Overcoming Limiting Beliefs with Holistic Mindset Coaching
There are so many famous quotes that touch the heart of this work:
“There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” — William Shakespeare
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford
As a life coach for mindset shifts and emotional healing, I know firsthand how powerful our inner beliefs are. Most of us carry limiting beliefs that we’re not even aware of — beliefs that quietly block the very things we’re trying to create or manifest.
They show up as hesitation, confusion, procrastination, or the classic inner dialogue of “Yes… but.” If you’ve ever felt stuck despite all your efforts, this is the work that can help set you free.
What Are Limiting Beliefs, Really?
Limiting beliefs are subconscious assumptions we’ve taken on about what’s possible for us. Often, they’re not even ours — they’re inherited from our families, absorbed from our culture, or shaped by early experiences.
Your mind is designed to protect you — so it stores these beliefs as “truth” to help you avoid risk. The problem? These outdated truths silently block progress. You say you want abundance, love, purpose… but part of you doesn’t feel safe having it.
This work is about making those invisible blocks visible. Because once you can see a belief, you can change it.
How Limiting Beliefs Show Up
They’re sneaky. Sometimes they sound like:
- “I’m not ready yet”
- “I don’t have time”
- “It’s probably not going to work anyway”
- “Other people have it easier than me”
Other times, they show up as a feeling — like resistance, tiredness, or vague dread when you try to take a step forward.
Still not sure? Look at where you’re procrastinating. Look at the thing you say you want, but don’t act on. There’s almost always a belief blocking you underneath.
A Personal Story: The Belief That Held Me Back
One of my own core limiting beliefs was: “I have to work hard to deserve anything.”
This wasn’t just something I picked up randomly — it was woven into my cultural roots. I grew up in North Germany, where discipline, duty, and productivity were seen as high virtues.
My grandmother was a strict Protestant who lived through the war. She believed that life was meant to be simple and earnest — no fuss, no indulgence, and certainly no ease. I loved her deeply, and without realising it, I absorbed her worldview.
Later in life, I saw that belief reinforced everywhere — from movies that glorified hustle and hardship to spiritual teachers who romanticised self-denial. Even people I followed on Instagram, whom I admired, subtly carried that mindset.
And here’s the thing: we can admire someone’s wisdom or success, but if we don’t do our own inner work, we can unconsciously adopt their limiting beliefs too.
Once I uncovered this belief, everything changed. I stopped glorifying struggle. I started allowing more support, flow, and simplicity. And my work — and life — became more joyful.
Why It Matters
When we don’t uncover and shift these inner blocks, we end up trying to build a new life on top of old programming. That leads to exhaustion, frustration, and self-blame.
You might:
- Set big intentions, but then never act on them
- Start something new, then give up halfway
- “Accidentally” sabotage your progress again and again
It’s not because you’re broken — it’s because some part of you doesn’t feel safe having what you want.
Try This Practice to Uncover Your Limiting Beliefs
This is one of my favourite mindset coaching tools. It’s not a meditation — just set aside 15 minutes, grab a notebook, and get curious.
- Picture your ideal outcome — your dream scenario.
- Now ask yourself:
“What could go wrong if I actually got this?”
“What’s the downside of receiving this?”
You’ll probably feel resistant at first. “Nothing would go wrong — it would be amazing!” But try to dig deeper. Your conscious mind might be onboard, but we’re looking for the part of you that isn’t.
These beliefs are usually subtle and irrational — but they’re running the show.
Some of My Past Limiting Beliefs
- “If I become wealthy, I’ll lose my spiritual integrity.”
- “More income means more work — and I’m already maxed out.”
- “People will think I’m selfish or superficial if I charge for my gifts.”
- “I must work hard to deserve abundance.”
None of these were true — but they still shaped how I showed up, what I allowed myself to receive, and how much ease I experienced.
Other Common Limiting Beliefs (Do Any of These Resonate?)
- “If I succeed, I’ll lose my friends.”
- “Money will make me a target.”
- “I’ll be lonely if I change.”
- “There’s not enough to go around.”
- “I haven’t worked hard enough to deserve that.”
- “People like me don’t get to live that kind of life.”
- “My parents wouldn’t understand.”
- “If I shine too brightly, others will resent me.”
- “I’m too old / too young / too sensitive.”
- “Having more means someone else has less.”
Remember — you don’t have to believe these consciously for them to influence you.
Bonus Journal Prompts
Use these to go even deeper:
- What would my parents or teachers say if I became wildly successful?
- What part of me doesn’t trust things to be easy?
- Who might feel threatened if I stop struggling?
- What is the “emotional cost” of getting what I want?
- Who would I outgrow — and am I afraid of that?
What Happens After You Clear a Belief?
Clients often tell me: “Something just clicked.”
- Decisions feel clearer.
- Actions flow with less effort.
- Opportunities start showing up — almost magically.
Because once the fear is gone, you stop pushing. You stop blocking. You simply say yes — to yourself, to life, and to the good that’s already trying to reach you.
Here is a wonderful TED Talk about the power of thinking “not yet – I can’t do this yet” and what difference it makes to believe that you can improve. As opposed to, “I can’t do it. Full stop.”
Common Myths About Limiting Beliefs
- “I already did this work.”
Limiting beliefs can be layered. Just because you cleared one doesn’t mean others aren’t hiding underneath. - “If I ignore it, it’ll go away.”
Most likely, it’ll just keep running quietly in the background. Awareness is your superpower. - “I can just think more positively.”
Positive thinking is great — but deep transformation happens when you face the uncomfortable, hidden parts of your mind with compassion and curiosity.
Want to Go Deeper?
Journal Your Way to a Healthier Money Mindset
10 Powerful Prompts to Help You Uncover & Clear Your Hidden Beliefs About Money
Do you ever feel like money flows easily to others, but not to you?
Or like there’s something invisible blocking your abundance — even though you’re doing all the “right” things?
Chances are, it’s not your effort. It’s your inner programming.
These free prompts will help you uncover the beliefs that block your abundance — and begin a powerful shift toward more wealth, trust, and flow.
Or, if you’re ready for personal support, we can do this work together in a 1:1 coaching session.
Let’s Clear These Blocks Together
You don’t have to do this alone. In a holistic coaching session, we gently explore what’s holding you back — not to judge, but to bring light to the hidden corners.
Together, we’ll dissolve old patterns, activate new clarity, and help you reconnect with your deeper self and purpose.
💌 Have questions or something you’d like to share?
Email me or book your session here.
