“If you want to live an extraordinary life, you must identify the limiting beliefs that hold you back and get rid of them.” Tony Robbins
Happy Monday!
And Happy October! We caught a glimpse of autumn in lovely SoCal, reminding us of the upcoming changes as we begin our journey through the holiday season and into the end of 2025. Some of us have exciting things to look forward to, along with the joyful spirit of the seasonal events. Let me know what you’re anticipating!
The other day, I was thinking about how much I enjoy the Fall and transitioning from the warmer summer months to my favorite cold winter season, my computer reminded me that I needed to complete some updates. A simple, necessary process we go through regularly with our electronic devices, yes. However, on this particular day, I had been contemplating some personal lifestyle changes, and it made me smile to think of how we need to update our lives from time to time.
You know where I’m heading with this. Do our thoughts still align with our values? Have we allowed enough time for enrichment, or are we stuck in the doldrums of the daily grind? Did we forget (purposely or otherwise) to hit the gym or take a walk as often as we’d like in the past few weeks, or are we just making excuses because it’s difficult, or we’re too tired, or we don’t have time, or we need to reserve that time for some other, more pressing project? I think you’re catching my drift here. Just exactly what are we doing with our time and energies, and do we require a reset or an update to connect with our passions?
What’s holding us back? Sometimes I think it’s our own limiting beliefs, though we are reluctant to see them as obstacles and often make excuses, trying to find logical reasons to avoid change. Sometimes logistical challenges stand in the way of course correction, which usually require time and patience to overcome. More often, though, I believe we battle those demons we know as fears and self-sabotage, often without realizing it.
Here’s something from Tony Robbins that caught my attention:
It’s essential to examine the thoughts we overlook to determine if they’re holding us back or propelling us forward. If we’re not reaching our goals, it’s likely those thoughts and beliefs aren’t helping us. Sometimes, in our efforts, we fail to fully accept ourselves, which traps us in a cycle of decision-making that leaves us stuck and unable to complete what we start.
Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” So, it’s about balancing, examining our thoughts for effectiveness, and disciplining ourselves to avoid clinging to worn-out and unproductive patterns.
Here are a couple of thoughts from Scripture that may help to clarify:
“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” Romans 12:2 (AMPC)
And I really like the spirit of this translation from Titus:
“It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, easy marks for sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that…He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with Him and given us back our lives…Stay away from mindless, pointless quarreling over genealogies and fine print…” Titus 3:5 (MSG)
So you see, it’s not only about updating our minds. The real magic happens when we transform our thoughts and spirit, enabling us to reconnect with our truth and find peace. Updates are essential and can be very rewarding, so take a moment this week to refresh and update your thoughts, releasing any that no longer serve you well. I’m sure you will value the upgrade!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
