Feeling Held by Limiting Beliefs? Here’s how coaching can make you unstuck

We are mesmerized by characters in movies and books who have no limits.
There’s something magnetic about watching a character who effortlessly conquers every obstacle—whether it’s a visionary entrepreneur with endless winning ideas, a surgeon performing near-miraculous procedures, or a student with a photographic memory and limitless intellect.

We admire them because they seem untouched by the doubts and fears that often weigh us down.

But in real life, we often feel quite the opposite.
We question our capabilities. We doubt our dreams. We tell ourselves stories like:

• “I’m not good enough.”

• “I don’t have what it takes.”

• “That’s not meant for someone like me.”

These invisible forces pulling us away from our potential are called limiting beliefs. They are deeply rooted thoughts or perceptions that convince us we are somehow lacking or unworthy.
And perhaps the most dangerous part? Most of us accept these beliefs as facts—without ever challenging them.

The Many Effects of Limiting Beliefs

When left unattended, limiting beliefs can quietly seep into every corner of our lives, shaping our behaviors without us realizing it.
Here are some common side effects:

• Low self-confidence and chronic self-doubt

• Stagnation and fear of stepping out of the comfort zone

• People treating us the way we unconsciously expect them to—often dismissively or with little regard

• Negative emotional spirals including procrastination, imposter syndrome, heightened stress, and anxiety

There’s more to limiting beliefs than just holding us back from goals; they limit the fullness of our experience, connection, and joy.

We Are Not Born with Our Limiting Beliefs

Ever wondered how children don’t fear things like failure or “I can’t do it” syndrome?
Had this existed, they’d never learn to walk or talk. They dream big and believe they can become astronauts, artists, or superheroes.

So where does it all change?

The harsh truth is, limiting beliefs are learned—they’re shaped by our surroundings, family, culture, education, and recurrent experiences. As we grow older, these influences often shape us more than we realize:

• Our families often pass down beliefs—intentionally or not—about success, money, worthiness, and failure.

• Our educational institutions introduce both opportunity and comparison—sometimes inspiring us, sometimes making us feel “less than.”

• Our negative life experiences—especially during vulnerable moments—tend to get imprinted on our subconscious.

Even though many of these beliefs hold little or no truth, we carry them as if they are facts.
And when we believe something long enough, we act according to it, making it a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Inside the Process: A Real-Life Example

Let’s consider an example:

Laura always dreamed of becoming a writer. Her passion for storytelling burned bright.
But one day, her English literature professor critiqued her writing and told her she wasn’t cut out for a writing career. That one sentence buried itself into her identity.

Laura went on to believe she lacked talent and eventually stopped writing.

Now imagine being Laura. Living with a dream unlived, feeling stuck, disappointed, and unfulfilled.
Not because she wasn’t capable—but because of one limiting belief that she never questioned.

And this is how it happens for many of us.
One comment, one failure, one comparison—can plant a seed of doubt that grows into a wall.

So How Does Coaching Help?

Coaching believes in the powerful truth: “You are not your limiting beliefs.”
A coach serves as a mirror, a guide, and a firm believer in your potential—even when you can’t see it yourself. Here’s how coaching can shift the game:

• Trust and Validation: Coaches offer unconditional belief in you. This allows you to slowly start believing in yourself.

• Reconnection to Purpose: Limiting beliefs disconnect us from our goals. A coach helps you rediscover what truly matters and align your actions with those values.

• Challenging the Narrative: Coaches are trained to help you spot unhelpful patterns, question assumptions, and reframe limiting beliefs into empowering ones.

• Accountability and Progress: With a coach by your side, you’re more likely to stay committed, take meaningful action, and celebrate progress.

Many people hope someone will come along and believe in them — coaching turns that hope into a structured reality.

If I Were to Do It On My Own, What Would That Look Like?

Like all goals, taking small, intentional steps is key to shifting narratives.
Here’s a mini action plan to start shifting your limiting beliefs:

1. Identify the Belief:
   What exactly is holding you back?
   Example: “I’m not smart enough to start my business.”

2. Challenge It:
   Is it true? Is there any evidence that contradicts this?

3. Create a New Narrative:
   Example: “I may not know everything, but I can learn and grow.”

4. Break it Down into Actions:

   • Join a beginner’s course

   • Seek mentorship

   • Watch a webinar or read a book on the subject

   • Celebrate small wins

Every baby step chips away at the old belief and strengthens your new identity.

What Role Does Motivation Play?

Motivation often falters when we walk the path alone.
But when someone walks beside us—believing in us, tracking our progress, holding us accountable—momentum builds.

That’s where coaching becomes a catalyst:

• A coach will help you stay on track with your action plans.

• They’ll support you in reprogramming your mindset toward possibility.

• They’ll cheer you on while also helping you stay honest with yourself.

By working with a coach, you can turn those invisible limitations into stepping stones—and move forward with clarity, courage, and confidence.