Growing up poor is a unique experience that can shape our perception of the world in many ways.
One of these is the development of limiting beliefs that we often carry into adulthood.
These beliefs may hold us back, making us think that we are destined to stay within our economic circumstances.
They may lead us to believe that certain opportunities are beyond our reach or that we don’t deserve success.
This article will explore seven common limiting beliefs that people from low-income backgrounds often take with them into their adult lives.
By understanding these beliefs, we can start to challenge them and unlock our full potential.
1) Wealth is not for people like us
Growing up in a poor environment often instills a belief that wealth is exclusive, meant only for a certain class of people – and that we don’t belong to that class.
This belief may stem from years of observing the wealth disparity and the struggle of making ends meet.
It’s not uncommon for those who grow up in such circumstances to internalize this as their reality, carrying it into adulthood.
The perception that wealth is unattainable or not meant for “people like us” can limit our ambition and discourage us from pursuing opportunities that could potentially lead to financial improvement.
Understanding this belief is the first step towards breaking its hold.
Recognizing that wealth is not exclusive to any class and that financial improvement is possible, regardless of one’s background, can empower us to strive for better.
But this realization often requires challenging years of ingrained beliefs – a process that is neither easy nor immediate.
2) Money doesn’t grow on trees
As someone who grew up in a low-income household, this was a phrase I heard often.
It was a constant reminder that money was hard to come by, and that we needed to be cautious with our spending.
This belief followed me into adulthood. I found myself overly cautious with money, to the point of denying myself experiences and opportunities for the sake of saving.
This was despite having a steady income and financial stability.
I realized this belief was limiting me. It was not allowing me to enjoy the fruits of my hard work, and it was making me live in constant fear of financial instability.
Breaking free from this belief required me to redefine my relationship with money.
I had to learn that while money indeed doesn’t grow on trees, it’s also not something to be feared or overly guarded.
It’s a resource that can provide security, but also enjoyment and personal growth when used wisely.
3) Education is a luxury, not a necessity
In low-income households, the focus is often on survival rather than self-improvement or education.
This can lead to a belief that education is a luxury, available only to those who can afford it.
The truth is, education is a key driver of social mobility.
A study by the Brookings Institution found that children born into the bottom fifth of the income distribution who get a college degree are much more likely to reach the top fifth as adults.
Carrying this belief into adulthood can limit one’s potential and opportunities.
It’s important to realize that education, whether it’s formal schooling or self-taught skills, is not a luxury but a necessity for personal growth and economic stability.
4) It’s safer to stick with what you know
Growing up poor often means living in a constant state of uncertainty. Stability can be rare, and change often brings more hardship than improvement.
This can lead to a belief that it’s safer to stick with what you know.
This belief can limit our willingness to take risks or try new things.
We may stay in jobs we dislike, or avoid pursuing new opportunities out of fear that they might not work out.
While it’s true that every change brings a degree of risk, it’s also true that growth often requires stepping out of our comfort zone.
Recognizing this belief and challenging it can open up new possibilities and pathways towards a better future.
5) You must work hard to earn your keep
Growing up, there were times when my family’s survival depended on every member contributing.
Whether it was chores, odd jobs, or pitching in with the family business, the message was clear – you must work hard to earn your keep.
This belief followed me into adulthood, often pushing me to overwork and burnout.
I equated my worth with my productivity, and any time not spent working felt like a failure.
But over time, I realized that rest and recreation are not luxuries but necessities. Hard work is important, but so is balance.
We are not just what we produce; we have inherent value that is not tied to our productivity.
Challenging this belief has allowed me to pursue a healthier work-life balance and a more fulfilling life.
6) Opportunities are scarce
Growing up poor often means competing for scarce resources and opportunities.
This can lead to a belief that opportunities are hard to come by, and when they do, they must be grabbed at all costs.
This mindset can limit our potential as we may settle for less than we deserve out of fear that another opportunity may not come by.
It may also cause us to view life as a competition, leading to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
The truth is, opportunities are abundant. They may not always come in the form we expect, but with an open mind and a proactive approach, we can create our own opportunities.
Recognizing this can free us from the scarcity mindset and unlock our full potential.
7) You are defined by your past
Growing up poor can lead one to believe that their past defines their future. This belief can be limiting, tying us to a narrative that we may struggle to break away from.
The most important thing to know is that while our past may shape us, it doesn’t have to define us.
We have the power to rewrite our story, to break free from limiting beliefs and create a future that aligns with our aspirations, not our past circumstances.
The first step is acknowledging these beliefs. The next is challenging them. And from there, the possibilities are endless.
Final Reflection: Beliefs are not set in stone
Our beliefs, particularly those instilled in us during our formative years, can have a profound impact on our lives.
They shape our perspectives, influence our decisions, and often dictate our path.
Growing up poor can instill limiting beliefs that may hold us back from realizing our full potential.
But it’s crucial to remember that these beliefs are not a life sentence.
The renowned psychologist Albert Ellis once said, “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”
Our past may shape us, but it doesn’t have to define us. We have the power to challenge and change these limiting beliefs. To rewrite our narrative.
To create a future that aligns with our aspirations, not our past circumstances.
As we conclude this journey of self-awareness and reflection, remember that beliefs are not set in stone.
They can be examined, questioned, and replaced. And with that, we open a world of endless possibilities.
