Have you ever tried to uncover a limiting belief, but felt like you were fumbling around in the dark? I sure have.
When I first started working with clients, I’d sometimes hit a wall where they’d say, “I have no idea where this belief came from.” We’d sit there, both feeling a bit stuck, waiting for a memory to magically appear.
But over the years, I’ve discovered that waiting for inspiration isn’t the most efficient approach. What works better is having a structured technique—a kind of treasure map that leads you right to the source of your beliefs.
One of my favorites is something I call the “triggers technique.” Let me tell you why it works so well, and how you can use it yourself.
The Triggers Technique: Your Map to the Past
Think about it—have you noticed that certain situations today trigger the same uncomfortable feelings you’ve had since childhood? That’s not a coincidence.
The things that upset us now are often connected to the very experiences that formed our limiting beliefs in the first place. It’s like our emotional system is saying, “Hey, I’ve been here before, and I don’t like it!”
So instead of randomly searching for childhood memories, we can use our present feelings as guides.
Here’s how the triggers technique works:
- Ask yourself: “What triggers feelings related to my belief today?”
- Make a list of all those present-day situations
- Turn those triggers into leading questions about your past
Let’s say you have the belief “I’m not important.” What makes you feel unimportant today?
- Being ignored when you speak
- Having your opinions disregarded
- Being overlooked while others get attention
Now, turn these into questions about your childhood:
- “Were there times growing up when you felt ignored?”
- “Did you ever feel your opinions weren’t taken seriously?”
- “Can you remember being overlooked while others got attention?”
Suddenly, instead of a vague search, you have specific pathways to explore. And very often, the memories come flooding back.
Jacob’s Story: From Confusion to Clarity
I remember working with a client named Jacob who had the belief “I’m not good enough.” When I asked what led him to that belief, he was completely stumped.
“I have no idea,” he said, looking a bit defeated.
So I shifted gears and asked, “What kinds of situations make you feel not good enough today?”
Jacob thought for a moment and said, “When I make a mistake. Or when I get criticized by my boss or others I care about, like my wife.”
Taking his answers, I formed some leading questions: “When you were growing up, what happened when your parents noticed you made a mistake or did something wrong?”
His eyes lit up as the memories returned. He described being in his dad’s workshop, not remembering instructions, and getting yelled at. He remembered forgetting things at school and his parents getting angry, calling him an “absent-minded professor.”
By the end of our session, Jacob could clearly see how these childhood experiences had formed his belief. The trigger technique had worked like a charm, leading him right to the source.
Why This Technique Is So Powerful
Now, are the triggers in the present always exactly mirrored in the source of our beliefs? No, not always.
But when you’re feeling lost, the triggers technique gives you a place to start. It’s like having a flashlight in a dark room—you might not immediately see what you’re looking for, but at least you’re not stumbling around blindly.
Often, the specific questions will jog your memory even if what you find ends up being somewhat different than what happens today. It’s the emotional similarity that matters most.
Your Turn to Try It
If you’re working to eliminate your own beliefs or helping others with theirs, I encourage you to practice this technique several times until it becomes second nature.
It’s like riding a bike—it might feel awkward at first, but once you’ve got it, you’ll never forget how to use it. And you’ll have it ready whenever you need it.
Here’s a quick summary to help you remember:
- The triggers technique uses present events that trigger feelings to give us ideas for events that led to our beliefs.
- This is especially useful when you’re stumped looking for the origins of a belief.
- To use it: ask what triggers feelings related to the belief today, list those triggers, then convert them to leading questions about your past.
Beliefs don’t have to remain mysterious forces controlling your life. With techniques like this one, you can shine a light on their origins and begin the process of letting them go.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If you’re struggling with limiting beliefs and want personalized guidance to eliminate them, I’d love to help. In a free strategy session, we can identify the beliefs holding you back and explore whether working together is the right next step for you.
You don’t have to keep living with those limiting beliefs. Freedom is possible—I’ve seen it happen thousands of times.
Book your free strategy session today and take the first step toward the confidence and joy that come when you’re no longer held back by beliefs that simply aren’t true.
