The Stories and Beliefs We Hold - Are They Shaping Us or Holding Us Back?

We all carry stories and beliefs that influence how we see ourselves and the world. Some inspire us, giving us confidence, direction, and momentum. Others limit us, holding us back from growth, opportunity, and new possibilities. Often, the limiting ones aren’t even ours - they’re inherited from teachers, family, friends, or bosses. Believing them keeps us safe, but safety can come at a cost: it can also keep us stuck.

Think about the phrases you tell yourself:

“I can’t.”

“I shouldn’t.”

“I couldn’t."

“Maybe one day.”

“When I’m ready.”

“I’m not good at that.”

"I wouldn't be able to do that."

Research suggests that a large majority of our daily thoughts are repetitive often

70–90%* and within those repeated thoughts, a significant portion (around 50–70%)* may be self-limiting or negative. If we don’t challenge these thoughts, the old stories we keep replaying can quietly become the soundtrack of our lives, influencing our decisions and holding us back from what we can actually achieve.

In other words, most of what we think each day reinforces what we already believe about ourselves, often without us even realising it. That’s why it’s so important to become aware of these patterns and start reframing them. Awareness is the first step to change - when you notice a thought that keeps you small, you have the power to question it and replace it with one that supports your growth.

The Role of the Inner Critic

Your inner critic exists to protect you. It warns you of risks, potential failure, or exposure. In that sense, it’s doing its job. But the cost of listening to it all the time is high. It can prevent you from stepping into growth, exploring new possibilities, and discovering strengths you didn’t know you had. Challenging these beliefs doesn’t mean ignoring caution. It means deciding that your growth and potential matter more than staying comfortable. It means questioning the stories that say you’re not ready, not capable, or not enough.

Growth Lives in Challenge

Real growth and transformation happen when you step into challenge. It’s in the uncomfortable, uncertain, or risky moments that you expand your limits, build resilience, and create opportunities you couldn’t see from the safety of your comfort zone. Playing small might feel safe, but thriving comes from taking the next step despite fear. Action builds confidence, leadership, and momentum.

Rewriting Your Story

You have the power to challenge the beliefs that no longer serve you. You can question your inner critic and choose which stories you live by. Growth isn’t about being fearless. It’s about moving forward despite fear and embracing the stretch of possibility that comes with challenge.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to stop letting old stories hold you back and start stepping into the challenges that will expand your potential, I can help. Together, we’ll uncover the beliefs that limit you, challenge them, and take bold steps toward the career, business or life you’re capable of creating.

👉 Reach out today - your growth starts when you decide to step forward.

*(While exact numbers vary across studies and individuals, the key takeaway remains: most of our thinking runs on autopilot, and too often that autopilot reinforces what we already believe rather than guiding us toward new possibilities.)