Our belief systems start developing the moment we are born. Our parents, friends, culture, media, and so much more start shaping the way we believe the world works. With time, as we grow into young adults and beyond, we rely heavily on our own beliefs to process and perceive the world around us. If these beliefs lead to a fixed mindset – a common occurrence- this can ultimately lead to unnecessary suffering in life.

Having a Fixed Mindset Vs. a Growth Mindset

The truth is that the beliefs we hold about ourselves and our environment are very subjective. However, we often get so set in our ways that we start thinking that our way in the only way. We get so comfortable in one way of life that we’ve become blind to other options staring us straight in the face. This leads to a fixed mindset instead of a growth mindset.

One of the biggest areas of our life that a fixed mindset can affect is our health. And without our health – it is impossible to thrive and live life to the fullest.

4 Beliefs That Are Affecting Your Health

A fixed mindset is built upon the beliefs that you consistently tell yourself. Here are 4 of the most common beliefs that will limit your health potential. And when your health is affected – it’s impossible to grow in any other area of your life (think personal, business, finances, etc.).  

As you read through these, you may recognize these in yourself. Now is a perfect time to gain some awareness and move forward to better health!

1. Good Health Requires All or Nothing

Many of us find ourselves believing there’s only one way to good health. We start following one fitness guru that says this way is the only way or that this is the only way to eat. The real truth is simple: we are all unique- so this is a dangerous thought to have.

On top of that, thinking that you have to go all in on a commitment, or it’s not worth it, is detrimental. It keeps you feeling trapped in your current choices rather than moving forward.

The solution

There are no absolutes in health. True success is sustained with one step at a time in the right direction. And if you fall off track for a day, there’s no reason to feel ashamed or frustrated. Simply learn from it and get back on track when you’re ready.

2. Happiness is Conditional

If you’ve ever used the phrase “I will be happy when…” you are setting yourself up for unnecessary suffering. Often, we place our stake for happiness in the outside world. Yet, the reality is that we cannot control the outside world. This can be quite detrimental for your health-leading to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Happiness is something that can, and should, be achieved regardless of our circumstances. This is why when you find yourself waiting for that perfect job, partner, home, and on and on that it leads to a feeling of emptiness when you finally reach those goals. They are not your true source of happiness.

The Solution

True happiness comes from within irregardless of what’s going on in your life. The choice is yours. One of the easiest ways to start shifting your mindset to one of happiness is starting a mindfulness routine.

My favorite mindfulness practice is keeping a daily morning gratitude journal. I’ve learned to celebrate and enjoy the simple (and big) things in life without placing conditions on them. And you can do it too!

Read all about the benefits of journaling in this post.

3. My Past Choices Affects My Future Health

Having the feeling that it’s too late for you to change your health or life can lead to feelings of despair. The choices you made in your past may have led to your current health and life situation, but it does not have to define your future.

I often see people give up in trying to change their health; saying they’re too old, too set in their ways, too fat, too sick, or that it’s just bad genes… you deserve better than this limiting belief.

The Solution

It’s NEVER too late. The body is amazingly resilient. With the power of the mind and current scientific findings in holistic health, there is so much untapped potential if you’re ready for it. If you have found yourself in a less than ideal state of health – see it as an opportunity, even blessing, to finally make a change!

4. Making Healthy Choices is a Sacrifice

This is all a matter of perception. I’ve heard the statements more than once, that “I’m not going to…” eat well, get enough sleep… because it’s perceived as a choice that makes life less fun.

Ironically, this is the exact opposite! When you make the best possible health choices, it boosts your energy, clears your minds, and makes life much easier to enjoy to the fullest. You can then focus on your life vision with clarity, without health playing a role in the matter. With good health, you are capable of anything.

The Answer

It can be hard to see past this one when you’re stuck in certain habits. For example, eating junk food and sugar leads to a very real addiction that can dictate your life choices. I challenge you to look past your current life habits and see how they’re affecting your life as a whole. If you’re suffering from chronic fatigue, unwanted weight gain, poor mood, skin problems, brain fog or any other general health issues – this is your wake up call! With the right choices – you are truly in control and can live with more clarity.

Moving Forward

If you’re struggling with any of these beliefs, reading through these can be a tough pill to swallow. Luckily, the fact that you now have some awareness around these issues means you have now faced the toughest hurdle!

The year 2020 has left many of us feeling utterly hopeless and our health may have been completely neglected. I want to leave you with one strong positive reminder: YOU. ARE. IN. CONTROL. Don’t forget that it’s very powerful when you finally identify your limiting beliefs and learn to grow and be flexible instead.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JayDee Vykoukal is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, holistic health coach, and mom to one beautiful daughter. As the owner of a mom blog and the healthy habits blog, Health Means Wealth, she loves to help women reach their true health potential. Her absolute favorite place to be is with her family in nature.