Aries is the season of new beginnings. We all have limiting beliefs about our ability to succeed in our new pursuits. But unlike what you are usually told, I am advocating that our limiting beliefs are a part of our human nature and that there is a good reason for that. This is why.

In a guided meditation I did last week, I was invited to think about limiting beliefs that hold me back from thriving. Then, I was asked to let them go. In a follow-up questionnaire, I was asked to list my limiting beliefs and describe how I felt after releasing them.

Do I have limiting beliefs? Obviously, I do. Sometimes, I believe I am not destined for the success I desire. I fear I started too late and that I don’t have the right personality. Sometimes, I believe I already have so many blessings that getting more would be too much.

Even though I myself have encouraged many to let go of limiting beliefs, I felt resistance and annoyance about the whole thing. I realized that l couldn’t just hocus pocus my limiting beliefs to disappear; I couldn’t just release them through one sentence of a guided meditation and then feel the relief of letting them go. This expectation is absurd.

This was another reminder of how beautiful spiritual intention can cause harm rather than benefit. We listen to teachers who tell us it’s simple to let go. We take a deep breath and expect all our limiting beliefs to vanish, and they don’t. Then, we feel something is wrong with us because we failed at something impossible.

Earlier this week, I met a friend and client who is about to release her third book. Her first two books were highly successful and received much recognition from readers and critics. In our session, she revealed her fears—what if people don’t like the book? What if nobody buys it? What if nobody comes to her upcoming book launch event?

I could not believe what I was hearing. How could such a successful woman, with so much recognition, be so fearful about her success? I thought there was a point in life when you feel successful, and it does not go away. But then I remembered that every famous, successful person I have ever met suffered from insecurity and limiting beliefs.

My friend reassured me that underneath her fears, there was a strong confidence that the book had to be written and that no matter how well it did, she had fulfilled her contract with the universe and done so well. She believed that the book would be successful for these reasons.

Is it wrong that my friend still holds limiting beliefs about her success as an author? I do not think so. These limiting beliefs motivate her to act, keep her on her toes, and make sure she does not take her success for granted.  

While limiting beliefs might always be present, they appear especially just before a new beginning—a new book, show, movie, teaching program, relationship, or any other life-changing event. 

I believe the fear of new beginnings is engrained in our psychology, as we still carry the consciousness of the old-time mothers who used to lose their babies at birth. It is an ancestral and biological fear. 

If we expect ourselves to let go of our limiting beliefs, we will only feel frustrated that we can’t – we will never be one hundred percent free of them. But, if underneath is a strong, core belief that we were meant to succeed and the limiting beliefs don’t hold us back from pursuing our dreams, we are fine. In this case, our limiting beliefs add some healthy humbleness and humanity. 

I was so touched to see my successful friend’s vulnerability. It gave me confidence that I could make it despite my own fears and doubts. It also made me feel deeply connected with her. She was no longer the all-powerful personality I had aimed to become; she was a human being on a creative path, just like me.  

Fighting your limiting beliefs is like fighting your nature. Instead of trying to let go of them, embrace them, hug them, and hug yourself for having them.

If, underneath your limiting beliefs, there is no strength and confidence, then it’s a different story. Then, you might be on the wrong path, not tuned with your authentic self, or not aiming for the right goal. 

If you are on the right path toward fulfilling your purpose, you feel your passion burning and the confidence that the world has your back. Sometimes, it even feels like you have no choice. 

This week, check in with yourself and see if you have limiting beliefs about what’s possible for you. Then, check for a core belief of confidence and assurance underneath your limiting beliefs. If you are confident at your core, embrace your limiting beliefs and know they will probably always be a part of you. If you don’t feel any strength and confidence about what you do, contemplate why it is so. How can you change your path or attitude to feel more confident about your ability to succeed? Don’t forget to share your thoughts! 

Have a wonderful week,

With love,

Yael