We all know that it’s important to stay true to ourselves, but this isn’t always as simple as it might seem. Subconsciously, we often tell ourselves lies to make ourselves feel better, but in reality, we’re only doing ourselves a disservice. To show you what we mean, here is a list of common lies we tell ourselves that hold us back in life.
I’ll Start Tomorrow
Everyone can relate to telling themselves this classic lie, convincing ourselves that we’ll find the motivation to do important tasks later. More often than not, tomorrow becomes the next day, and so on. As Kerri Balliet points out via LinkedIn, at the end of the day, action now, however small, will always beat the perfection of putting things off until later.
I’m Not Good Enough
Self-doubt can be crippling, yet we often tell ourselves this lie, despite it generally having little basis in reality. Comparing ourselves to others or unrealistic standards can amplify these feelings further, which is all too common today with social media. Remember: growth is a process, and everyone starts somewhere.
I Don’t Have Time
Similar to saying, “I’ll start tomorrow,” a lot of people procrastinate by telling themselves, “I don’t have time.” While life is undoubtedly busy, this statement often hides misaligned priorities. We tend to make time for what truly matters to us, so by honestly evaluating how we spend our time; we can usually find gaps where small, consistent efforts could fit, leading to progress.
I’m Too Old/Young
There’s no denying that age can feel like a barrier, but you shouldn’t let yourself fall for this excuse. Learning new skills, pursuing passions, or making changes is not age-restricted. Many have succeeded despite, or even because of, their age. It’s the mindset, not the number, that counts.
I Can’t Change
This lie often surfaces when we feel stuck in our habits or circumstances. Change is challenging but not impossible, and small steps can lead to significant shifts over time. So, change your attitude by accepting that growth is a gradual process that helps us move away from the belief that change is out of reach.
I Don’t Deserve Success
Another common and particularly toxic lie we tell ourselves is that we don’t deserve success. Feelings of unworthiness can keep us from pursuing our goals, so this kind of negative self-talk just isn’t productive at all. We need to recognize our accomplishments and strengths because only by doing so can we combat these thoughts.
I Need to Be Perfect
A lot of people go through life without learning that perfectionism can only lead to paralysis, making it difficult to start or finish anything. This lie suggests that if it’s not flawless, it’s not worth doing, whereas in reality, progress and learning often come from imperfection. So, embrace your flaws as part of your journey, and this will eventually lead to more authentic growth.
I’m Not Ready
It’s never wise to wait for the perfect moment to take action, as this is another form of self-sabotage. This lie keeps us in a constant state of preparation, never feeling equipped to take the plunge. In reality, readiness often comes through action; taking the first step, even if it’s tentative, is the way to truly begin.
It’s Too Late for Me
Just like believing that you’re too old to do something, believing that opportunities have passed us by can be a powerful deterrent. It convinces us that there’s a cutoff for achieving goals or making changes, but this is rarely true. Many successful endeavors start later in life, driven by the wisdom and experience gained over time.
I’m Too Busy Helping Others
While helping others is commendable, it can sometimes be an excuse to avoid our own growth. This lie allows us to sidestep personal challenges by focusing on others’ needs. It’s essential to find a balance between self-care and caregiving, remembering that our well-being matters too.
I Don’t Have the Resources
Another common lie that holds us back in life is that we don’t have the resources to do something, such as time, money, or connections. While resources are necessary for certain projects, this lie ultimately suggests that without perfect conditions, progress is impossible. Creativity and resourcefulness can often bridge these gaps, so if you genuinely don’t have the resources to achieve something, find another way.
I’ve Already Failed Too Much
Nobody likes to fail, but it’s important not to let our failures lead us to believe we’re destined to repeat them. This lie traps us in a cycle of doubt and fear of trying again. Failure is a part of learning, not the end of the road, with each setback offering lessons that can guide future success if we let it.
I’m Just Not That Kind of Person
We often believe that we’re inherently not suited for certain roles or behaviors, but this attitude limits our potential greatly. It places us in a fixed mindset, viewing personality traits as unchangeable. People evolve, and so do their capabilities, so try to maintain openness to trying new things and step outside your comfort zone once in a while.
I Can Do It All Alone
These days, it’s very common for people to try to do everything on their own, which isn’t as noble as you might think. Independence is valuable, but this lie isolates us and makes challenges harder to overcome. Believing we must do everything on our own denies us the support and perspective that others can offer.
I Should Have It All Figured Out by Now
Social media often makes us tell ourselves this lie as we compare ourselves to other people, making us think that there’s a set timeline for achieving life’s milestones. Comparing our journey to others can make us feel inadequate or lost, which is sad because the truth is that life is rarely linear, and everyone’s path is unique.
I’ll Never Be as Good as Them
While we’re on the topic of comparison, you should never tell yourself that you can’t be as good as someone else. This only serves as discouragement, creating the illusion that others have it all figured out while we’re struggling. This lie ignores the reality that everyone faces challenges; it would be far more productive to just focus on our own progress rather than that of others.
I’m Not Ready for Success
Perhaps the most common lie we tell ourselves these days is that we’re not “ready” for success, whatever that means. Fear of success can be just as paralyzing as fear of failure, yet not many people realize it. It keeps us from pursuing opportunities and worrying about the changes success might bring. So, instead, try to accept that growth comes with adjustments that can help us embrace success when it arrives.