how do you see yourself?
When I made up my mind to become a Spanish teacher, I knew it was not the sort of job to make a person rich.
Not only was I ok with that, but I embraced the challenge of living below my already modest means. It felt somehow biblical to be lower middle class?
Which is so mind-blowingly ridiculous.
I live in one of the richest countries in the world.
I probably spend more on food in one month than some people do in a year.
I have an iPhone, for goodness sake.
No, there is nothing inherently biblical about being less rich than the guy next to me.
As a result, when I begin my new job, I discovered that I have some very limiting beliefs about myself and how much money is realistic, acceptable, or possible for me to make.
I don't see myself as poor - I know better than that now.
I don't see myself as rich, either, though.
When I think about myself in relationship to money, and am truly honest with myself, I see someone who will always make enough, but never have an abundance to share.
Honestly, money is a weird issue for me.
Probably for a lot of people.
Is it ok to want to earn more?
Anyway, that's my very straightforward and vulnerable confession.
That's my limiting belief about myself.
Everyone has one. Moses didn't see himself as a good speaker, though God sent him to deliver a nation. Paul always viewed himself as the least of the apostles, despite the great missionary work he did.
And mine is that I wonder if it's ok for me to set goals to make more money than I ever dreamed I could or would make. That's how I limit myself, often subconsciously.
(I have many more, of course. I would love to write a book, but see myself as someone who isn't creative enough, so I haven't tried.)
Our thoughts are powerful. When we focus on what is good, righteous, positive, and helpful to others, what we can accomplish is limitless. When we dwell on the negative, doubts, fears, and selfishness, we make the decision to be unfaithful with the blessings God has given us.
Daily reminders to beat negative self-talk:
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
(2 Timothy 1:7)
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’(Matthew 25:21)
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." (2 Corinthians 9:6,10-11)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
What's your limiting belief? Does it limit you professionally, personally, or financially? How do you overcome it?