10 Limiting Beliefs Hindering Your Success

Debilitating or limiting beliefs are convictions you think are true that somehow constrain you. Those made-up stories you tell yourself that hinder you from achieving the results you want.

When you were a kid, you were fearless. You wanted to climb imaginary mountains and explore the ocean's depths. You battled sharks, dinosaurs, and woodland creatures. You were unstoppable! You didn't know about limitations until your parents taught you about dangers—monsters in closets, threats lurking in the dark, creatures beyond your imagination.

At eight years old, you were stubborn and demanding. Your beliefs about life depended entirely on your parents' perceptions. Someone fed you their monsters, their doubts, and fictional stories designed to frighten you into compliance.

Then came the comparisons. School brought test results, grades, and competition that followed you straight into the workforce. Have you ever considered your uniqueness? Have you taken time to breathe and assess where you truly are? Probably not, because your eight-year-old self resists any change.

Maybe you've reached the point of accepting that transformation is necessary, but certain beliefs still constrain your potential.

Here are ten limiting beliefs that keep you from reaching your full potential:

1. You are nothing compared to others.

There will always be people who appear better and brighter, but keep the positive self-talk going. Someone's listening—and that someone is you. Don't put yourself in a self-induced comparison coma. You have skills others lack. Even if you feel small, walk tall and be courageous. Fake courage if you must—nobody can tell the difference.

Feign courage even if you have jitters. Nobody can tell the difference.

2. You are not good enough.

Just because others don't see your worth doesn't mean you should abandon yourself. People have different perspectives on success. Keep honing your skills anyway. Before you know it, you'll have made significant progress. Push yourself to be better until you stop demeaning your own capabilities.

3. Others are way better than you

You are born unique. Others may showcase their talents for applause, but if you're not the show-off type, commend yourself for every bit of progress. Your happiness and peace of mind matter most. You could excel without recognition, yet the smile on your face is priceless. You are the best version of who you are!

4. People seem to despise you.

We cannot please everyone. Even when you treat everyone well, someone will find fault. Remember: how people treat you says more about their self-perception than about you. Be kind anyway.

5. Putting yourself last.

Self-sacrifice isn't always noble—often, it's martyrdom. Sometimes we do it because something stirs inside us, whether pleasure or self-pity. Both are ego dramas. If you feel good about helping others, fine, but watch for red flags.

6. They will get mad if you do not do favors for them.

Repeatedly doing favors with no reciprocation is a warning sign. When you become the go-to person, you feel valued, but if your intuition rings alarm bells, listen. Don't fall victim to opportunists. Being a go-to expert differs from being a doormat.

7. It’s not for you; better luck next time.

Are you giving up too quickly? Sometimes quitting early is wise—that's intuition. But if you're being paranoid, take deep breaths. Fear often interferes before you can prove yourself. Self-doubt will paralyze you or make you crumble. You've worked hard to get where you are—don't give up too fast.

8. You know a little, you are new, you are weak.

Bullies target perceived weaknesses because it makes them feel stronger. Forms of workplace bullying include coercion, shouting, gossip, intimidation, and power abuse. Never tolerate:

• Belittling your capabilities

• Public or private humiliation

• Talking about you within earshot

• Abandoning you when responsibility is required

• Ignoring your contributions

Never yield to someone who contributed nothing to who you are today.

9. Others' opinion matters most.

You walk on tiptoes, afraid of mistakes, making minimal progress. You can't think big because you fear failure and judgment from family, friends, and colleagues. You excel but feel unhappy because it's not what you want to do. You live like a shadow, cringing at comments, unable to distinguish constructive from destructive criticism.

Listen: YOU ARE THE BEST VERSION OF WHO YOU ARE, AND NOBODY CAN PERFORM YOUR ROLE LIKE YOU! NOBODY!

10. You can do it tomorrow.

If you can do it today, why procrastinate? What's the difference between now and later? Deal with tomorrow's problems tomorrow, but handle today's tasks today.

Sometimes we hesitate because of fear or any of these limiting beliefs. At your age—whether 20s, 30s, 40s, or older—what limits you exists in your head. You can't keep blaming your upbringing for how you think and act now. Your past shaped you, but what you are today results from your accumulated experiences.

Hurt people hurt people, but that doesn't have to be you.

We all carry pain, but you don't have to handle it alone. Strip away your pride and seek help from trusted friends or family members.

Think of yourself first and build confidence. It doesn't happen overnight, but positive self-talk pushes you higher each day. Don't be constrained by your environment—keep honing skills until you excel, then learn another skill, and another. The sky is your only limit!

Push yourself further, even if others seem bitter about your progress. Don't forget to pat yourself on the back and say thank you. Positive self-talk creates positive paths and connects you with people on the same frequency.

Choose love—that's the frequency that will cast off all limiting beliefs.