Chapter 1: The Invisible Cage of Self-Limiting Beliefs

"Self-limiting beliefs are tangible. Don't let them overwhelm you."

These powerful words come from my trainer, a remarkable individual who somehow empowers me to pursue my passion for riding and showing horses, even at this stage of my life. Despite facing challenges such as a partial disability and severe osteoporosis, I've found myself drawn back to the saddle.

Sure, I recognize that even at 96, Queen Elizabeth continued to ride. But as one witty commenter on a senior's Facebook group noted, "I lack the staff she has." And so do I.

Just when I thought my equestrian dreams had come to an end, I met Rose—my ideal horse, reminiscent of the aspirations I had two decades ago. I took a leap of faith and decided to purchase her. Three months ago, I entrusted Rose to Kevin, the best trainer available to me. Under his guidance, she has competed in two shows and claimed the high-point champion title at both, never once putting a hoof wrong.

Yet, I found myself hesitant to ride her.

I began to believe that this stunning horse was too much for me, primarily due to my fears. I created excuses for my apprehension, citing her spirited nature and her young age of seven—an age that many would deem unsuitable for a rider of "my maturity." However, she possesses an exceptional temperament that complements her impressive abilities.

Eventually, I instructed Kevin to list Rose for sale. His reaction was one of disbelief, and he engaged me in lengthy conversations to challenge my reasoning. Time and again, he insisted that I was making a grave mistake, ultimately saying, "You're not giving yourself enough credit."

Perhaps he was right. I had been an accomplished rider for over 55 years, starting my journey at the age of eight. Yet, fear clung to me. The thought of injury loomed large, leaving me reluctant to even attempt riding this remarkable horse.

In the end, he convinced me. Last evening, I took my first official lesson with Rose, and it was a success.

"Self-limiting beliefs are tangible. Don't let them overwhelm you." But what exactly are these beliefs? My curiosity led me to research.

According to Positive Psychology, "… self-limiting beliefs are assumptions or perceptions about oneself and the nature of the world. These beliefs are 'self-limiting' because they impede us from reaching our full potential." (Blackman, 2018)

This resonates deeply with me. My self-limiting belief regarding riding Rose was simply: "I'm too old for this." Yet, Queen Elizabeth challenges that notion, staff or no staff. But was age truly the factor holding me back? Many women continue to ride and compete well into their later years.

So, is it merely my age that restricts me?

Where do these beliefs originate? The roots are complex, often stemming from past experiences or events.

These beliefs can be categorized into five types, as highlighted by psychology and sociology research. For simplicity, I will illustrate this using my own experience.

What makes me hesitant to ride this particular horse? Throughout my life, I've ridden numerous horses with success—except for one...

When I was sixteen, I acquired "Kimbi," a horse with a troubled past. She was an ex-racehorse rescued from dire circumstances, bearing scars from a failed medical procedure intended to enhance her racing capabilities. While it may have strengthened her physically, it instilled a deep-seated distrust of humans.

Kimbi's fear and aggression led to countless incidents, including multiple trips to the emergency room. I became so terrified of horses that I hesitated to even enter a stall.

With the support of compassionate trainers, I eventually overcame this fear. Or did I?

Despite having ridden many horses since, only two have been spirited red-headed mares: Kimbi and Rose.

Could a fear rooted in my youth still linger, simply due to a horse's color and gender? I believe it can.

Kimbi remained psychologically scarred, never fully trusting humans, while Rose, raised in a loving environment, is the opposite.

The terms "self-limiting beliefs" and "maladaptive beliefs" were unfamiliar to me, yet I realized I had likely lived with several throughout my life. It was time to challenge a belief that had become central to my identity—one that was "negative, potentially difficult to change, and preventing me from achieving my goals." (Boden, 2012).

This belief is one that I will now dismantle: "Rose is not Kimbi."

This is my new mantra. I am moving forward, refusing to let my past dictate my future.

If Queen Elizabeth can do it, so can I.

What self-limiting beliefs may be hindering your journey toward your dreams?

Break Free from Your Invisible Cage: Unleash Your True Potential with Cat Williams. This inspiring video emphasizes how to overcome the mental barriers that hold us back and encourages viewers to embrace their true potential.

Changing Limiting Beliefs - Audiobook - YouTube. This audiobook offers insights into transforming negative beliefs, paving the way for personal growth and self-empowerment.