Are Self-Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back from Success?

Even though I’ve been in this business full-time since August 1996, I still deal with issues from time to time. You’d think I’d have it all figured out by now, right? But every so often, old patterns from my childhood pop up, and I need to pause and reassess.

But it’s not just me, and I’m sure it’s not just you. Let’s explore how these self-limiting beliefs affect others too and what we can do about it. Sound good?

Meet Nina: Overcoming the Voice of Doubt

Let me introduce you to my friend Nina. She’s been working as a virtual assistant for two years, successfully managing a steady roster of clients from home. But recently, she’s felt a pull toward something more. Nina dreams of launching her own product line, creating something that’s truly hers—a venture that could bring in steady income and allow her to spend more time with her family.

Nina has done her research. She knows her community well and has identified exactly what they need. But just as she’s about to take that leap, that familiar voice creeps in: “Where do I even start? Who am I to teach anyone? I need more training, more courses, more experience.” And just like that, Nina hits the brakes. She convinces herself, “I’ll just master one more thing before I start.”

Sound familiar? It did to me because that was me some 30 years ago.

A Life You Love Is Waiting

Maybe you’re like Nina. You’ve got the spark, the drive to create something new—whether it’s launching a podcast, writing a book, or introducing a new product. But just as you’re about to take the plunge, that nagging voice plants seeds of doubt, urging you to play it safe and stick with what you know.

But what if you could quiet that voice? What if you could step forward with confidence, ready to build not just a business, but a life you truly love? Imagine facing every challenge with courage, knowing you’re capable of more than you ever thought possible.

You Have What It Takes

Here’s the truth: You already have everything you need to reach your goals. But those self-limiting beliefs? They’re holding you back. They convince you to settle for less, to delay publishing that book, to hesitate in investing in a coach who could propel you forward. Why? Because deep down, you’re telling yourself, “I’m not ready. I’m not enough.”

It’s time to stop playing small. Self-sabotage is like a shadow, whispering all the reasons why you can’t, shouldn’t, or won’t succeed. But you can step into the light, face those fears, and take back your power. You have the potential to create a business that not only sustains you but also fulfills you. Don’t let fear keep you from the life you deserve.

Journal Your Thoughts

1. Create a bucket list of 10 things you want to accomplish in the next year. Don’t hold back—dream big.
2. Identify obstacles. Write down what might keep you from achieving these goals. Be honest with yourself.
3. Analyze your thoughts. Are any of these reasons really just self-limiting beliefs? How are these beliefs keeping you from reaching your full potential?

How to Recognize Self-Limiting Beliefs

Take Sheila, for example. Sheila is a successful work-from-home bookkeeper with a roster of high-paying clients. But she has bigger dreams—she wants to expand her business and become known as an industry expert. She even envisions starting a podcast and has the first few episodes planned out. But when she starts looking into how to launch, she hesitates. “I’m not good with technology,” she tells herself, and just like that, she shelves the idea.

Sheila doesn’t realize it, but she’s just fallen victim to a self-limiting belief, one that’s holding her back from something incredible.

Self-Limiting Beliefs Keep You Small

These beliefs are always negative. They’re the voice in your head listing all the reasons you won’t succeed: “Who are you to do this? No one cares what you have to say. You’re not smart enough. Everyone will laugh at you.”

They might seem like they’re protecting you from failure, but in reality, they’re doing the opposite. They keep you from even trying, so you never risk failure—but you also never risk success.

Self-Limiting Beliefs Trap You in a Scarcity Mindset

Often, self-limiting beliefs create a scarcity mindset. It’s not just about money—it’s about how you see the world and your place in it. You might think, “There’s only so much success to go around. My audience is too small. My competitors are driving down prices, so I can’t charge what I’m worth.”

This kind of thinking keeps you defensive, seeing others as threats instead of potential collaborators. It makes your world small and your dreams even smaller.

Self-Limiting Beliefs Paint You as a Victim

These beliefs often make you feel like a victim of circumstance: “Success isn’t in my genes. No matter how hard I try, I’m destined to fail. It doesn’t matter what I do, I’ll never succeed.”

These thoughts are chains, holding you in place and convincing you that your efforts are pointless. But here’s the truth—these beliefs are lies. The longer you hold onto them, the longer you’ll stay stuck in a life that doesn’t fulfill you.

Journal Your Thoughts

1. Reflect on your mindset. What are some ways you might be holding onto a scarcity mindset?
2. Identify self-limiting beliefs. What beliefs make you feel like a victim of your circumstances?
3. Explore your defenses. Negative thoughts often serve as a defense mechanism. What are you trying to protect yourself from?

Where Do Self-Limiting Beliefs Come From?

Our minds are like a constant playlist, looping through the same thoughts every day. Maybe you catch yourself thinking, “I’m too inexperienced to do this. My podcast will flop. I can’t write compelling copy like those other entrepreneurs. I’m not successful enough to be taken seriously.”

If these thoughts sound familiar, you’re not alone. But the empowering part is, you don’t have to accept these thoughts as truth. You’re in control of your mindset. Once you understand how these beliefs develop, you can begin to rewrite your mental soundtrack.

Unkind Remarks Can Become Self-Limiting Beliefs

Sometimes, these beliefs stem from what others have said. Maybe a teacher told you that you weren’t a good writer, or a parent called you lazy, or a friend, out of jealousy, belittled your achievements.

Too often, we accept these remarks without questioning them. But they’re not true, and they don’t define you. It’s time to let go of these unkind words—they don’t serve you.

Self-Doubt Can Lead to Self-Limiting Beliefs

We all experience self-doubt. Maybe you weren’t chosen for a project, and you took it as a sign that your work wasn’t good enough. Maybe you applied to be a speaker at a conference and didn’t get picked, leading you to believe you’re not cut out for it.

Remember, other people’s decisions aren’t a reflection of your worth or abilities. Sometimes, it’s just not your time yet.

Your Perception of Others Can Cause Self-Limiting Beliefs

Picture this: You’re at a networking event and spot someone you admire. You decide to introduce yourself, but as you approach, they turn away. Immediately, you think, “They don’t want to talk to me. I must be boring. Maybe they can tell I don’t belong here.”

This perception keeps you from making that connection, and you miss out on building a valuable relationship.

The next time you hear that negative voice, pause and ask yourself, “Is this really true, or is it just a belief I’ve been carrying for too long?”

Journal Your Thoughts

1. Explore your past. What are three self-limiting beliefs from childhood that you’re still holding onto?
2. Understand the origins. Take the time to examine each belief. When did you first hear it? Who said it, and why did you accept it as truth?
3. Challenge one belief. Pick one self-limiting belief from question #1. What would your life look like if you let that belief go? What could you achieve?

Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs to Grow Your Business

Let me tell you about Sarah. Sarah spent years as a web designer, crafting beautiful websites for small businesses. But then, her clients started asking for more—they wanted branding advice. Sarah noticed the shift but hesitated. She didn’t see herself as a branding expert and didn’t feel as polished as others in the field.

But one day, she decided to give it a try. Slowly, Sarah began to pivot her business. Within a year, she had transformed from a web designer into a brand consultant, and her business flourished. Her clients loved the new direction, and Sarah felt more fulfilled than ever.

Maybe you’re where Sarah was a year ago, standing at a crossroads. You have a vision for your business, but to move forward, you need to confront some deep-seated beliefs. Beliefs like, “I need to work long hours to succeed,” or “I’m not polished enough to compete with the big names in my industry.”

But here’s the truth—those beliefs are just stories you’ve been telling yourself. And the good news is, you have the power to rewrite them.

Take Responsibility

Your self-limiting beliefs might feel like a safety