Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs

We all have dreams and goals we want to reach, but sometimes something just gets in the way. For me, it’s often been those nagging limiting beliefs—the thoughts that creep in and keep me from reaching my full potential. They can be sneaky, and sometimes I don’t even realize they’re there because they’re so rooted in past experiences or what we’ve been taught to believe. But there's good news: we can figure them out, challenge them, and let them go.

In this blog, I’m sharing a few things that have helped me—and might help you too—overcome limiting beliefs. I’ll also bring in the Enneagram, which has been a really helpful tool for me in understanding myself along the way.

1. Identifying Your Limiting Beliefs

The first step is simply figuring out what’s holding you back. I’ve realized that a lot of the time, these beliefs are kind of lurking below the surface, quietly shaping how I think and act without me even noticing. Some common ones might sound like:

• “I’m not smart enough to do that.”
• “I don’t deserve success.”
• “People like me don’t get ahead.”

To uncover these, I ask myself some honest questions:

• What comes to mind when I think about going after my goals?
• Where do I feel stuck or scared?
• What stories do I tell myself when I hit a challenge?

Example: For the longest time, I carried the belief that I wasn’t worthy. This belief came from my childhood and showed up in all kinds of ways. It affected how I saw myself and what I thought I deserved. Recognizing it was the first step to moving forward.

2. Challenge Those Beliefs

Once I identified my limiting beliefs, I learned that the next step was to question them. More often than not, they’re based on old, faulty thinking or assumptions that aren’t even true anymore. So, when I catch one of those beliefs creeping up, I ask myself:

• Is this really true?
• What proof do I have?
• Could there be another way to look at this?

Example: When I finally started to challenge the belief that “I’m not worthy,” I had to ask myself, "Where is this coming from?" and “Is it really true?” As I explored it more, I realized that this belief came from a wound in my past and didn’t hold up anymore. This was a huge step toward seeing myself differently.

3. Replacing Limiting Beliefs with New, Empowering Ones

Once I started questioning my limiting beliefs, I worked on replacing them with beliefs that actually lifted me up. These new beliefs had to feel real and fit with the life I wanted to create. I found it helpful to think:

• What’s the opposite of this limiting belief?
• How can I reframe it to help me grow?

Example: I turned “I’m not worthy” into “I am inherently worthy and deserving of good things.” This new belief helped me go after things without constantly feeling like I had something to prove.

4. Take Action to Reinforce Your New Beliefs

New beliefs take root when you act on them. I started taking small steps that aligned with my new beliefs. It’s amazing how action not only reinforces those beliefs but also builds momentum.

Example: After shifting my belief about worthiness, I started setting healthy boundaries, focusing on self-care, and saying yes to things that truly felt right for me. Each small step helped cement my new belief and made me feel more authentic.

5. The Enneagram: A Helpful Tool for Self-Awareness

While the strategies above work on their own, the Enneagram added another layer of insight for me. It helped me understand the core motivations and fears that shaped my limiting beliefs. Once I knew my Enneagram type, it became easier to see where I was getting stuck.

Here are some quick insights for each Enneagram type and the limiting beliefs you might struggle with:

• Type 1 (The Perfectionist): You may struggle with the belief that "I’m not good enough." Challenge this by recognizing that perfection is an impossible standard, and your value isn’t tied to flawlessness.
• Type 2 (The Helper): You might believe, "I need to take care of others before I take care of myself." Replace this with the understanding that self-care is essential to truly helping others.
• Type 3 (The Achiever): A common belief might be, "If I’m not successful, I’m a failure." Reframe this by acknowledging that worth isn’t solely based on external achievements.
• Type 4 (The Individualist): You may feel, "I’m too different to fit in." Challenge this by embracing your uniqueness as a strength rather than a flaw.
• Type 5 (The Investigator): The belief, "I don’t have enough knowledge to act," can be limiting. Instead, focus on what you already know and take action, trusting that you can learn along the way.
• Type 6 (The Loyalist): You might think, "The world is too unpredictable; I can’t trust it." Reframe this by developing trust in yourself and your ability to navigate uncertainty.
• Type 7 (The Enthusiast): The belief, "If I slow down, I’ll miss out on life," can be overwhelming. Replace it with the understanding that stillness and reflection can lead to deeper, more meaningful experiences.
• Type 8 (The Challenger): You might believe, "I need to be in control to be safe." Challenge this by learning to trust others and letting go of the need for constant control.
• Type 9 (The Peacemaker): The belief, "My opinions don’t matter," can hold you back. Reframe this by recognizing the value of your voice and the importance of speaking up.

By understanding the specific limiting beliefs associated with your Enneagram type, you can target your efforts more effectively and break through the barriers holding you back.

6. Be Kind to Yourself Along the Way

This whole process is ongoing. It’s not unusual to make progress and then fall back a little. I’ve learned to practice self-compassion and remind myself that change takes time. And when I do slip up, I try to celebrate the small wins.

Example: When I notice myself falling into old patterns, I remind myself that growth is a process. It’s okay to stumble. What matters is that I’m moving forward.

7. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

I’ve learned that having people around who support your growth makes all the difference. Whether it’s a friend, mentor, or coach, having someone to cheer you on can be incredibly encouraging.

Example: I like to share my new beliefs with a trusted friend or family member and ask them to help hold me accountable. Their support keeps me grounded and moving forward.

Wrapping It Up

Overcoming limiting beliefs is one of the best things you can do for yourself. By identifying, challenging, and replacing them—and bringing in tools like the Enneagram—you’ll start to see real changes in your life. The journey isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

So, take that first step today and start believing in the amazing possibilities that lie ahead. You've got this.

Love is ALL there is,

Diana

This episode was produced and marketed by the Get Known Service