The health of your life is reflected in the health of your attitudes and belief system. Some are healthy and promote growth and well-being, others act as stumbling blocks on your way to success. Let us see what are blocking beliefs.

A blocking belief is a hidden barrier generally rooted in the subconscious mind. It stops you from getting what you want. It is like an auto brake that does not allow your car to move, no matter how hard you press the accelerator. It is similar to the rope that ties the boat to the shore post – the boat will not move an inch until you untie or cut the rope.

The blocking beliefs must be removed first if you want to succeed and get the best out of your efforts.

What are Blocking Beliefs?

They are not your opinion about things like god or soul; they are also not what you think is best car in the world or the best way to run a democracy. They have nothing to do with things outside of you.

They are also not about how you project yourself to others, or what you want them to believe about you.

They have everything to do with your convictions, feelings or beliefs about your own self or life. They come right from deep inside you. They are what you tell yourself deep down. For example,

I'll always be over-weight no matter how hard I try to reduce.

Rich people are always bad.

Where there is money, there is evil.

I'm not worthy of – Love (or Success)

I'll never be good at anything.

No pretty girl will ever like me.

I am good for nothing.

…

You may not be saying these things in public – probably you never will. But at the back of your mind they are a force you can’t resist. Don’t be surprised to learn that you may not even know that they exist and work on you silently.

Even if don’t know the hidden beliefs, you will be familiar with their associates closer to the surface of the mind. For example, if you harbor the beliefs that “Rich people are always bad” and “Where there is money, there is evil.” You will have the inner understanding that being rich is a bad thing.

This can show up in your life by keeping you from accumulating wealth – you might be over spending or might not be inclined to grab opportunities leading to riches.

If you hold the belief that “Life is uncertain, so enjoy while you are alive" you will not be inclined to save or spend carefully.

In this way your core beliefs determine your tendencies and actions in the real life. They also shape how you interpret and react in the routine life.

An Example

Let us say someone called you stupid. There can be different reactions from different people.

Everyone thinks I'm stupid – I must be really stupid – I am useless. And you begin to feel bad. The more you think this way the worse you feel.

How dare he! – I'm going to tech him a lesson – I can’t take it lying down. The more you think, the angrier you get.

He doesn’t really know – he doesn’t know what he is talking about – I know what I am – I don’t care what he says. You just shrug your shoulders and go on as if nothing happened.

The first 2 responses are blocking beliefs. The last one is neutral. Let us see the first two responses.

The depressing reaction is from blocking beliefs such as

“What others say must be true” or “Frank called me stupid. He is really smart. So what he says must be true.”

Therefore I am really stupid and good for nothing (as a corollary).

The angry reaction comes from the belief that others must not violate your rules. They should mind their own business and if they don’t you will show them who you are. But is this a correct belief?

Is there a law in the universe that says that people cannot have opinions about you? If someone says something, what makes it true? And why should you worry about what people think inside their own heads?

The problem is that you hold some beliefs, and you hold them so dearly that you go all out to protect them. It is as if your life depends on them. The irony is that mostly you are able to protect them at your own peril.

Challenge Your Beliefs – The Power of WHY

Do you ever challenge your thinking? Or you follow them as wisdom from Gita or Gospel?

Why do you think that “Rich people are always bad?” Having money automatically makes people bad? If you win a lottery, you become bad?

In few seconds, you will realize that it is all plain nonsense.

“I'll never be good at anything.” Why? Are you brain damaged? Or, mentally paralyzed?

No one is good at everything. And no one is bad at everything. You know it. Don’t you?

“No pretty girl will ever like me.” Why? Are you a ugly monster who eats pretty girls? Or, any girl who likes you become ugly overnight?

Just ask “why” a few times and you will uncover your stupid logic that makes you think idiotically. There is tremendous power in W-H-Y – all you have to do is apply it.

More Resources

Blocking Beliefs
Personal Belief System
Power of Belief System