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“The best time to plant an oak tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is today.” - Chinese Proverb

“I just don’t have time.”

I mean that’s not really a limiting belief, is it? It’s just a simple fact that you just don’t have time…. right?

But that’s the thing about limiting beliefs. They’re sneaky.

They present themselves as fact.

And you don’t even see them, because they’re part of your subconscious programming - formed, not only from your primally hard-wired survival instincts, but through social conditioning over the many years of your lived experience.

I’m not going to go too much into HOW your subconscious programming sabotages your best efforts towards healthy, happy change, because we take a deep dive into that in our private podcast mini-series, The Myth of Willpower.

But those sneaky little limiting beliefs whisper quietly in your ear and make you doubt yourself… or prompt you to act in a way that makes absolutely no sense and completely sabotages your best intentions - all of which holds you back from making healthy choices.

But fear not!

Today we’re exposing these pesky beliefs to kick them to the curb.

So let’s dive in, start with that classic…

#1. "I Just Don’t Have Tiiiiiime!"

We’ve all been there, right? Life is busy, and it feels like there’s never enough time for self-care.

But here’s the truth… when you say, I don’t have time, what you’re really saying is, it’s not a priority.

Ouch, I know!

Think of it like the oxygen mask on a plane—you have to take care of yourself first before you can help others. Prioritising your health isn’t selfish; it’s essential. And when you’re healthy and happy, you’re better able to support your loved ones and handle life’s stresses.

Read more in our post on prioritising how you spend your precious time!  

#2. "Being Healthy Takes Time."

You might think that being healthy requires a massive and time-consuming overhaul of your life and diet, but it doesn’t have to be that way!

Small, simple changes can have powerful results. You can read "Is taking Massive Action holding you back?" for a deeper dive around this.

But in the meantime, our bitesize health hacks are absolute proof that even tiny steps can lead to big transformations.

What is the worst that could happen if you carved out just 10 minutes a day for your health and happiness?

#3. "I Have No Willpower."

Ever feel like you’re just not motivated enough?

This belief comes in many forms—I’m too tired, change is too hard, I’ve tried it all before.

But here’s the thing…there is no such thing as willpower.

What’s actually happening is that your survival brain is primally hard-wired to subconsciously keep you alive in the moment, which can often conflict with your somewhat longer-term conscious intentions.

Understanding this can help you to work WITH your survival brain to make lasting changes without relying on that mythical willpower. We take a deep dive into exactly this (why it is you SAY you’re

going to do something and then end up DOING something else!) over three episodes in the Myth of Willpower podcast mini-series.

#4. "I’m just Too Tired."

Feeling exhausted is no joke, it's true.

When you’re burnt-out, stressed-out and struggling to keep all the balls in the air, it’s hard to find the energy to try new healthy habits.

But here’s the catch—healthy changes are what is needed to actually boost your energy!

It’s a definite Catch 22, but starting with small, manageable changes can create the energy you need to make bigger changes down the road, especially if you focus initially on changes that will reduce your stress instead of adding MORE WEIGHT to your already heavy load. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. What’s most important is that you just get started with something, even if it’s one small habit change right now.

#5. "Being Healthy Is Expensive."

Sure, it can be pricey if you’re investing in gym memberships, health store products, or expensive supplements.

But the most effective path to health is often the simplest and least expensive.

Think lots of veggies, quality proteins, moving your body (preferably outside), getting good sleep, and connecting with who and what truly matters to you.

These foundational habits don’t have to break the bank, but the medical bills you face later if you don't make some changes definitely will!

#6. "Some Expert out there has the Answer for Me."

It’s tempting to look for answers outside ourselves, but the truth is, you are the best detective of your own health. Experts can guide you, but they don’t know your body like you do.

Grow your awareness to observe how different changes affect you, for example by keeping a food and mood journal, and trust your instincts. You have the power to find what works best for you.

#7. "I don’t need any Help - I can DO this on my own!"

We often think we should be able to do it all on our own (I mean how hard can it be right?), but having guidance can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a doctor, naturopath or health coach, expert advice can help you navigate your journey more effectively.

Think of it like having a map and a guide on a hike—you might be choosing your mountain and your route up that mountain, but you’ll reach your destination quicker, more safely and with fewer detours when you have a bit of expert advice!

Not too mention how much more fun any trip is with buddies on the same journey as you!

#8. "I Can’t Do Anything About my Stress right now."

Stress is a major saboteur of health and it can seem almost impossible to think of any way you can reduce all that external stress in your life.

But in fact, there are plenty of small ways you can reduce your stress load - without causing even more stress.

From mindfulness practices to simple lifestyle changes, reducing your stress load is crucial… read more about that in our blog post on reducing your load. The first step is to IDENTIFY all the many hidden sources of stress and we’ve got you covered for that too in another article. In fact just about EVERYTHING we do in our Fit, Fired-up and Fabulous Tribe is about reducing stress in some form or other.

Remember, even small steps to manage and reduce stress can make a big difference. Don’t wait until you’re facing serious health issues to start managing your stress.

#9. "I’ve Failed so many Times Before, this time won't be any different."

If you keep doing the same things, you’ll likely get the same results, so the first thing is to stop doing the same things.

As well as shifting your approach, you can also redefine failure. You wouldn’t give up if you couldn’t run a marathon on your first ever day of running training, so don’t give up when you don’t get your new diet right in the first week. Look at each setback as a signpost guiding you on the path towards success, by giving you clues as to where you need to do something differently.

And don’t fixate on weight loss as the only outcome when you try something new - there are so many factors that come into play with losing weight - instead observe how you feel—more energy, better focus, improved relationships, because these are the true indicators of progress.

When you shrug off some of those limiting beliefs around failure, EVERYthing changes.

#10. "I’m Broken and Need to DO something to Fix Myself."

You are not broken! This belief can lead you to focus on what you have to DO to fix yourself, like an extreme diet, which you can stop when you lose some weight. But we all know how that ends.

Instead, focus on BECOMING the person you want to be. Embrace small changes that define YOU, not just what you are DOING for a few months. When you can say “I am a person who has a healthy relationship with food most of the time” instead of “I am on a diet”, you start to evolve, step-by-step into your best fit, fired-up and fabulous self. Love who you are becoming, and the changes you make will be lasting. Our article, The Massive Goal-setting Fail will help you with that!

So there you have it—ten limiting beliefs that might be holding you back from achieving real, lasting change in your health and happiness.

And if that familiar overwhelm is rising up that always holds you back, then I’d love it if you considered joining our Fit, Fired-up and Fabulous Tribe, where I guide you through the EVERYTHING you need to go from Burnout to Badass and your Tribe walks alongside you on the journey.

But, beautiful soul, however you choose to start moving forward up your burnout to badass mountain, remember, you have the power within you to overcome these pesky beliefs and create the life you desire.

So no more waiting till tomorrow… or starting Monday… no more ‘one day’!

I’m always reminded of a quote, especially when (and here’s another limiting belief for you) I feel like it’s too late to start something... I always remind myself that... yes, the best time to plant an oak tree was 20 years ago, but the second best time is today.

It’s your time to fly.

Today. 🌟

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If you enjoyed this article, then you might like to be part of the Fit, Fired-up and Fabulous Tribe!🎉 The Tribe isn't just another wellness program; it's a comprehensive transformation journey for your mind, body, and soul.

Whether you're battling burnout, struggling with weight gain, or feeling lost in a sea of unhealthy habits, the tribe is your roadmap, guide and travel buddies to rediscovering your health and happiness.

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