Replace Limiting Beliefs and "Why" Questions with Curiosity

Welcome to MindfulMornings! In today’s email, you’ll learn about:

• Breaking Free from Your Self-Made Limits

• Replacing "Why" with "I Wonder" for Better Conversations

Here are 2 quotes, 2 tips, and 1 question to help you build healthy habits this week…

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2 Quotes

1. "Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself. I am large, I contain multitudes." – Walt Whitman

    

2. “In all affairs, it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.” – Bertrand Russell

2 Tips

1) Break Free from Your Self-Made Limits

Here’s why:

We all tell ourselves stories about what we can and can't do. Maybe you've thought, "I'm not a morning person," or "I could never speak in public.” When we label ourselves like this we create invisible walls. These walls stop us from trying new things and growing.

By checking in with these beliefs, we can start breaking down these barriers to open up new possibilities.

Here's a simple way to discover and challenge your self-limiting beliefs:

1. Find a quiet moment to reflect.

    

2. Write down 3 things you tell yourself you can't do, but would like to try. Be specific - instead of, "I'm not creative," write, "I can't draw," or, "I can't write stories."

    

3. For each item on your list, ask:

   • When did I first start to believe this?

   • Is this really true, or just something I'm used to thinking?

   • Have I actually tried?

   • What's one small way I could test this belief?

    

4. Pick one limitation to challenge this week.

Remember, these beliefs weren’t always there; we aren’t born thinking we can or can’t do something. If there’s something you want to try, give it a go!

2) Replace "Why" with "I Wonder" for Better Conversations

What we mean:

Want to have more meaningful conversations? A simple change in how we ask questions can make a big difference.

When we ask, "Why?" people often feel like they're being judged or criticized and get defensive. But here's the good news - we can shift from ‘criticism’ to curiosity by changing just a few words.

How to Do It:

1. Take a breath before asking and consider if your question is coming from a place of curiosity or judgment.

    

2. Instead of asking "Why?" try starting with phrases like:

   • "I wonder how..."

   • "What makes..."

   • "Could you help me understand..."

    

3. Put yourself in their shoes: How would you want someone to ask you about a difficult situation? People are rarely seeking judgment or advice, they just want to be heard and understood.

    

4. Quick Examples:

Building better conversations takes practice. Be patient with yourself, and notice how people respond differently when you lead with wonder.

Want to learn more? Check out Nonviolent Communication* by Marshall Rosenberg - it's full of great ideas for better conversations.

1 Question

Reflect on a belief that feels central to your identity. Begin by completing this sentence: “I am a ……”

Now, imagine explaining to a child how you came to hold this belief. What would you say? How would you describe the journey and experiences that shaped it?

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoy your week.

With gratitude,

MindfulMornings

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