Personal life events, mental and physical wellness fluctuations—there are several factors in our environment that can stifle career and leadership growth. But sometimes, it’s not external elements getting in our way, rather internal obstacles. Limiting beliefs can be a major internal obstacle that self-sabotage success, whether you’re working on a new project or aiming for a promotion. In no way should you let guilt or worry drag you down about this—we’re human and we all encounter them. Continue reading to gather tips I’ve used through my own experiences and learn how to overcome limiting beliefs.
What Are Limiting Beliefs?
Limiting beliefs, or self-limiting beliefs, are any beliefs about yourself or your world perspective that stifle you. For example, at work, one might tell themselves: “I can’t manage this new client; I’m not a confident communicator.” Or: “I can’t apply for that role; I’m too young for leadership.”
These thoughts restrain you in your comfort zone and keep you from growing and trying new things. Everyone’s limiting beliefs differ, as they’re created from past experiences, upbringings, and embedded convictions we’ve built for ourselves.
Ironically, Limiting Beliefs Don’t Have Limits
Limiting beliefs can target anyone, no matter the age or background. I recently had my own bout of them throughout July and August as I was preparing a client keynote presentation. This situation is what inspired my last Your Brilliant Difference Podcast episode and this article. I’ve been in my own career for 20+ years, and I still encounter moments of doubt and feeling stuck. They aren’t one-and-done scenarios; they’ll try to challenge you with every new, unfamiliar action.
For the presentation, I’m working with a client I’m very familiar with, whom I’ve worked with in the past. But the past version of me who worked with them looks very different than who I’ve developed into now. I was feeling stuck and blocked with the content because I was trying to let who I was then rule the roost, instead of depending on the talents of capabilities who I am now. My limiting belief was: “Let this version of me take control. They know what to do and what the client will like.” Sure, but they don’t know how to manage the business I’ve built and curate material that will best help and transform attendees, honouring the Your Brilliant Difference™ framework.
There were 3 things I did that allowed me to recognize this and become unstuck.
How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs: 3 Tactics
Remember, it’s completely normal for limiting beliefs to pop up. Your brain is wired to keep you in your comfort zone. But whether you stay there or stretch beyond is up to you. If you want to face your doubts and fears, use these three tactics.
Tactic 1: Feeling Over Compartmentalization
When I encounter self-limiting beliefs, I tend to compartmentalize, ignoring them, just plowing through and getting the work done. I tried that with my recent presentation situation, and it didn’t work. So, here’s what I’d recommend for you: don’t ignore it, feel it. When you find yourself injecting self-limiting beliefs into your internal dialogue or reach a situation where you feel stuck, name all the feelings you’re experiencing. You can write them down on a piece of paper, an online document, or even just say them out loud. By acknowledging them, they no longer have power over you.
Tactic 2: Write It Out
More writing? I know! But it works. Once I outlined the emotions I was feeling, I sat down, cracked open my journal, and started answering why I was feeling this way. By reflecting, it allowed me to understand the cause of my stuck-ness and what was fueling my feelings. When you understand what’s fueling unwarranted feelings that are holding you back, you can flip to a growth mindset and think about the beliefs and feelings you need to propel you forward.
Tactic 3: Ensure Present You is Taking the Wheel
I touched upon this when revealing my story, but through journaling, I realized there wasn’t just me in the vehicle while working on this project—there were past versions of me who wanted to take over. Falling back into past versions of you won’t get you to where you want to be tomorrow. There’s a quote Kate Healy brought up in episode 163 of my podcast, and it went something along the lines of this:
“The skills you had 5 years ago will be irrelevant in 5 years.”
Yes, those skills got you to where you are today, but you continuously grow and develop them to fuel the success of your future.
The same can be said for the past versions of you. They’re a part of you and have been steppingstones to get you to the present, but they won’t build the success of your tomorrows.
Common Limiting Beliefs Flipped to Unlimiting Beliefs
Switch Your Limiting Beliefs to Unlimiting Beliefs
Now you know how to overcome limiting beliefs and apply tactics that will propel your career growth, not hinder it.
- Don’t compartmentalize—name and feel your emotions.
- Write it out and reflect.
- Understand the passengers in your vehicle.
Apart from those three tactics, when you hear a limiting belief in your mind, right away, counter it with an unlimiting belief. For examples and inspiration, refer to the graphic above.
For more tips, strategies, and stories like this to help you rise in your leadership and career, subscribe to my Find Your Brilliance Newsletter.
