We’ve all been there with self-limiting beliefs that keep us from our dreams, but there are definitely ways to break free so let’s explore the ways. That moment when you want to take a bold step forward—apply for that dream job, start that creative project, or even just speak up in a meeting—but something inside holds you back. You may or may not realized it, but that “something” is often a self-limiting belief, a deeply ingrained thought pattern that tells you why you can’t, shouldn’t, or won’t succeed.
As someone who has worked with countless people through personal transformation, I’ve noticed a pattern. There are certain limiting beliefs that show up again and again. And these mental blocks aren’t just occasional negative thoughts—they’re stories we tell ourselves so often that they become part of our identity.
So let’s shine a light on five of the most common self-limiting beliefs I see keeping brilliant, capable people playing small. More importantly, I’ll share practical ways to recognize and release these beliefs so you can finally move forward.
Table of Contents
1. “I’m not ready yet.”
This is a real sneaky one because it masquerades as wisdom. After all, we all know preparation is important. But when “I need to prepare more” just so happens to be your default response to every opportunity, it’s no longer about preparation—it becomes about avoidance.
The truth is, most of us never feel fully “ready” for big leaps. That’s normal. Growth happens in the stretch zone, not the comfort zone.
How to break free: Start by asking yourself, “What’s the minimum I need to know or have to get started?” Then take one small, imperfect step in that direction today. Remember that learning through action is often more valuable than endless preparation. The people you admire didn’t wait until they felt 100% ready—they started, stumbled, learned, and kept going. And so often we see successful people and we think they just landed there. No, not so – they went through trials, errors, failures, rejections, setbacks, but they kept going no matter what.
2. “Who am I to do this?”
Ah, the classic impostor syndrome. This belief will have you thinking you need special credentials, decades of experience, or some external validation to share your gifts with the world.
I see this especially in creative fields and when people are transitioning careers or stepping into leadership. That internal voice whispers, “You’re not qualified,” “Everyone will see right through you,” or “There are people so much better at this than you.”
How to break free: Recognize that your unique perspective is exactly what makes your contribution valuable. No one else has lived your exact life or has your particular combination of experiences and insights. Start collecting evidence of your capabilities—keep a folder of positive feedback, accomplishments, or moments when you helped someone. Instead of a to do list – start tracking your small wins. Review it whenever this belief comes up and tries to keep you from your dreams.
3. “It’s too late for me.”
This one starts hitting harder and harder as we reach certain age milestones or watch others achieving goals we’ve put aside. It tells us we’ve missed our window of opportunity.
But this is hardly true. History is evidence of all the “late bloomers” who found their calling or created their greatest work well past society’s arbitrary timelines. Julia Child published her first cookbook at 49. Vera Wang didn’t design her first dress until she was 40. Morgan Freeman didn’t get his big break until his 50s.
How to break free: Reframe your life story. Rather than seeing your past as “wasted time,” recognize how everything you’ve experienced has given you wisdom, resilience, and perspective that the younger you didn’t have. Then, focus on what you can control today. Ask yourself, “What’s one small step I can take right now toward what matters to me?” Time waits for no one. You’ll be 40, 50 and 60 before you know it. Might as well be chasing your dreams in the process.
4. “I don’t have enough resources/support/time.”
This belief focuses on what’s missing/the obstacles rather than what’s possible, there and tangible. While external limitations are certainly real, fixating on them often keeps us from figuring out creative solutions and tapping into available resources.
When we tell ourselves “I can’t afford it,” “I don’t have the connections,” or “I’m too busy,” we’re often protecting ourselves from taking risks rather than honestly assessing our situation.
How to break free: Practice resource-focused thinking instead of scarcity thinking. Ask: “What do I have that could help me move forward? Who in my network might offer guidance? How could I create time for what matters most?” Start noticing where you might be using “I don’t have” as an excuse rather than a reality. Often, taking the first step reveals resources you didn’t know were available.
5. “I’ve tried before and failed.”
Past disappointments can create powerful limiting beliefs about our future potential. When we’ve experienced setbacks, it’s natural to protect ourselves from future pain by lowering our expectations or giving up altogether.
But here’s what I’ve learned from both personal experience and working with clients: Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of success. Every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” Every “failure” teaches you something valuable. And don’t ever let your past dictate your future.
How to break free: Redefine your relationship with failure. Instead of seeing it as evidence of your limitations, view it as data that helps you refine your approach. Ask yourself: “What did this experience teach me? How can I apply that lesson going forward?” And remember that circumstances change. Just because something didn’t work before doesn’t mean it won’t work now, with different timing, resources, or knowledge.
The Path Forward
These self-limiting beliefs aren’t facts—they’re stories. Powerful stories, yes, but still just narratives that can be examined and rewritten.
The work of identifying and challenging these beliefs isn’t always comfortable. You might feel resistance or even grief as you let go of thought patterns that have been with you for years. That’s normal and actually a sign you’re doing important inner work.
Start by simply noticing when these beliefs arise. Bring them into the light without judgment. Then gently question them: “Is this absolutely true? What evidence do I have that challenges this belief? How would I approach this situation if I didn’t hold this belief?”
Remember that change happens in small steps, not overnight transformations. Each time you recognize a limiting belief and choose a different thought or action, you’re creating new neural pathways. You’re literally rewiring your brain for greater possibility.
What self-limiting belief has been holding you back? I’d love to hear in the comments below. And if you found this helpful, share it with someone who might need this reminder today.
For more inspiration listen in to this episode here on the Blossom Your Awesome podcast Ace Your Life with Dr. Michelle Maidenberg.
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