5 Limiting Beliefs that Damage Your Personal Brand
You’re working on something (it can be anything) and suddenly a negative thought enters your mind. It poofs out of thin air. It seems as though this tiny, minuscule thought has the ability to derail your progress and throw you into a downward spiral of negative sentiment and emotion. Why does this happen?
Moreso, it is usually not just one thought we have to contend with, it is the story that evolves from one little thought. You know the one, the story that pokes and presses unceasingly at our insecurities and pain points. The story that reveals deep wounds or unresolved conflicts that leave us thinking things like this:
“I’m not qualified enough to do this.”
“People are going to find out that I have no idea what I’m doing”
“They’re going to reject me--why am I even doing this.”
The truth is, we all have limiting beliefs that prevent us from achieving our goals and building a successful personal brand. It’s a normal part of the process, especially when you are sharing yourself openly and honestly with the world. And what I find so interesting is that our limiting beliefs are actually a form of survival. These beliefs, in a way, come to our “rescue” as a way for our minds to protect us from difficult situations that cause us pain or grief.
The problem arises when we let these beliefs or “defense mechanisms” inhibit our progress and prevent us from building personal brands that seek to contribute something valuable to the world. The truth is, when you let these beliefs derail your progress, you’re not the only one who loses. Your audience does, too.
I’ve found that the best way to conquer these fears is by first becoming aware that they exist. When you draw awareness to negative thought patterns and emotions, you begin to “catch yourself in the act” and become more skilled in silencing the thoughts that do not serve your underlying purpose.
Here are some of the five most common limiting beliefs that my clients and students have confided in me. I’m curious, can you relate to any of these?
“No one cares what I have to say.”
Personal branding is about sharing what you know online. This takes immense courage! There’s often a fear that our followers will reject, dispute, or ignore what we have to say altogether. And this is a fear that can cause us to water down our message or simply not share one at all.Remember, when you’re feeling this way, your followers are actually rooting for you. It’s true! Many times we adopt a mentality that people are, “out to get us,” or waiting for us to fail, and that simply isn’t true. When you are genuine and authentic online, people sense this and it makes them more attracted to you. You have a unique story and perspective to share, no one in the entire world can share it quite like you do, so don’t be afraid to share it with others.
“I’m not as good (or as qualified) as this person.”
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the “competition,” especially when it’s all you can see in your news feed every day. My advice is simple, yet powerful.
Stop comparing yourself.
I want you to visualize yourself walking on a tightrope. Slow and steady. Now, as soon as you turn your attention away from the destination in front of you, it causes you to wobble, falter, and fall. When your eyes are fixed on what your competition is doing, it halts your progress and diminishes the quality and timeliness of your work. Keep your eyes focused on the way forward. The rest, as far as you're concerned, is none of your business.
Remember, your Personal Brand is a tool that distinguishes you from others. This should not be misinterpreted as being “better” than them. We are all equal. (This is a concept that should actually make you feel better). But rather, it reveals who you are and why you do what you do. It’s a tool that can be used to attract the attention of highly-compatible followers, clients, and customers. How? By sharing your personal story, experiences, knowledge, and professional expertise with your audience, it gives them the opportunity to know you in a deeper, more personal way. It’s just like making friends in real life, right? You attract people into your world who share similar interests and commonalities. And it’s no different online. Share openly and honestly, and the right people will follow. You don’t have to be more qualified or smarter than your competitors, all you have to be is you.
“I don’t have a website or I’m not proud of the one I currently have.”
Don’t let your lack of a website inhibit you from building your Personal Brand. That’s just silly! Don’t get me wrong, I think having a quality website is important, but it shouldn’t be the reason you aren’t pulling the trigger. You can worry about this later when you have the time and resources to invest in it.
In the beginning, I want you to focus your attention on the tasks that will produce the biggest results with as little effort as possible. How do you know what those tasks are for you? Well, it’s different for everyone. If you’re a good writer, and enjoy the process of writing, then I recommend writing every day and sharing your posts with your audience. If you share long-form Instagram captions once a day for 30 days, you will see results. However, if you’re someone who despises writing, but enjoys creating video content, then make it your goal to share educational content on Instagram Stories once a day for 30 days, you will also see results.
When you’re just getting started, you don’t need a fancy website to build your personal brand and distinguish yourself as an industry expert. This can come later. Instead, make it your goal to share highly-valuable content with your audience. This will catapult you into a healthy and creative place that will surely yield the results you are aiming for.
“I’m not a good writer.”
When I suggest to my students and clients that they should write daily for their Personal Brand, it often brings up some painful memories for them. For some, it brings them back to the days of college essays and tedious homework assignments that were assigned to them in school. Major PTSD, I get it. What saddens me the most is when I hear the excuse, “I’m just not a good writer.” I despise this sentence! It’s these spoken words which prevent someone from even getting started at all. You may not believe in your ability to write a good blog post or share a good Instagram caption, but if you’re taking the time to read this blog post, I’m betting you are a person who writes everyday. Whether this be an email, text message, or a comment on someone’s Instagram photo, you are a person who practices the art of communicating through written word.
Now, let me ask you something: Have you ever been able to get your point across? Have you been able to communicate effectively? At one point or another, I’m sure the answer was yes. And if so, then you are a good writer, because this is what writing is all about! Good writing anticipates the questions people are asking; it’s about sharing your truth and expanding people’s awareness.You may not presently enjoy the process of writing, but if you approach it with resistance and negativity, you’re not even giving yourself a chance. I recommend that you find an “editing buddy,” someone whose writing you admire, and that you begin practicing writing longer posts and having your buddy edit them for you. We all know how the old saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” All this really means is, practice makes good writing possible.
Good writing takes you where you want to go. It’s the most underrated skill in branding, marketing, and business and it has the ability to transform your career. If you want to share an important message and sway decision-makers to take action, then pay attention to the words on your website or emails. People don’t buy from you because your website is pretty, they buy from you because the words on your website have elicited an emotional response in them. It’s words that cause a person to become moved and motivated to take action.
Don’t let the fear of writing keep you from building your Personal Brand and seeing real results in your business or career.
“I hate how I look on video.”
Look, I know filming video can be daunting, especially if you’re not used to showing up on camera every day. It’s not everyone’s favorite form of content creation, but video is really important to the success of your Personal Brand. While written word will positon you as an industry expert and drastically improve your SEO, video marketing is the fastest way to forge a strong bond and connection between you and your audience. Simply put, your audience needs to see your face in order for them to like you, know you, and trust you. It’s much easier to get to know someone through video than it is through a blog post or email.
If you’re not creating video content because you’re self-conscious about how you look or speak, then the best thing you can do is cultivate a keen sense of awareness and self-discipline. Film your videos, edit them how you need to, and post them. After you’ve posted them, DO NOT watch them or obsess over details. Get into the habit of sharing them on social media and putting your phone away. You can answer comments and check your analytics the following day.
In the beginning, this will feel uncomfortable. However, the more you post video content, the easier it will be to approach this work through an objective lens and perspective. You need the awareness to catch yourself when those limiting thoughts begin to spiral out of control, and you need the self-discipline to stop and move onto something else. Your energy is precious. Do not waste it on things that do not serve you and contribute to your wellbeing.
The more you post video content, the better you’ll get. I promise! The sooner you start, the sooner you will graduate from the “awkward” phase and share kick-ass videos that people will love and look forward to. I believe in you.
Remember, that you will never attain perfection; rather, you will always be working to make peace with the painful experiences which have happened to you. The best way to dispose of these limiting beliefs is to become aware of them. Awareness always reveals what is blocking us from achieving our goals and building an influential personal brand. Nonjudgmental awareness heals and changes and makes one grow.
This is lifelong work, but it will be the most important work you ever do, a magnificent act of compassion for other people. Take what’s on your heart, and use it to set you free.
