5 Steps to Break Free From Limiting Beliefs
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen this happen—first with myself, and later with clients and friends. You get a spark of an idea. Something that excites you. You start mapping it out, maybe even take a few small steps. And then that quiet voice shows up: Who do you think you are to try this? It doesn’t shout, but it’s persistent. Before you know it, that idea you were excited about gets shelved or maybe even fades away entirely. Not because it wasn’t good. Not because you weren’t ready. But because of a belief that you never stopped to question.
If this sounds familiar, it might not be because you’re missing something. It might be because you’re believing something that isn’t true. Here are five steps to help you start shifting those beliefs and move toward what’s possible.
1. Identify the belief that’s holding you back
Start by listening to the story you tell yourself when you hit resistance. Maybe it’s that I’m not smart enough, it’s too late for me, I always mess things up, or People like me don’t do things like that. These beliefs often show up as quiet background thoughts that feel like facts. The first step is to catch them.
Try This: Write down the limiting belief that surfaces most often. Then say it out loud. Hearing it in your own voice can create enough distance to recognize it as a story—not a truth. Ask yourself: Did I choose this belief, or did I inherit it? That awareness alone is powerful.
2. Ask where it came from — and if it’s still true
Many limiting beliefs were formed early, sometimes before we even had the tools to question them. Maybe someone told you that you weren’t talented, or you failed once and decided you’d never try again. These moments leave a mark, especially if no one helped us process them. The problem is, we often carry those beliefs long after the circumstances have changed.
Try This: Journal the answers to these three questions: Where did this belief come from? Was it ever true? Is it still true now? Let your answers be honest. You might find the belief was never fully true—or that it no longer fits who you are today.
3. Gather new evidence
Our minds love to be right. When we believe something—even something limiting-we tend to look for proof that supports it. That’s why it’s so important to go looking for new evidence. If you believe you’re not creative, find one small example where you were. If you believe you can’t speak in public, remember the last time you did — even if it was just a short toast.
Try This: Start a “proof file.” Every time you do something that challenges your limiting belief, write it down—no matter how small. One bold conversation, one creative idea, one risk you took. Let that growing list remind you that the old story isn’t the only one.
4. Replace the belief with something more empowering
It’s not enough to tear down the old belief. You need something new to put in its place. Choose a belief that feels supportive, realistic, and just slightly stretchy. For example, replace I always fail with I’m learning and improving every time I try. Replace It’s too late with I can start now and still make something meaningful.
Try This: Craft one new belief that feels supportive and a bit of a reach. For example, change “I always fail” to “I’m getting better each time I try.” Repeat it often—write it on sticky notes, say it in the mirror, make it your phone background. Repetition rewires.
5. Take one step in the direction of the new belief
The fastest way to challenge a limiting belief is to act against it. If the belief is I’m not good at connecting with people, reach out to someone. If it’s I could never lead, volunteer to guide a small project. You don’t need to feel fully confident yet. You just need to be willing to take a small action in alignment with the belief you want to build.
Try This: Pick one small step that aligns with your new belief. Send the email. Share the idea. Apply for the thing. Let your actions be the evidence. Confidence isn’t required to begin—it’s the reward for beginning.
Your beliefs shape your actions, and your actions shape your life. You don’t have to keep living by stories that limit you. You can question them, rewrite them, and slowly replace them with something truer. Start with one belief today. Get curious, not critical. Then choose to believe something more empowering. Because the truth is, you’re more capable than you’ve been led to believe. And it’s time to find out just how far you can go.