Spot you limiting patterns…

In a previous post I spoke about how to break a limiting pattern. So I have been asked – how do we identify these limiting patterns?? How do we know what pattern to break if we don’t know about the pattern? Thing is, limiting patterns and behaviours are so easy to spot in other people. But sadly, we do not always see it in ourselves.

So how? There are basically four main limiting patterns (and sometimes a combination) to be aware of. See if any of these sound familiar to you, If it does, it may just become easier to break.

Carrying the issue with you

Have you become so attached to your issue that you can’t seem to drop it? Some people constantly carry the problem they face on their back. One gets the sense that they get some satisfaction out of it. It is rarely about the issue, it is the habit of constantly carrying it. In a way we become addicted to our issues, sometimes even carrying it with pride. Sounds familiar?

Constantly checking on the issue

We drop the issue, but we constantly check on it. This pattern is like someone putting a baby down to sleep and then lifting the covers so often to check if it is still asleep, that soon it wakes up. Scratching until it itches, just to make 1000% sure. Again, it is not the baby (issue) that is awake, but the person waking it with their pattern. This person really does not have any intention to drop the issue.

When this (happens)…then I’ll…

We have probably all been guilty of this pattern at some point or another. Constantly holding out for something else, getting ready, waiting, never doing. We actually get to believe ourselves when we say that, but who are we fooling? Only ourselves!

Not being totally committed

Talk is cheap but if in your heart of hearts you are not totally committed and prepared to break the pattern, you won’t. You can not have one foot in, and one foot out. This pattern is actually easier to break than one would think – sometimes just asking yourself whether you are committed will already help you make a shift.

So now what? How to break it?

Remember, it is never the issue that causes us to stay stuck. It is always the pattern. And once we realise the limiting pattern we can do something about it. So stop doing it! Don’t do less of it; stop totally, and turn around. Notice it constantly and every time you notice it, break its neck. Get help if you need to, a coach or a confidante, but there is no going halfway – the only way out of a pattern is to break it!

About the author:

Celeste Du Toit is a transformational Life Coach, NLP practitioner and Speaker. She is based in Durban, South Africa, but connects with clients across the globe via Skype. She asks challenging, visionary questions to help you to identify and clear habits, beliefs and blockages that keep us stuck.

Her tailored program addresses 9 sustainable practices and tools so you can continue empowering yourself. 

Connect with Celeste at YES Paradigm