We all have stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we're capable of, and how the world works. Some of these stories serve us well, motivating us to grow and thrive. Others, however, act like invisible barriers, holding us back in ways we may not even realize.
Have you heard the term limiting beliefs?
Mark Manson sums it up in a nutshell: “Limiting beliefs are false beliefs that prevent us from pursuing our goals and desires. Limiting beliefs can keep you from doing important things.”
Now, limiting beliefs aren't always a bad thing. But they are bad when they trap us in a false narrative about ourselves and the world.
Ask yourself: what beliefs have been holding me back from trying something new or pursuing a goal? Some common examples might sound like this:
I think I’m too old to try something new.
I think I’m too young to apply for that high-level position.
I remember my junior high teacher telling me I’m not creative, so I decided not to sign up for that art class that caught my attention.
I feel like I’m too shy and awkward when I meet new people, so I decide to stay out of the dating market.
I feel too overwhelmed by the chaos of my day-to-day life, so I just don’t have time to pursue that dream.
If you’ve ever said “I’m too ________ to do ________,” chances are that you’ve experienced a limiting belief.
Guess what?
Those are all just beliefs—a thought you’ve been thinking over and over again—that simply aren’t true.
We gather these perspectives as we move through life. They come from our own experiences, what others tell us, or what we observe in the world around us. Over time, we hold onto these beliefs about ourselves, our lives, and the world, shaping our reality to fit within their boundaries.
But here’s the catch: how can you realize your full potential if you’ve already placed yourself inside a box?
The truth is, you can’t.
If you’ve ever visited the About section on my website, you’ll notice that Shifting Perspective is the first of the four pillars needed for Living Fully.
When you identify and acknowledge the false beliefs you’ve been holding about yourself, you can begin to dismantle the limitations you’ve unknowingly placed on your life. This is the first stepping stone to personal growth because it frees you to ask, “What do I really want?”—without those artificial boundaries.
I’ve seen this transformation firsthand in my clients. Shifting perspective leads to greater joy, fulfillment, and an entirely new way of living. I promise, I’m not exaggerating the impact!
When you start overcoming your limiting beliefs, the world opens up. You’ll approach situations with a fresh lens of curiosity and confidence, ready to embrace possibility.
Now, this isn’t about slapping a coat of positivity over everything and pretending life will suddenly be challenge-free. Of course, challenges will come—life is full of them! But those challenges will feel far less overwhelming as you release the belief that something is too difficult or impossible for you. It’s like letting go of a version of yourself that was betting against your own abilities, isn’t it?
Tasks that once seemed impossible begin to feel achievable when you shift your perspective to one of curiosity and wonder. Instead of focusing on obstacles, you’ll find yourself exploring the best way to approach the challenge at hand.
Now, let’s be real—sometimes life is just plain hard. Bad days and tough situations happen. But even in those moments, we can remind ourselves that everything is temporary. This simple shift can free us from the heavy burden of feeling stuck. In fact, those difficult times can become a powerful catalyst for growth, helping us step into our strength and take meaningful action.
Alright, alright—I can almost hear you asking: “Where do I even start?”
Here are four simple ways to help get you moving in the right direction today:
1. Gratitude Journaling
Gratitude journaling is one of the most powerful tools for shifting your perspective. I’m not overstating this when I say it was the spark that ignited major transformations in my own life. Because of that, it’s the very first practice I introduce to all of my clients—it’s just that impactful.
The practice is simple: each day, write down at least five things you’re grateful for in a notebook or journal. This daily habit helps ground you in the good that already exists in your life. Over time, it nurtures a more positive perspective, allowing you to see your world, your life, and all its possibilities through a brighter lens.
What’s especially powerful about gratitude journaling is that it focuses on what is happening—real, tangible moments you can point to as undeniable proof of goodness in your life.
2. Cultivate Mindfulness
By now, you’ve probably heard plenty about the importance of mindfulness—and for good reason. It’s so easy to drift through life on autopilot, operating from subconscious patterns and beliefs. It’s like walking on a treadmill: you’re moving, but you’re stuck repeating the same steps, never really getting anywhere.
Mindfulness, on the other hand, allows you to step off that treadmill. When you’re mindful in the moment, you have the chance to pause, recognize how you’re feeling, and consciously choose your next action.
On autopilot, you might find yourself opening the pantry and mindlessly grabbing snacks, or reacting with frustration and yelling when someone irritates you. But mindfulness offers a different path. It gives you the space to stop, reflect, and ask yourself: “Is this what I want to do, or is there another choice I’d rather make?”
For example, instead of reaching for the chips, mindfulness might help you realize you’re not even hungry—you’re just procrastinating on a project. From there, you can choose to take one small step toward getting it done. Similarly, instead of snapping at someone in frustration, you can consciously decide to respond calmly, leading to a better outcome for everyone involved.
Mindfulness isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. And it’s a skill that grows stronger with practice.
3. Question Everything
Another powerful tool for uncovering hidden habits and beliefs is to question everything. When you begin to question your default thoughts and actions, patterns emerge, and you can start to articulate the whys behind your behavior.
We all know the saying: identifying the problem is the first step to solving it. Asking questions is how you take that first step.
Let’s revisit the example of yelling when someone irritates you. Mindfulness might help you respond more calmly in the moment. But you can take it a step further by asking, “Why do I usually respond with yelling?”
Maybe you realize you believe yelling gets better results.
Maybe yelling was modeled for you growing up, so it became your automatic response.
Maybe you discover you hate being questioned because it makes you feel like you’re losing authority or respect.
By asking yourself these deeper questions, you gain insight into your motivations and subconscious beliefs. This understanding allows you to reflect on your values and decide if those beliefs align with who you want to be. Remember: these are just beliefs, not facts.
When used alongside mindfulness, this tool becomes a powerful way to create intentional change and live more authentically.
4. Choose Your Words Wisely
It’s amazing how much of an impact your words can have. Take statements like, “That always happens to me,” or “That never happens to me.” On the surface, they might seem harmless, but in the right context, these phrases can feel incredibly self-defeating.
Your word choices shape your reality, often more than you realize. Some of the most common culprits that reinforce limiting beliefs are words like never, always, have to, should, but, and can’t. These seemingly small words can subtly steal your power, creating stress and leaving you feeling like a victim of circumstance.
Think about the difference between these examples:
“I should work out” vs. “I choose to work out.”
“I have to work” vs. “I choose to work.”
“I never date the right person” vs. “I will date the right person.”
Do you feel the shift? When you reframe your language, you reclaim your power. Your words affect how you view yourself, how you show up in the world, and even how others perceive you.
Start by noticing these limiting words in your vocabulary, and work on replacing them with empowering alternatives. Small changes in how you think and speak can create a ripple effect, opening up new possibilities and transforming your reality.
Shifting your perspective is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. It’s not about forcing positivity all the time— it’s about broadening your worldview and embracing the knowledge that you are already enough. When you approach life with this confidence, you start to notice the abundance and opportunities surrounding you. The key is opening your eyes, mind, and heart to truly see them.
Enjoy the journey,
Julie
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