simply to be neutral about it. It’s not easy, but when you do, you’ll notice an improvement in your life.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

“I trust that change is a natural part of life and progress. Change impels me to expand and  evolve into a greater experience of Life. I welcome change with a positive expectancy of a better day.”

It’s a natural human response to resist change. Even if you’re uncomfortable with the way things are, most people don’t want to make that scary step to the unknown. They don’t know what change will look like. But change is natural, and must happen for us to grow and evolve. By embracing change, and affirming that it will be positive, you instruct your subconscious mind to find the way to make it happen.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

“It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” – Claude M. Bristol

You learned your “A-B-C’s” by repetition, as well as your arithmetic tables. In the same way, you repeated negative and derogatory statements to yourself until you believed them. You can use that same learning tool to turn things around and cultivate a belief in what it is you want. It takes time to transform it into a conviction, but when it happens, watch for miracles.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

“I live and move and have my being in pure Spirit. That Spirit is love, harmony, peace, health and an abundance of all good things. All that I could ever need or want is already available to me and awaiting my acceptance of it.”

Everything within you and around you is Universal energy, from your breath to the chair you sit on. You are surrounded by Infinite love. You’ve put distance between yourself and that energy by the beliefs you hold that were created in the past. Let go of any idea of being separate from the good that you want. It’s there, just waiting for you to allow it in.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight“Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon… must inevitably come to pass!” – Paul J. Meyer

This contains all the instructions you need to be a success. Visualize your goal in detail and feel it happening. Desire it so much that you’ll make whatever changes you need to. Believe that you can have it and that you deserve it. And then take the actions necessary to make it manifest. When you establish these elements in your life, and get in motion, you’ll be Divinely guided to your destination.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight“The Universe knows what to do in every situation or circumstance to bring forth harmony, peace and perfect action. I allow the Universe to work through me, guiding my every thought and action. With complete peace of mind, I know that there is a perfect solution to any challenge I might have.”

To receive the answer to a problem, you need to have the assurance that there is a solution. By taking the issue to a higher point of your consciousness, you’re able to loosen your grip on fear or anxiety about it and bring in a greater understanding than you could comprehend.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart