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The Lies We Tell Ourselves: Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs

Priya Jaswal

Self-limiting beliefs


Recently, I was having a chat with a friend and told them that I missed doing gymnastics. It was a huge part of my early teen years, and I had to quit due to external factors. I was shocked when my friend responded with, “Why don’t you just start doing it again?” My immediate reaction was astonishment, followed by defensiveness. Automatically, my brain came up with reasons why I couldn’t—“I’m too old! No one would offer adult lessons. It would be weird.” After much thought and back-and-forth with my friend, I realized that these beliefs, which I had held for years, had no real evidence behind them. They simply weren’t true. Not too long after, I signed up for my first gymnastics class—eight years after I had last done the sport. That single realization transformed my perspective and reignited a passion I thought was out of reach. This is why I want to share information about limiting beliefs with you all because breaking free from them can transform your life too.


What are self-limiting beliefs?


A self-limiting belief is a thought or assumption about ourselves that restricts what we think we can achieve. These beliefs often stem from past experiences, societal expectations, or fears of failure. For example, statements like:

  • “I’m not experienced enough to do this.”

  • “I don’t have enough time.”

  • “I’m too old for this.”

...are common limiting beliefs that influence how we approach challenges. These thoughts might feel true in the moment, but more often than not, they’re just mental roadblocks, not facts.


The link between imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs


Imposter syndrome is the pervasive feeling that you’re a fraud despite evidence of your competence. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not qualified enough” or “I’m not as capable as others,” you’re not alone. These narratives come from comparing ourselves to unrealistic standards or focusing on our perceived shortcomings rather than our strengths.


What causes limiting beliefs?


Limiting beliefs often develop over time, shaped by personal experiences, societal expectations, and internal fears. Past experiences, particularly failures or setbacks, can leave us doubting our abilities and hesitant to try again. For instance, if you’ve faced criticism or rejection, you might internalize those moments as proof that you’re not capable, even when that’s far from the truth.


Negative self-talk also plays a significant role in reinforcing these beliefs. That inner critic we all have can be relentless, amplifying doubts and silencing our confidence. This self-talk often feeds on societal pressures, which subtly or overtly dictate what you “should” achieve based on factors like age, gender, or qualifications. The fear of failure or judgment further compounds these beliefs, keeping many of us stuck in our comfort zones where the risk of discomfort feels lower than the reward of success.


How to overcome limiting beliefs


Breaking free from limiting beliefs is a process of challenging and reframing the stories we tell ourselves. The first step is to challenge the narrative. When a limiting belief arises, pause and ask yourself, “What evidence do I have to support this thought? Is this belief based on facts or assumptions?” Often, you’ll find these beliefs have little factual basis. For instance, if you think, “I’m not experienced enough,” reflect on your past accomplishments and the challenges you’ve overcome—chances are, you have more evidence of capability than you realize.

Changing your self-talk is another crucial step. Replacing negative inner dialogue with empowering statements can shift your mindset. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” try saying, “I’m learning and improving with time.” This subtle shift in narrative helps create a growth-oriented mindset, reinforcing the idea that challenges are opportunities rather than obstacles.

Seeking professional support, such as therapy, can also be transformative. A therapist can help you uncover the root causes of these beliefs and provide strategies to dismantle them. Through therapy, you can learn to challenge thought patterns, embrace healthier narratives, and build confidence. Finally, take small, consistent steps outside your comfort zone. Overcoming limiting beliefs doesn’t require massive leaps. Each small victory chips away at the barriers you’ve built, providing tangible evidence that you are capable of much more than you initially believed. These steps, though small, pave the way for sustained growth and self-belief.

Limiting beliefs don’t have to define your journey. At BoostHER, we’re committed to empowering women to rise above these barriers and embrace their full potential. Whether through mentorship, self-reflection, or building supportive networks, remember: you are more capable than you think.


I hope this can be your reminder to pause, challenge your thoughts, and rewrite the stories you tell yourself. Because growth starts with believing that you deserve every opportunity that comes your way.


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