Do you ever feel like there is this invisible force keeping you from accomplishing the things you desire to accomplish?  Do you start to doubt yourself when a new idea comes to mind?  What about freezing up when you get ready to step out of your comfort zone? 

limiting beliefs. These are the subconscious stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what we’re capable of—and they often hold us back more than any external obstacle could. So, if you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or convinced that ‘this is just the way things are,’ stick around. We’re going to uncover where these beliefs come from, common ones that might be affecting you, and powerful strategies to break free from them and start embracing a growth-focused mindset.

 

What Are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are assumptions or ideas we hold about ourselves and our potential. These beliefs shape our perception of what’s possible, and they often aren’t even based on actual experiences. Instead, they come from what we’ve internalized from society, family, or past experiences. According to a study by the National Science Foundation, about 80% of our thoughts are negative. So, it’s not surprising that many of us have self-limiting beliefs that keep us from achieving our true potential.

Quote: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” - Henry Ford

Examples of Limiting Beliefs:

• “I’m not good enough.”
• “People like me don’t succeed.”
• “I can’t handle rejection.”
• “I’ll never be able to make a lasting change.”

 

Where Do Limiting Beliefs Come From?

These beliefs often start early. A parent’s well-meaning advice, a teacher’s casual criticism, or a moment of failure can all plant seeds of self-doubt. Limiting beliefs can also be reinforced by social norms or cultural expectations. For example, if society constantly tells women that they have to ‘choose’ between a career and a family, it’s easy to internalize the belief that they can’t successfully have both. These subtle messages create a mental framework that can be very hard to escape.

Stat: According to a survey by Dove, only 4% of women globally consider themselves beautiful. Imagine the impact of such a limiting belief on self-worth and confidence.

 

Common Limiting Beliefs and Their Impact

Let’s take a look at some of the most common limiting beliefs. See if any of these resonate with you:

1. “I’m not talented/smart/experienced enough.”
   • This belief creates a fixed mindset, which makes it harder to take on new challenges. Studies show that people with a fixed mindset are more likely to give up in the face of obstacles.

1. “I don’t have enough time/money/resources.”

• This belief keeps us from even trying. We assume that success requires the ‘perfect conditions,’ which often aren’t realistic.

1. “I’ve always been this way.”

• This belief can be incredibly disempowering. Believing that change is impossible keeps you from ever stepping out of your comfort zone.

1. “I’ll fail, so why even try?”

• Fear of failure is one of the most paralyzing limiting beliefs. However, research shows that failure is an essential part of growth—people who fail frequently tend to develop more resilience and achieve long-term success.

 

Shifting from Limiting Beliefs to a Growth-Focused Mindset

Now that we know what limiting beliefs are, let’s talk about how to overcome them. Here are some steps that can help you shift from a limiting mindset to a growth-focused one.

1. Awareness and Recognition
   • Start by identifying your limiting beliefs. Try journaling to pinpoint recurring negative thoughts. Ask yourself: ‘What stories do I tell myself about my abilities and potential?’
   • Recognizing these thoughts is half the battle. Once you’re aware, you can challenge them instead of accepting them as facts.

1. Question Your Beliefs

• Take one limiting belief and ask yourself: ‘Is this really true?’ For example, if you believe “I’m not good at speaking in public,” ask if there’s any evidence supporting that belief.
• Think of counterexamples where you succeeded or improved over time. This process of ‘debunking’ helps you see your beliefs in a new light.

Quote: “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” - Vincent Van Gogh

1. Replace Negative Beliefs with Positive Ones

• After challenging a limiting belief, replace it with an empowering one. Instead of “I’m not good enough,” try, “I’m a work in progress, and I’m improving every day.” Psychologists call this “cognitive restructuring,” and it’s a proven way to rewire the brain for a growth mindset.

1. Visualization and Affirmations

• Studies have shown that visualization can improve motivation, coordination, and even actual performance. Visualize yourself succeeding and embodying the growth-focused mindset you want.
• Affirmations can also help. For instance, saying “I am capable of change, and I welcome challenges” daily can reshape how you think about yourself over time.

1. Surround Yourself with Positivity

• Surrounding yourself with supportive people can significantly impact your mindset. If possible, seek out friends, mentors, or a coach who can encourage you to stay on the growth-focused path. According to research by social psychologist Dr. David McClelland, the people you spend the most time with can significantly influence your mindset and behaviors.

1. Take Small, Consistent Action

• The best way to break a limiting belief is through action. Start with small, manageable steps that challenge your belief. If you think you’re “not athletic,” start with a short workout every day, and gradually increase your activity. Small wins will reinforce the belief that change is possible.

 

 Real-Life Examples and Success Stories

Let me share a quick story. One of my clients came to me believing she could never stick to a workout routine because she ‘never had before.’ She’d tried everything, but her belief that she was ‘inconsistent’ kept sabotaging her. We worked together to reframe that belief, focusing on small, achievable wins. Today, she’s not only consistent with her fitness routine, but she’s also taken that new sense of resilience into other areas of her life.

 

The Power of Breaking Free

So, here’s the takeaway: Limiting beliefs might feel like facts, but they’re simply stories we’ve told ourselves for too long. By identifying, questioning, and reframing them, we open ourselves up to a world of possibility. Imagine what your life could look like if you truly believed that you were capable of anything you set your mind to.