6 Limiting Beliefs to Let Go of in 2016

Joshua Rosenthal, Founder, Director, and Primary Teacher at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition shares his wisdom on letting go of limiting beliefs in order to create a healthy and happy life that helps transform the world.

There is always something energizing about the start of a new year, but this year feels even more exciting, as if a powerful shift is happening. Can you feel it?

Change is in the air!

One of the wonderful things about my work is being surrounded by people who truly own and go after their dreams. We have students and graduates from all walks of life, varying in age, race, gender, and nationality, yet there are some unique qualities that bring them all together: compassion, drive, love and the desire to create a healthier and happier world. Some of them have overcome big obstacles and even surprised themselves with how much they’ve accomplished.

It’s powerful stuff. The Integrative Nutrition community continues to blow me away.

In my eyes, the world would be a far better place if more people followed their dreams and shared their gifts with others. In the New Year, I encourage you to take a fresh look at what might be holding you back from achieving your dreams. What’s stopping you? What’s getting in the way?

Just like the expression “out with the old, in with the new” there is no better time than now to release the old emotional baggage that’s been weighing you down. Once you do, you’ll be able to serve yourself and the world in a much bigger way!

Here are 6 limiting beliefs to let go of this year:

 I can’t do it.
Whatever “it” is and whatever the reason you can’t do it, is this really true? I’ve spoken to people who thought they could never quit their job, become a Health Coach, overcome an illness, or move to a new city, but all it really took was deciding to do it, and then it happened. Maybe you need to ask for help or maybe the root of the problem isn’t what you think it is, either way forget “can’t” in 2016 and follow your purpose.

I need to change.
You might want to change something about your circumstances or behavior but the inner you shouldn’t have to change. This mindset, focused on change, is self-deprecating and will only lower your confidence and prevent you from moving ahead. First, accept yourself just as you are, and then decide what you’d like to work on based on what you want for yourself at the core level.

 I can’t be my true self.
It will not serve you or others to hide who you really are and what you really want. There will always be someone to judge or criticize you no matter what you do, so you might as well be free and happy as your genuine self rather than unhappy in the shadow of other people’s expectations. Stop hiding and start living. At Integrative Nutrition, we teach a concept called “fitting out” which means having the courage to honor your true wants and needs, even in environments that may not be supportive of your interests and beliefs. You owe it to yourself to stay true to your core values.

I can do everything myself.
Trying to be superwoman is bound to overwhelm, stress, and slow you down in the long run. We all need help in one way or another, and often asking for it or giving it in return forms the bonds of our greatest relationships. This year, make a vow to open yourself up to support and collaboration, because true strength is in numbers!

I am not enough.
Most people don’t realize this is a limiting belief because it exists in the subconscious and manifests in mysterious ways, but if you see a pattern of compensating for this mindset then let it go. You are enough, in fact you are more than enough just as you are. If you fail at something, then look at it as a learning opportunity to improve in the future instead of some reinforcement of your lack of value. Shifting into feeling enough will open you up to abundance and happiness.

I’ll never be successful.
I hear this one all the time, yet I also constantly hear incredible success stories from thousands of IIN students and graduates, and thousands more in the greater wellness community and beyond. This limiting belief is one that will stop you from even trying. It’s like standing in front of a door to paradise and assuming it is locked, never even trying the handle. Also keep in mind that the definition of success is different for everyone, so rather than comparing yourself to someone rich and famous, why not first ask yourself what success would mean to you and create a plan to work towards that vision? Step by step, you will be successful if you try.

 If you have a passion for health and wellness and want them to play a bigger part in your life, check out Integrative Nutrition’s Health Coach Training Program. You don’t have to decide right away how health coaching will integrate into your life or career, just let go and take the first step — the answers will come while you’re on the journey.

Did you let go of any limiting beliefs in the New Year? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comment section below.