Do You Sabotage Your Own Happiness?

Happiness is something we all strive for, yet many of us unknowingly sabotage it. If you’ve ever felt close to achieving your desires only to hold yourself back, keep reading!

Understanding the Upper Limit Problem

Upper Limit Problem refers to the self-imposed barriers that prevent us from experiencing true happiness and success. It seems like a crazy thing to do, but, most of us have at least one limiting belief that keeps us from achieving our desires. 

So, why do we do it?

Gay Hendricks, in his book The Big Leap (highly recommend!), says it’s because there is a part of ourselves that fears being truly happy.

When we get close to achieving what we most desire, our negative beliefs kick in because we can’t tolerate exceeding our known level of success or happiness.

Signs You Might Have the Upper Limit Problem

Recognizing the signs of Upper Limit Problem is the first step towards overcoming it. Here are six common indicators:

1. You Worry a Lot: Constant worry can be a sign of deeper fears about your happiness.

2. You Blame or Criticize Others: Shifting the blame can be a way to deflect responsibility for your own feelings.

3. You Feel Guilty: Guilt often arises when you pursue your desires, making it hard to enjoy your successes.

4. You Doubt Yourself: Self-doubt can undermine your confidence and prevent you from reaching your full potential.

5. You Get Sick Often: Stress and anxiety related to self-sabotage can manifest physically, leading to frequent illness.

6. You Throw Away Success: If you find ways to undermine your achievements, it may be time to reassess your beliefs.

10+1 Ways to Conquer Upper Limiting Beliefs and Behaviors

If you recognize some of these signs in yourself, don’t worry—there are effective strategies to overcome these limiting beliefs. Here are 11 actionable tips to help you break free from self-sabotage:

1. Observe Your Thoughts & Feelings Without Judgment: Yoga and mindfulness meditation are a supreme help!

2. Change Your Patterns: Awareness is the first step to breaking negative cycles. Once you identify your habitual responses, it’s easier to alter them.

3. Stop Negative Self-Talk: Counter self-criticism and worries with a kinder inner dialogue to reverse old patterns and create a healthy mindset.

4. Focus on Your Strengths: We often compare ourselves to others & end up feeling that we're not good enough. Write down your strengths and create a plan to leverage them in pursuit of your goals.

5. Work on Your Self-Esteem: Improving your self-worth is crucial for attracting positive relationships and opportunities. You are the most valuable person in your life!

6. Use Affirmations: Daily affirmations can help build self-confidence immensely. Gay Hendricks’ ultimate success mantra is: “I expand in abundance, success, and love every day, as I inspire those around me to do the same.” Create your own and repeat it on a daily basis.

7. Release Guilt: Let go of guilt and practice self-love. Self-care practices and techniques like loving-kindness meditation or mirror-work can be transformative.

8. Set Boundaries: You're the one that sets the standards for how others treat you. Remember, it’s okay not to please everyone.

9. Be Open to Receiving: Embrace the idea of receiving help and support on your journey to bliss. Sometimes that may involve asking for help. Other times it may mean taking time for yourself to develop a skill, so you have the confidence to pursue your goals.

10. Express Gratitude: Cultivate daily gratitude for what you have to attract more satisfaction and joy into your life.

11. Laugh: Everyone experiences setbacks when tackling upper limit problems. Laughing it off with a good friend can be therapeutic. Make sure it’s a true friend who is with you on your path and who will be there when you achieve your dreams.

Step into your Happiness

Understanding and addressing Upper Limit Problems can lead to profound changes in your life. By recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors and implementing these strategies, you can unlock your potential for happiness and success. Remember, it’s okay to pursue your desires and achieve your dreams—embrace your journey towards a fulfilling life.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to move forward, know that you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to support you. Through coaching, we can work together to break through those limiting beliefs and create a plan that aligns with your unique goals and aspirations. Your happiness and success are worth the investment. Reach out today for a consultation, and let’s create magic together.