This #MakeItHappenMonday, we’re focusing on something that’s crucial for every artist’s journey: overcoming limiting beliefs. The truth is the stories we tell ourselves have a huge impact on our careers and our lives. It’s important to challenge these narratives because they can shape our path, for better or worse. Let’s take some inspiration from Jim Kwik’s best-selling book “Limitless” and tackle this together, in a more grounded and practical way.

Step 1: Identify Your Limiting Beliefs

First up, let’s get clear about what we’re working with. Limiting beliefs can be sneaky, often hiding in the background of our daily routines and thoughts. Maybe you’ve convinced yourself you’re not good at memorising lines, or perhaps you feel like you’ll never be confident in auditions. These beliefs act like scripts that we unconsciously follow. Recognising them is the first step towards changing the narrative.

Step 2: Challenge These Beliefs with Facts

Next, it’s time to look at the evidence. Have you really struggled with every script you’ve tried to memorise, or could it be that you’re remembering the few times it was tough? When you start examining your experiences more closely, you might find that your beliefs don’t hold up. This step isn’t about dismissing your feelings but rather about seeing things from a different, more balanced perspective.

Step 3: Rewrite Your Narrative

With a clearer understanding of your limiting beliefs and the evidence (or lack thereof) supporting them, you’re in a great position to start rewriting your story. This doesn’t mean ignoring your challenges but rather acknowledging your strengths and successes. Instead of thinking, “I’m not good at memorising lines,” you could start telling yourself, “I’m getting better at memorising lines with practice.”

Bonus Tip: Give Your Inner Critic a Makeover

Taking a cue from Jim Kwik, let’s make our inner critic less intimidating. Imagine it as a quirky character from one of your performances – not the villain but more of a comic relief, whose opinions are taken with a grain of salt. This can help you take its comments less seriously and keep your focus on your progress and achievements.

Why It Matters

Reframing limiting beliefs isn’t just about feeling better in the moment; it’s a crucial practice for building a sustainable and successful career in the performing arts. By changing how we talk to ourselves about our abilities and potential, we open up new opportunities and approaches to our work. So, let’s set the stage for a week where we challenge our limiting beliefs, not with harsh criticism but with kindness and a bit of humour. Here’s to moving forward, one belief at a time. Let’s make it happen!