Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Rewriting the Stories Holding You Back
If you’ve ever felt stuck, like no matter how much effort you put in, you just can’t seem to move forward, you’re not alone.
For so many women, the root of feeling "stuck"
isn’t a lack of ability or opportunity—
it’s the limiting beliefs we carry around like invisible baggage.
These beliefs whisper things like You’re not good enough, You’ll never figure it out, or This isn’t for someone like you.
But the truth is... Those beliefs? They’re just stories. And the best part about stories? You have the power to rewrite them.
What Are Limiting Beliefs?
Limiting beliefs are those little lies we tell ourselves that keep us playing small. They’re often rooted in past experiences, cultural conditioning, or things we’ve heard from others that we’ve accepted as fact.
Over time, these beliefs become a part of our inner dialogue, shaping the way we see ourselves
and what we think is possible.
Some examples would be:
- I’m not smart enough to run a business.
- Success is for other people, not me.
- If I fail, everyone will think I’m a fraud.
- I’m too old/young to start something new.
Sound familiar? These thoughts can be sneaky, but they’re powerful—and not in a good way.
How Limiting Beliefs Hold You Back
Limiting beliefs create mental barriers that prevent you from taking risks, pursuing goals, and showing up as your most authentic self. When you believe something isn’t possible for you, your actions align with that belief—which means you don’t take the steps necessary to prove it wrong.
For example, if you believe you’re not "good with money," you might avoid creating a budget or investing in your business. If you believe you’re "not creative," you’ll hesitate to share your ideas. These beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies, keeping you in the same place year after year.
But there's Good News...
Because Your Beliefs Can Change!
Your beliefs aren’t set in stone. They’re habits of thought, and just like any habit, they can be broken and replaced with something better.
The first step to rewriting these stories is recognizing that they’re not facts—they’re just patterns.
The following 5 steps have been proven to help jump start the shed of the limiting beliefs that have been holding you back. Read them carefully and understand just how powerful they make you.
1. Identify the Belief:
Start by getting clear on the beliefs that are holding you back. Ask yourself:
- What’s a recurring thought or excuse that comes up when I think about my goals?
- Where did this belief come from? (A past experience? Someone else’s opinion?)
Write it down. Seeing it on paper can help you realize how much weight you’ve been giving to something that might not even be true.
2. Challenge the Belief:
Once you’ve identified a limiting belief, question it:
- Is this belief really true?
- What evidence do I have that proves it wrong?
- What would I tell a friend if they shared this belief with me?
Often, you’ll find that the belief falls apart under scrutiny.
3. Replace the Belief:
Replace the limiting belief with one that serves you. For example:
- Instead of I’m not good enough, try I’m learning and growing every day.
- Instead of Success is for other people, try I’m capable of creating my own success.
Affirm this new belief regularly—write it down, say it out loud, or create a visual reminder of it.
4. Take Aligned Action:
Beliefs change through action. Once you’ve identified and replaced a limiting belief, take a step that aligns with your new story. If you’re working on believing you’re capable of success, set a small, achievable goal and follow through. Each step builds confidence and reinforces your new belief.
5. Surround Yourself with Support:
Limiting beliefs often thrive in isolation. Share your goals and new beliefs with supportive people who will cheer you on and remind you of your potential. Positive influences can make a world of difference.
Go Ahead and Rewrite Your Story, Friend!
Imagine what your life could look like if you stopped letting those old stories hold you back. What if you let go of I can’t and replaced it with I can’t wait to see what happens when I try? What if you gave yourself permission to dream bigger, take bold action, and trust in your ability to figure it out?
Your story isn’t over.
The next chapter is waiting to be written, and you hold the pen. Let this be the year you stop settling for less and start rewriting the beliefs that have been keeping you from the life you deserve. Because you’re not just capable of more—you’re worthy of it.
