Limiting beliefs. They’re those thoughts we perceive as facts when we think negatively about ourselves. They can be about our abilities, our relationships, and they can limit our potential and quash our dreams. We all feel down on ourselves sometimes but for students, these thoughts can keep them from achieving academic and personal success.

And the more they think them the worse they feel. Breaking out of a negative self-talk cycle can be a challenge, and one you can face head on with your student by addressing it honestly, compassionately, and showing them the steps to take to break free.

① Identify

When you hear the heavy sigh, or this: “I’ll never get it”, ask this: “What are you having trouble with?” Open ended questions encourage your student to share their struggles and creates an opportunity for conversation so you can find out what’s really going on.

② Reframe

Listen actively, validate their feelings, and practice turning negative self-talk – “I can’t do this” – into a self-affirming “I can figure out a way to do this.” Guiding students to rephrase their limiting beliefs can help them create solutions rather than dwelling on perceived failures.

③ Encourage

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for boosting your student’s self-confidence. Focus on emphasizing their strengths, acknowledge efforts and progress as achievements. Telling them they’re doing a good job can help keep them on a progressive path.

④ Celebrate

Instill a sense of pride in your student by meeting every success with joy. Applaud their determination, revel in their accomplishments and congratulate them for believing in themselves enough to prevail over their limited beliefs even for the smallest victories.

⑤ Lead

Be the example for your student of what it means to have agency over limiting beliefs: embrace a positive attitude, exhibit positive thinking. Share about your own challenges, and how you overcame them, to demonstrate how everyone has obstacles in life that can be sorted out in a positive way.

⑥ Connect

If despite all your efforts your student continues to struggle with limiting beliefs, talk with them about working together with a coach, school counselor or therapist. Assure them that there is no shame in asking for help, and that in fact it’s a good choice.

Speaking with Cindy about Family and Individual coaching can be that good choice. Our teams of Mental Health and Academic Coaches work together with you, your student and your support team – teachers, tutors, counselors, psychiatrists, therapists – on developing a plan that will support your needs and the needs of your student in and out of the classroom. For more information have a confidential conversation with Cindy via phone at 631-921-4085 or reach her directly via email here.

If this sounds like you, someone you love or someone in your network, The Recovery Coach NY is here to help with every level of support. We honor all paths of recovery with years of experience and a vast array of resources that encourage those in need find a way to a life of joy and purpose. We listen actively, without judgement and provide solution-oriented actions that can begin to bring the peace you and your loved one seek.

We offer Recovery Coaching, Mental Health Support & Coaching, Sobriety & Mental Health Companionship, Executive Function & Accountability Coaching, Academic Coaching & Scholastic Support, Safe Transport, Case Management, Psychedelic Integration Coaching, Intervention and Emergency Services. For more information about our services, visit our website.

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