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READ TIME: 3 MINUTES

The stories we tell ourselves shape our actions and decisions. Some inspire us to grow, while others quietly hold us back. These are called limiting beliefs, and they’re often rooted in fear or past experiences. The good news? You don’t have to be stuck in that mindset. With awareness and action, you can overcome them, break free, and thrive.

Here’s how to identify and overcome limiting beliefs so you can thrive in every area of life.

What Are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are thoughts that convince you something isn’t possible. They sound like:

• “I’m not good enough for that promotion.”
• “I’ll never be able to start my own business.”
• “I can’t speak in front of people—I’m too nervous.”

These beliefs act as invisible barriers, keeping you in your comfort zone and preventing you from pursuing opportunities.

3 Steps to Break Free

1. Identify the Belief
The first step to overcoming limiting beliefs is recognizing them. Pay attention to negative self-talk or moments when you feel stuck. Ask yourself:

• What is holding me back?
• Where did this belief come from?

Once you name the belief, it’s easier to challenge it.

2. Reframe the Thought
Limiting beliefs thrive on “can’t.” Turn the narrative around with empowering language.

• Instead of: “I’m terrible at public speaking.”
• Try: “I can improve my public speaking skills with practice.”

Reframing shifts your focus from obstacles to possibilities. Go a step further and try, “I will improve my public speaking skills with practice.” Another example of reframing a thought of “I’m not good enough” into “I bring unique strengths to the table.”

3. Take Action
Small, intentional steps can chip away at even the most deeply held beliefs. For example:

• Afraid of networking? Start by reaching out to one new contact on LinkedIn. People love connections. We’re human, after all.
• Doubting your skills? Take a course to build confidence.

Fear thrives in inaction. Small, deliberate steps prove that the belief is false and create momentum for change. Take action to prove the limiting belief simply isn’t true. 

The Ripple Effect of Letting Go

When you overcome limiting beliefs, you remove obstacles, open the door to growth, confidence, and opportunity. But there’s a hidden force that often keeps us clinging to those beliefs, even when they no longer serve us. Steven Pressfield, in his work on creativity and self-mastery, names this force Resistance.

Resistance is subtle yet powerful. It shows up as procrastination, self-doubt, or fear of failure. It tells us we’re not ready, not good enough, or not capable. But as Pressfield puts it, “Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure. It will falsify; it will seduce you.” Letting go of limiting beliefs means confronting this inner enemy head-on—and choosing not to let it win.

Imagine no longer doubting yourself when pursuing a dream or making a big decision. Each small step builds momentum, leading to transformation over time.

Take the First Step

What belief is holding you back right now? Identify it, reframe it, and take one intentional step today to overcome it. Change begins with awareness and a willingness to try.

I’d love to hear your progress. Share your story with me—I’m here to celebrate your wins and support your journey toward thriving.

For more on personal growth, check out The Emotional Intelligence Advantage.