What’s Really Holding You Back? The Truth About Limiting Beliefs

Limiting beliefs are the silent barriers that shape our lives, often without us even realising it. Have you ever felt stuck in life, like no matter how hard you try, something invisible is holding you back? That “something” could be your own limiting beliefs—deeply ingrained thoughts that shape your reality, often without you even realising it. Most of us carry these beliefs from childhood or past experiences, and they quietly dictate our decisions, our confidence, and ultimately, the life we create. But here’s the truth: limiting beliefs are not facts. They are stories we’ve been told or conclusions we’ve drawn that no longer serve us. The good news? You have the power to rewire your mind and break free from these limitations.

Limiting beliefs are subconscious thoughts or assumptions that tell us what we can and cannot do, be, or have. They act as invisible barriers, shaping our actions and dictating our perceived reality. These beliefs are often rooted in childhood experiences, cultural expectations, or past failures. Over time, they become ingrained as ‘truths,’ even though they are simply conditioned thoughts.

For example, if you were constantly told as a child that money is hard to come by, you might grow up believing that financial success is out of reach, no matter how hard you work. If you experienced rejection early in life, you might internalise the belief that you are not lovable, leading to patterns of self-sabotage in relationships.

Some common limiting beliefs include:

This belief can make you doubt your worth, hold back from pursuing your dreams, and settle for less than you deserve.”

If you believe financial success is only for the lucky or privileged, you may unknowingly block yourself from opportunities to create wealth.

This belief can lead to unhealthy relationships, emotional walls, and difficulty receiving love.

If you see success as something reserved for others, you may hesitate to take risks or step into your power.

The problem with limiting beliefs is that they become self-fulfilling prophecies. When you believe something to be true, your thoughts, emotions, and actions align with that belief—reinforcing it over and over again.

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), a powerful psychological approach, explains that our thoughts create our emotions, which in turn shape our behaviours and actions. If we believe something is impossible, we act accordingly, often without realising it. For example, if you believe you are not smart enough to start your own business, you won’t take the necessary steps to make it happen. Instead, you may procrastinate, downplay your abilities, or talk yourself out of taking action— ultimately proving yourself ‘right.’

REBT teaches us that these limiting beliefs are not fixed. By identifying and challenging them, we can shift our thinking patterns and create new, empowering beliefs. This process, known as cognitive restructuring, helps rewire the brain, breaking old cycles and opening the door to new possibilities.

Limiting beliefs don’t just hold you back mentally—they impact every aspect of your life, from your relationships to your career, to your overall energy and vibration. Here’s how:

When you believe you’re unworthy, you settle for relationships, j If you carry the belief that you are not good enough, you will unconsciously settle for less in life. This could mean staying in unfulfilling relationships, accepting jobs that don’t align with your passions, or constantly seeking validation from others. Self-love is the antidote to limiting beliefs because when you truly believe in your worth, you stop accepting less than you deserve.

Thoughts carry energy, and limiting beliefs operate at a low vibrational frequency. When you live in fear, self-doubt, or scarcity, you attract experiences that match that frequency. On the other hand, when you shift your beliefs to align with abundance, confidence, and love, your entire reality begins to change. High-vibe thoughts create expansion, opportunities, and magnetism.

Many people live their lives trying to meet external expectations, fearing judgment, or believing they must conform to be accepted. If you believe you must always put others first to be loved, you may lose sight of your true self. Recognising and releasing these beliefs allows you to step into your authenticity and reclaim your power.

Transforming limiting beliefs requires awareness, intentionality, and practice. Here’s how you can begin the process:

• Identify the Limiting Belief – Pay attention to your self-talk and notice recurring thoughts that hold you back. When faced with a challenge, ask yourself: “What am I telling myself about this situation?”
• Challenge It – Once you identify a limiting belief, question its validity. Where did it come from? Is it objectively true, or is it simply a perspective you’ve adopted over time? Often, these beliefs have no real foundation beyond past conditioning.
• Rewrite It – Replace the limiting belief with a new, empowering one. For example, if you’ve been telling yourself, “I’m not worthy of success,” reframe it to “I am fully capable and deserving of success in all areas of my life.”
• Feel It – Words alone won’t shift your beliefs—you need to embody the energy of your new thought. Visualise yourself living with this belief and feel the emotions it brings. The more you immerse yourself in this new reality, the more your subconscious mind accepts it as truth.
• Reinforce It – Take aligned action. If you believe you are worthy of love, show yourself love through self-care and healthy boundaries. If you believe you are capable of financial success, start making empowered choices around money. Action solidifies belief.
• Seek Support – Coaches and psychologists can help you uncover and shift deeply ingrained limiting beliefs. Sometimes, an outside perspective is needed to recognise patterns and guide your transformation process.

Your mind is incredibly powerful, and you are not bound by the stories it has been telling you. The moment you begin questioning your limiting beliefs, you take the first step toward freedom. You deserve to live a life of abundance, joy, and self-trust. If you’re ready to rewrite your inner narrative and raise your vibration, let’s work together. Set up a free discovery call today.