Limiting Beliefs

Limiting beliefs are the thoughts and assumptions we hold about ourselves and the world that restrict our potential. These beliefs are often subconscious and deeply ingrained, shaping how we perceive ourselves, our relationships, and our abilities.

The problem? Many of them aren’t true they were either learned from past experiences or fear-based thinking.

A limiting belief is any thought pattern that holds you back from achieving what you desire. These beliefs often start with phrases like: “I’m not good enough.” “I don’t deserve happiness.” “I’ll never be successful.”

“Love is hard to find.”

These statements feel real because they have been reinforced over time, through past experiences, societal expectations, or even things we were told as children. But just because you believe something doesn’t mean it’s true. These thoughts and assumptions are come overnight, they are programmed over time. 

Childhood Conditioning

Many of our core beliefs come from childhood. If you were often criticised, you might believe you’re not good enough. If you were praised only for achievements, you might believe your worth is tied to success.

Example: If a parent constantly compared you to others, you might have internalized the belief that you are never enough.

Society & Cultural Expectations

We are bombarded with messages from social media, schools, and workplaces about how we should be, what we should wear etc, These can shape beliefs that limit our confidence.

Example: If society tells you that success means working long hours, you might feel guilty about resting or prioritising self care.

Past Painful Experiences

Failure, rejection, or heartbreak can lead to generalisations that become limiting beliefs. If one relationship ended badly, you might assume "I’m unlovable." If you failed a project at work, you might conclude "I’m not smart enough to succeed."

Example: Someone who was laughed at when speaking in public might believe they are “bad at communication,” even if they’ve never tried again. 

Fear of Change

Even when limiting beliefs hold us back, they feel safe because they’re familiar. Change can feel uncomfortable, so the mind clings to old patterns.

Example: If you believe, "I’m not meant to be successful," you might unconsciously avoid opportunities that could prove otherwise.

How Limiting Beliefs Impact Your Life

When you accept a limiting belief is truth, it influences:

Your self Worth Feeling like you’re not enough leads to self-doubt.

Your Decisions Avoiding opportunities because you believe you’ll fail.

Your Relationships Settling for toxic or unfulfilling connections.

Your Personal Growth Staying in your comfort zone out of fear

Example: Sarah, a high achieving professional, avoids leadership roles because she believes she’s "not a natural leader." Over time, she misses promotions, reinforcing her belief. But in reality, she’s never truly tested her leadership skills her belief is based on past fear, not fact.

How to Identify Your Limiting Beliefs

Before you can change a belief, you have to recognise it. Here’s a simple process to uncover your hidden limiting beliefs:

Step 1: Look at Your Patterns

• Where do you feel stuck in life?
• What goals do you avoid?
• Are there certain situations that trigger self-doubt?

Write down areas where you feel resistance.

Step 2: Listen to Your Self Talk

• What do you tell yourself when facing challenges?
• Are there recurring negative statements?
• Do you label yourself in fixed ways (e.g., “I’m just not good at relationships”)?

These statements often reveal limiting beliefs.

Step 3: Trace It Back to Its Origin

• When did you first start believing this?
• Was it something someone told you?
• Is there real evidence supporting this belief, or is it based on fear?

Often, limiting beliefs come from past one time experiences that we generalise as absolute truth.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Now that you’ve identified your limiting beliefs, it’s time to rewrite the story and here's how:

Challenge the Belief

Ask yourself:

• Is this belief an absolute fact?
• Has there ever been a time where the opposite was true?
• What evidence contradicts this belief?

Often, you’ll realise that the belief is not as true as you thought.

Replace It with an Empowering Truth

Turn your limiting belief into a positive, growth-oriented belief.

Examples:

“I’m not good enough.” → “I am capable of growth and learning.”

“I always fail.” → “Every setback teaches me something valuable.”

“I don’t deserve love.” → “I am worthy of love and connection.”

Write down your new empowering belief and repeat it daily.

Take Small Actions to Reinforce the New Belief

• If you believe “I’m not a good communicator,” challenge yourself to speak up more.
• If you think “I can’t handle change,” start making small changes to prove yourself wrong.

Every time you act against your limiting belief, you weaken its power.

Key Takeaways

• Limiting beliefs are subconscious thoughts that hold you back, but they are not facts.
• These beliefs come from childhood, society, past experiences, or fear and shape your self worth, decisions, and growth.
• You can challenge and replace limiting beliefs by questioning them, reframing them into empowering truths, and taking small actions to prove them wrong.

Learning Activity: Rewriting Your Beliefs

• Identify One Limiting Belief:
  • Write down one belief that has held you back (e.g., “I’m not good enough”)

• Challenge It:
  • Ask yourself: “Is this an absolute fact?”
  • Find at least one piece of evidence that contradicts the belief.

• Reframe It:
  • Write a new empowering belief (e.g., “I am capable and learning every day”).
  • Repeat this belief daily as an affirmation.