We all have them. Those sneaky, often subconscious thoughts that tell us we’re not smart enough, not ready, or not worthy. They’re called limiting beliefs, and they can be the biggest obstacle on your path to growth. They feel like a fact, but they’re not—they’re just a story you’ve been telling yourself for so long that you believe it’s true.

When I started my own coaching journey, I had a whole set of limiting beliefs I didn’t even know were running the show. “I’m not a good public speaker.” “I don’t have enough experience.” “What if I fail?” It was exhausting. But with the help of a coach, I learned to challenge these beliefs instead of accepting them.

Here are five common limiting beliefs and how you can begin to loosen their grip.

1. “I’m not good enough.”

This one is a classic. It’s a feeling that you’re fundamentally flawed or inadequate. This belief often stems from past experiences or comparisons to others. For years, I grappled with this – a lingering scar from my initial failed attempt at college.

How to challenge it: Start by gathering evidence to the contrary. Write down a list of your accomplishments, big or small. Think about times you were praised for your work, a time you helped someone, or a skill you’ve mastered. Every piece of evidence chips away at the belief. You are enough. What’s one thing that you’re proud of?

2. “It’s too late for me.”

This belief tells you that you’ve missed your window of opportunity—whether it’s for a career change, a new skill, or a new relationship. It can lead to a sense of resignation and regret. 

How to challenge it: Remind yourself that there is no universal timeline for success or happiness. Life is long, and people make incredible changes at every age. Focus on a single, small step you can take today, not on the entire journey. That one step proves this belief wrong. What’s your micro-step you can take right now?

3. “I have to do it all on my own.”

This belief is the one that convinces you that asking for help is a sign of weakness. It can lead to burnout and a feeling of isolation. But even the smallest moment of connection with another can make a big difference – I high-fived a grinning kid during my last half-marathon, and it was enough to keep me going for another kilometer.

How to challenge it: Reframe this thought. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. It shows you’re committed to your goals and are resourceful enough to find the support you need. Practice by asking for help with something small—a recommendation, an introduction, or advice. What’s one tiny thing you can ask for help with this week?

4. “What if I fail?”

This belief is rooted in fear, and it can paralyze you before you even begin. It prevents you from taking risks and pushes you toward the safety of the status quo.

How to challenge it: Shift your perspective on failure. Instead of seeing it as a final outcome, see it as a valuable lesson. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen? And what would I learn if it did?” The answer is usually less frightening than the fear itself.

5. “I’m not ready yet.”

This is a perfectionist’s favorite belief. It tells you that you need more training, more information, or more confidence before you can start. It keeps you stuck in the preparation phase forever.

How to challenge it: The truth is, you’ll never feel 100% ready. At some point, you just have to start. Embrace the idea of “learning by doing.” Taking imperfect action is almost always better than taking no action at all.

The most important thing I learned about limiting beliefs is that you have the power to change them. They don’t define you. They’re just stories. By questioning them, you can begin to write a new one—a story of possibility, resilience, and growth.