Breaking Free: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs to Embrace Growth

You’re about to enjoy an ice cream, but something holds you back—a voice in your head calling you lazy or undisciplined, making you feel guilty for indulging in a simple pleasure. Many of my therapy clients and friends have shared how these automatic thoughts create invisible barriers to fully embracing joy. And not just with ice cream—I’ve noticed these inner limiting dialogues arise when taking risks, socializing, traveling to new places, or pursuing challenging academics. These thoughts often stem from themes like the fear of failure, fear of harm and even fear of abandonment.

If you were to examine these thoughts—where they come from and whether they truly belong to you in the present moment—you might be surprised. We often carry unspoken rules and beliefs inherited from others, shaped by society, or formed through past experiences. At one time, these unconscious messages may have helped you navigate the world. But if followed blindly, they can become more restrictive than protective. They may be holding you back from love, connection, academic success, and career growth. This happens because the brain prefers familiarity and resists change (Tobore, 2019), protecting you by keeping you where you are.

Breaking free from these ingrained patterns can feel daunting. Stepping into the unknown, challenging old beliefs, and embracing change may seem risky. But doing so is the path to becoming the best version of yourself.

Here’s how you can embrace that risk and journey towards growing.

1. Assess whether your thoughts are based on current reality, past experiences, or societal conditioning.

2. If they stem from unhealthy influences, ask yourself whether they serve you in the present.

3. If not, take a deep breath and give yourself permission to explore, expand, and try new things.

4. Show yourself kindness in simple, meaningful ways.

   
   

A caterpillar may feel safe and protected within its cocoon, but to become a butterfly, it must break free. Likewise, true transformation begins when you release what no longer serves you and embrace the possibilities ahead.

Reference

Tobore TO. On Energy Efficiency and the Brain's Resistance to Change: The Neurological Evolution of Dogmatism and Close-Mindedness. Psychol Rep. 2019 Dec;122(6):2406-2416. doi: 10.1177/0033294118792670. Epub 2018 Aug 30. PMID: 30165786.