Limiting Beliefs
What are Limiting Beliefs?
Limiting beliefs are false, often negative thoughts and assumptions that we hold about ourselves and others. These beliefs act almost like invisible barriers that hold us back in ways that we often don’t even realize.
Limiting beliefs shape our actions, decisions, and our sense of possibility. They tell us what we can and cannot do, who we can and cannot become. Ultimately, they prevent us from reaching our full potential because they stop us from pursuing our goals and dreams.
Examples of Limiting Beliefs
Big Life Limiting Beliefs
These are the beliefs that hold us back from pursuing major goals and ambitions. They sound like:
“I could never be the CEO of a company.”
“I’m not smart enough to start my own business.”
“People like me don’t succeed at that level.”
These beliefs alter the trajectory of our lives. By not challenging them, we settle for less than we truly want or are capable of achieving.
Everyday Limiting Beliefs
These beliefs might seem trivial, but they diminish our experiences and enjoyment of life. They sounds like:
“I can’t dance.”
“I’m not creative.”
“I’ll never be good at public speaking.”
These types of beliefs may not derail our lives, but they prevent us from stepping into new experiences, from trying something that could bring joy, connection, or growth. As these limiting beliefs add up and snowball, they too contribute to living a smaller, more constrained life.
Limiting Beliefs About Life
These are the sort of limiting beliefs that make you feel like you (and others) can’t do something because it’s too difficult or impossible.
Terry Fox is the ultimate example of shattering limiting beliefs about life. After losing his leg to cancer at just 18 years old, it would have been easy, understandable even, for him to accept that his physical abilities were permanently diminished. But instead, he chose to redefine what was possible. With his Marathon of Hope, Terry set out to run across Canada, proving that obstacles are not limitations- they’re just challenges to overcome.
Amazingly, Terry ran the distance of a marathon every single day on a prosthetic leg! As I write this, I’m reflecting on my own limiting beliefs about whether I could ever run a marathon. Then I think about Terry Fox who ran over 5,000 kilometers covered in just 143 days.
Terry's story is a powerful reminder that limiting beliefs aren’t facts- they’re choices. He chose courage, purpose, and relentless action, inspiring millions to see their own potential. His determination didn’t just change lives- it also profoundly shaped how people with disabilities (like the boy pictured above) view their own abilities and what is possible.
A bit of Nuance: When Limiting Beliefs Serve Us
Not all limiting beliefs are inherently harmful. Sometimes, they serve as guardrails, helping us navigate life in a way that aligns with our values or keeps us safe.
For example, I have a strong limiting belief about drug use. Yes, technically, “Drugs will ruin my life” is a limiting belief. Clearly, Grade 8 health class was very effective. That’s a limiting belief that I’m perfectly okay with. In this case, the belief serves as a protective boundary rather than a restrictive barrier.
The key is to discern between beliefs that keep us aligned with our values and those that unnecessarily constrain us.
How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs?
1. Identify Your Limiting Beliefs
Identifying limiting beliefs is the first and most critical step to overcoming them. These beliefs often operate below the surface, influencing our actions and decisions without us even realizing it. By bringing them into our conscious awareness, we can begin to overcome them.
Reflect on Where You Feel Stuck
Start by examining the areas of your life or work where you feel like you're hitting a wall. These might be situations where you:
Avoid taking risks
Procrastinate on big goals
Feel frustrated because of lack of progress
Say “I can’t do that” or “I could only do x if y”
Some great areas to explore are relationships, career, finances, fitness/health, or personal growth.
Write Them Down
Putting your limiting beliefs on paper helps you see them clearly for what they are- limiting thoughts, not truths. For example:
“I’m not good enough to close that deal.”
“I don’t have the experience to be a Sales Manager.”
“I could only hit those numbers after years of being in sales.”
2. Bring them to Thinking Thursday to discuss
Additional Resources
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