Limiting Beliefs Are Like Bad Exes—It’s Time to Break Up
Dear Limiting Beliefs, It’s Not Me, It’s You
We all have that inner voice—the one that whispers things like “You can’t do that,” or “You’re not good enough.” These thoughts, known as limiting beliefs, often shape the decisions we make without us even realizing it.
Limiting beliefs are like bad exes: they cling to you, feed you lies about yourself, and stop you from moving forward. And just like a breakup, it’s time to let them go.
How Limiting Beliefs Hold Us Back
Our beliefs—especially the ones we repeat to ourselves—act as a filter for how we see the world. They influence the risks we take, the goals we set, and even how we view our self-worth.
For example, I grew up being told that I should be “seen and not heard.” As a precocious child who loved being part of adult conversations, I was often told this to keep the peace. But those words planted a seed in my mind: that my opinions didn’t matter.
Over time, that belief grew into a fear of speaking up. I avoided sharing my ideas, doubted the value of my voice, and held myself back in countless ways. It wasn’t until much later that I realized this belief wasn’t mine—it came from someone else’s need for quiet, not from any truth about me.
When I reframed it, everything shifted. I started to embrace my voice and saw the power in sharing my thoughts. That one mindset change unlocked so many opportunities I had been too afraid to pursue.
Reframe Your Beliefs: A Simple Exercise
If you’re feeling stuck, chances are a limiting belief is standing in your way. Here’s a quick exercise to help you uncover and reframe it:
1️⃣ Identify the Belief:
Think about a goal you’ve avoided or an area of your life where you feel stuck. What’s the thought holding you back? Write it down.
2️⃣ Consider Its Origin:
Where did this belief come from? Was it something someone said to you, an experience you had once, or a story you’ve told yourself?
3️⃣ Reframe It:
Rewrite the belief in a way that empowers you. For example:
Limiting Belief: “I’m not good at speaking up.”
Reframed Belief: “My voice is valuable, and I have important things to say.”
Say your new belief out loud. How does it feel? Write it on your bathroom mirror or somewhere you will see it every day. Say it aloud. I actually have mine set up in my phone to pop up as a reminder twice a day.
Why Reframing Matters
Limiting beliefs don’t just keep us from trying—they keep us from thriving. When you identify and reframe them, you take back control over your decisions, actions, and future.
I’m living proof of this. Once I let go of the idea that I should stay quiet, I found my voice—and it’s helped me connect with others, embrace my purpose, and take bold steps forward.
You can do the same. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Take a moment today to challenge one belief that’s been holding you back. If you need help, join me in the Open Nest Society on Facebook, where we uncover and reframe limiting beliefs to create a life aligned with your values.
Your story isn’t written in stone. It’s yours to rewrite. Let’s start today.
