Let’s cover a topic that influences so much of our lives, often without us even realizing it: limiting beliefs.
These beliefs aren’t just thoughts we have sometimes—they’re the lens we view the world through, shaping how we approach money, relationships, confidence, success, and motivation. They can keep us feeling “stuck,” not because we aren’t capable, but because we’re subconsciously avoiding what we perceive as “painful” or difficult situations.
Here, I’ll walk you through some of the most powerful limiting beliefs, showing both sides of the coin: the struggles people face when these beliefs take over and the freedom they experience when they break through them.
Whether you’re hoping to achieve more financially, build confidence, or feel motivated in life, addressing these beliefs can get you there faster than you’d imagine.
1. Money Limiting Beliefs
Belief Examples:
- “It’s painful to not have enough.”
- “I’ll always struggle with money.”
- “Having a lot of money leads to being a bad person.”
Think about someone who constantly tells themselves, “I don’t have enough money.” They feel a deep pain around financial struggles and the idea of lack, which drives them to focus on this shortage all the time.
Since their brain associates “not having enough” with pain, they subconsciously create behaviors to avoid it—such as avoiding looking at their finances or taking risks, since “what if it fails, and I end up with even less?”
Take, for example, people who see opportunities around them—new jobs, side hustles, investments—but avoid them because they’re locked in a fear-based mindset. They want more money, but their focus is on avoiding loss, so their decisions are fueled by fear instead of abundance. They’re trying to run from the pain of not having enough, but ironically, this avoidance keeps them stuck in the same place.
Now, picture someone free from these beliefs. Instead of, “I don’t have enough,” they think, “How can I create more?” Their focus shifts from fear of losing to the excitement of gaining. They see the same opportunities as others but embrace them with curiosity instead of worry, leading to actual financial growth and a sense of control over their lives.
Why Addressing This Is Critical:
Releasing these beliefs allows you to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. It’s not about ignoring finances—it’s about approaching them with confidence, which leads to better decisions, less stress, and more open doors.
2. Identity Limiting Beliefs
Belief Examples:
- “I’m not confident.”
- “I’m not attractive.”
- “I’m just not the kind of person who succeeds.”
Imagine someone who thinks, “I’m not confident.” They associate confidence with discomfort or even pain—public speaking might terrify them, or social events might seem like a minefield of potential embarrassment.
So, instead of seeking confidence, they’re subconsciously running from situations that would make them feel exposed. Their mind focuses on avoiding pain, which keeps them withdrawn, and they end up reinforcing the belief that they’re “not a confident person.”
Because they’re so focused on not feeling unconfident, they see the world through a lens of insecurity. Every conversation or new environment is analyzed for possible judgment, reinforcing that belief further. This becomes a part of their identity—“I am just not a confident person”—which the brain then “protects” by avoiding even more social situations. It’s a cycle that shrinks their life.
Contrast this with someone who believes, “I am confident.” They see themselves appear confident everywhere they go. Because ‘I am’ is part of what they have attached to their identity – physical self. Because they see themselves as confident, they feel confident. They focus on seeing themselves having confidence, and acting from that strong sense of self instead of avoiding discomfort, which leads to positive outlook, action taking, sense of importance that is alluring and attractive, and people begin to look at them, trust them, respect them and want to be like them. All of this thriving energy allows them to speak up, feel more at ease in every situation and carry it in every new venue and unfamiliar situation.
Why Addressing This Is Critical:
Breaking free from identity-limiting beliefs lets you step into new experiences without self-imposed restrictions. When you see yourself as someone capable of growth, your world expands, making room for richer relationships, exciting challenges, and a fuller life.
3. Childhood Core Limiting Beliefs
Belief Examples:
- “It’s painful to be rejected.”
- “I’m not good enough.”
- “If I’m not perfect, I’ll be criticized.”
For many, beliefs like these stem from childhood, where a single moment or repeated experience made them feel unworthy.
A kid who was repeatedly rejected or criticized may grow into an adult who’s overly sensitive to rejection, seeing it as painful proof that they aren’t “good enough.” They might feel a need to prove themselves or, more often, avoid situations where they might be “found out” as inadequate.
Take someone who avoids new challenges or feels crushed by constructive criticism. They might pass up promotions, avoid dating, or even hold back in friendships. This avoidance of rejection becomes a barrier, keeping them away from meaningful connections and growth.
Those who break free from these beliefs realize that rejection doesn’t define their worth. They’re able to take risks, open up to new people, and explore life without a constant need for validation. They grow resilient, seeing setbacks as part of life, not as proof of their inadequacy.
Why Addressing This Is Critical:
Letting go of these beliefs gives you a new sense of freedom. You’ll feel less burdened by others’ opinions and more focused on what actually matters to you.
4. Success Limiting Beliefs
Belief Examples:
- “It’s painful to make mistakes.”
- “If I don’t do it perfectly, I’ll fail.”
- “Success isn’t meant for people like me.”
For someone with these beliefs, every step forward can feel like a risk not worth taking.
Mistakes feel humiliating, and the fear of uncertainty keeps them from trying anything that isn’t guaranteed to succeed. They end up sticking to “safe” choices and rarely push themselves beyond their comfort zones.
Picture someone who sees mistakes as evidence of failure. They might stick to jobs they don’t like or pass up business ideas, afraid of what might go wrong. Their brain is wired to protect them from pain, but this avoidance keeps them from experiencing the success they actually crave.
Then, there are those who see mistakes as learning steps and uncertainty as a part of the journey. They aren’t trapped in a cycle of second-guessing. Instead, they try things out, take risks, and when they hit obstacles, they adapt and learn. This mindset opens the door to growth, achievement, and satisfaction.
Why Addressing This Is Critical:
When you shift from avoiding failure to embracing growth, your potential skyrockets. You start to take action based on what you want to achieve rather than what you’re afraid to lose.
5. Motivation Limiting Belief
Belief Examples:
- “It’s painful to work hard.”
- “If I don’t get what I want quickly, it’s not worth it.”
- “I’ll never have the energy for big goals.”
People with motivation-limiting beliefs see work as something inherently unpleasant or avoid the disappointment of not getting what they want.
They might start a project but quickly lose steam when they face the first hurdle, seeing effort as pointless if they don’t see results right away.
For instance, someone who thinks it’s painful to work might procrastinate or avoid setting goals altogether. Their focus is on avoiding discomfort rather than on achieving anything meaningful. This approach often leaves them stuck, frustrated, and falling short of their goals.
Meanwhile, people who view effort as a natural part of success stay motivated by the possibilities they can create. They find purpose in their work and are willing to put in the time, even if it’s challenging. As a result, they see progress and growth, even if it’s gradual.
Why Addressing This Is Critical:
Releasing motivation-limiting beliefs lets you tackle challenges head-on, keep momentum, and feel purpose-driven. Instead of waiting for motivation, you create habits that lead to steady progress toward your goals.
6. Relationship Limiting Beliefs
Belief Examples:
- “It’s painful to be vulnerable.”
- “I’m not worthy of love.”
- “It’s painful to open up because I might get hurt.”
People who carry these relationship-limiting beliefs often put up emotional walls, avoiding vulnerability out of a fear of rejection or hurt. Imagine someone who believes, “It’s painful to be vulnerable.”
They might avoid opening up in relationships, convinced that if they do, they’ll be judged, misunderstood, or even rejected. So, instead of building deep, authentic connections, they keep interactions shallow, protecting themselves from pain but also missing out on true intimacy.
This person’s focus on avoiding vulnerability becomes their reality. They seek connection but end up feeling lonely because they’re unwilling to reveal their true selves. The belief that “vulnerability is painful” creates a self-fulfilling cycle of isolation.
On the other hand, someone who is free from these limiting beliefs sees vulnerability as a strength. They aren’t afraid to be open or honest about their feelings, knowing that this honesty is what fosters real connection. These people experience fulfilling, supportive relationships and are more resilient to setbacks because they know they’re valued for who they truly are.
Why Addressing This Is Critical:
Breaking these beliefs allows you to experience relationships that aren’t held back by fear. You’ll feel more connected, understood, and loved. Letting go of the fear of vulnerability opens the door to meaningful relationships that enhance your life.
7. Self-Worth Limiting Beliefs
Belief Examples:
- “I don’t deserve success.”
- “It’s painful to see my flaws.”
- “I’ll never be able to live up to my own standards.”
Many people hold the belief that they aren’t deserving of happiness, success, or even self-acceptance. Someone who thinks, “I don’t deserve success,” often sabotages their progress as a way of reinforcing that belief.
For instance, if they receive praise or achieve a win, they downplay it, feeling like it’s a fluke or that they haven’t “earned” it. They constantly fixate on what they feel is “wrong” about themselves, which blocks them from experiencing self-acceptance.
They focus on what they lack or perceive as flaws, which affects everything they do—from work to relationships. Even when opportunities arise, they subconsciously push them away because they don’t feel “good enough” for success or happiness.
Now, picture someone who has let go of these self-worth limiting beliefs. Instead of focusing on perceived flaws, they recognize their value and embrace the belief that they deserve success and fulfillment. This mindset shift doesn’t just boost their self-esteem; it impacts their actions. They take on new challenges, celebrate their achievements, and are more open to relationships and opportunities because they believe they are worthy of them.
Why Addressing This Is Critical:
Releasing self-worth limiting beliefs helps you feel genuinely confident and comfortable in your own skin. It allows you to approach life with a sense of possibility, knowing you deserve the happiness and success you’re working toward.
Why it’s Critical to Identify Specific Limiting Beliefs
Each of these limiting beliefs influences not only our actions but also our sense of self. The difference in outcomes for those without these limiting beliefs is profound—they experience life with more freedom, success, and fulfillment because they aren’t boxed in by protective but limiting beliefs.
Identifying and reprogramming these beliefs is critical for anyone seeking to unlock their true potential, break free from self-imposed limitations, and experience life in a way that feels both rewarding and aligned with who they really want to be.
What’s Next?
Limiting beliefs shape how we think, feel, and act. They’re often the reason we find ourselves hitting the same walls over and over, but by breaking free from these, we start creating a life that’s truly fulfilling.
So ask yourself: which beliefs are keeping you small? Which ones are stopping you from pursuing what you really want?
The more precisely you identify the memory, belief and association, the more able you are to address and completely transform specific experience in your life. And when you do change them, you’ll start to see the world through a new lens—one that’s focused on growth, possibility, and potential.
Resources of Core Limiting Beliefs
