Our beliefs are the lenses through which we see the world. They shape our perceptions, influence our decisions, and ultimately determine our reality. While empowering beliefs propel us toward success and fulfillment, limiting beliefs keep us stuck in repetitive patterns, preventing us from reaching our true potential. The first time I realized that I was being held back by my belief system was over 10 years ago. I was not living up to my fullest potential, in fact I was not even aware of what my potential was because my thoughts and beliefs were so paralyzing.
But here’s the real kicker: most of us don’t even realize we’re carrying these limiting beliefs. They operate in the background, subtly dictating our choices, our confidence, and even our happiness.
So, how do we shift them? While positive affirmations and self-awareness are commonly discussed, here are three uncommon strategies to help you break free from limiting beliefs and reshape your reality.
1. Use “Mental Inception” to Outsmart Your Own Brain
If you’ve ever tried to directly challenge a limiting belief, you may have noticed resistance. The brain dislikes sudden change. Instead of forcefully trying to change a belief, plant subtle ideas that nudge your mind toward transformation—similar to the concept of inception in the movie of the same name.
How to do it:
Instead of saying, "I am confident and successful", try a gentler approach: "What if I became more confident every day?" or "I wonder how success will start showing up for me?"
Your brain is wired to answer questions, so by posing these subtle inquiries, you bypass resistance and let your subconscious entertain new possibilities.
2. Borrow Beliefs from Someone Who’s Already There
Have you ever noticed that when you spend time with highly confident or successful people, you start adopting some of their mindset and behaviors? This happens because of a psychological phenomenon called mirror neurons, which make us unconsciously mimic the thoughts, feelings, and actions of those around us.
Years ago, I read Napoleon Hill's Think & Grow Rich and one of my favorite quotes from that book was,
"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with."
It explains that your thoughts, beliefs and success are influenced by the people you surround yourself with, as their energy and ideas shape your subconscious mind through repeated interaction.
How to do it:
Identify someone (it could even be a historical figure or mentor) whose beliefs align with the reality you want to create.
Ask yourself: "How would this person think in my situation?"
Act as if you're temporarily stepping into their mindset, making decisions based on their belief system. The more you practice this, the more these empowering beliefs become your own.
3. Use Reverse Proof: Find Evidence That Your Limiting Belief is Wrong
Most of our limiting beliefs feel “true” because we’ve collected evidence to support them. But what if we flipped the script and actively sought proof that contradicts these beliefs?
How to do it:
Write down one limiting belief (e.g., "I'm not good at public speaking.")
Challenge yourself to find three real-life examples—no matter how small—that prove otherwise (e.g., "I once gave a toast at a wedding and people clapped." or "I answered a question confidently in a meeting.")
The more proof you gather, the weaker the limiting belief becomes until it no longer holds power over you.
Your beliefs shape your reality, but the good news is—you can reprogram them. By using mental inception, borrowing empowering beliefs, and flipping the script with reverse proof, you can shift your mindset in subtle yet powerful ways.
“Are hidden beliefs holding you back from your true potential? Take the Free Limiting Belief Quiz today to uncover what’s standing in your way and start your journey toward transformation.” https://jqjxvqusutu.typeform.com/to/MyFpsloI
Which of these strategies resonates with you the most? Have you tried any before? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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