If you really want to grow as a person, let go of these 10 limiting beliefs

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Growing as a person can fill your life with purpose. It’s like building inner strength, knowing what you can do, and feeling good about yourself.

It’s about being brave enough to try new things and learn more about who you are. It helps you aim to be the best version of yourself.

But be warned, this isn’t easy.

Growing takes guts. Saying it’s a hard road is putting it lightly.

You’ll have to face challenges, mess up, learn from your mistakes, and keep going. Sometimes, it can feel like too much. You might feel scared, unsure, or even doubt yourself.

But if you want to grow, you can’t let that stop you. You have to give it everything you’ve got.

A good place to start is by changing the way you think about things that are holding you back.

Let’s say goodbye to those thoughts that keep you down:

1) “I’m A Failure”

Failing at something can feel awful, especially when you’ve given it your all. It can lead to that sinking feeling where you think, “I’m a failure.”

I get it, and it’s perfectly normal to feel down about it for a while.

But don’t let that feeling keep you down for too long.

Remember, even the most successful people have faced failure. They’ve felt just like you do now. But instead of letting that feeling stop them, they used it as fuel. They learned from their mistakes and kept pushing until they got where they wanted to be.

You can do the same. Treat failure not as a dead-end but as a lesson. It’s a chance to grow, to learn, and to come back stronger.

So be gentle with yourself. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and give it another shot. You’ve got this!

2) “I’m Not Good Enough”

Sometimes, life can be really tough. You might try your hardest and still not get what you want. It’s easy to feel like you’re just not good enough.

I’ve been there too.

I looked at my friends, with their seemingly perfect lives, and felt a painful twinge of jealousy. It weighed on me, making me feel like I was never going to be good enough.

But then I realized something important. That way of thinking was holding me back, making me afraid to try new things and grow.

So I decided to change.

I began to trust the process and focus on myself. I stopped comparing myself to others and started celebrating even the smallest progress.

I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m doing better than before. I’m growing in my way, and that’s something to be proud of.

You can do the same. Instead of feeling like you’re not good enough, see each challenge as an opportunity. Believe in yourself, and don’t let anyone, not even yourself, tell you that you’re not good enough.

You’ve got this!

3) “I Don’t Have Enough Time/Experience”

I get it, the idea of growing by trying new things or taking on challenges can be downright scary. You might feel like you need to be fully prepared to get the best results.

But here’s the thing: Sometimes, preparing too much becomes an excuse not to start. It’s like waiting for everything to be perfect before taking the plunge.

I’ve been there, thinking I needed more time or experience before I could move forward. But I realized that this way of thinking was actually holding me back.

The truth is, you can’t always know how much time or experience you’ll need to grow. Sometimes, you just have to dive in and trust yourself.

Instead of overthinking or waiting for the perfect moment, give it a try. Adapt as you go along. Don’t let the fear of not having enough time or experience keep you stuck.

Remember, growth often happens when you step out of your comfort zone and take control. So don’t just go with the flow; grab the reins and steer your life in the direction you want to go.

4) “I’ll Never Be Successful”

Want to grow and be successful? Start by believing in yourself.

I know it’s hard, especially when self-doubt and anxiety creep in. But thinking negatively can trap you, keeping you from trying new things and reaching your potential.

Remember, just because you didn’t reach your goal today doesn’t mean you won’t ever get there. You’re closer than you think, and you’ve already grown in so many ways.

Don’t just focus on the end goal and forget about the journey. Every step you take is important, even the small ones.

So be kind to yourself. Celebrate the small wins and give yourself a pat on the back. You’re doing great, and you’re meant for success.

Keep going, trust in your journey, and know that you’re capable of amazing things. 

5) “I Can Never Be the Best”

I’ve known people who’ve given up on growing, letting great opportunities slip through their fingers. They sound bitter, defeated, and stuck in place.

But here’s what I want you to know: You don’t have to be that way.

Life can be tough, and sometimes it feels like being the best is the only way to succeed. But the truth is, you don’t have to be the best at everything. You just have to be the best version of yourself.

That means focusing on what you’re good at, working on your weaknesses, and pushing yourself to grow in your way.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your journey. Inspire yourself to do better, be better, and reach for what you want.

You don’t have to be defeated by life’s challenges. Embrace them, learn from them, and keep moving forward.

You’re more than capable of growth, and you’ve got everything you need to make it happen. Believe in yourself and your unique path, and don’t let anyone or anything hold you back.

6) “I’m Too Old/Young For This”

Age is just a number, especially when it comes to growing as a person. It’s never too late or too early to try something new and see yourself evolve.

Think you’re too young or too old for something? That’s just fear talking, holding you back from taking a chance on yourself.

I know it can be scary to face the challenges that come with growth. But let me share a story that might inspire you.

My mom spent her whole life raising me, putting aside her passions to take care of our family. But once I was grown and out on my own, she decided it was time to chase her dreams.

She took up arts and crafts classes, finding joy in creating beautiful handmade earrings. Now, she’s turning it into a business.

She’s having the time of her life, feeling fulfilled, and growing in a way she never thought possible.

Her story shows that it’s never too late to take control of your life and grow. No matter your age, you can still challenge yourself, learn new things, and become the person you want to be.

So don’t let age or fear hold you back. Embrace the opportunities in front of you and go for it.

7) “That’s Only for Boys/Girls”

Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because of your gender. Times have changed, and so have the rules.

Girls lifting weights? Awesome! Boys in ballet or applying makeup? Fantastic! People everywhere are breaking stereotypes and expressing themselves with pride.

If you’ve ever been held back by these old ways of thinking, it’s time to break free. Don’t let anyone’s outdated ideas stop you from pursuing your passion.

I know it might be hard, especially if those stereotypes are deeply ingrained in your culture or community. But think about what you really want to do, what makes you come alive.

That’s what’s important.

Have a heart-to-heart with yourself. Consider what’s holding you back, and then take steps to overcome it. Whether it’s fear, doubt, or someone else’s opinion, you have the power to rise above it.

You deserve to be yourself, to grow, and to explore all the amazing possibilities in your life.

So go ahead, embrace what you love, and never let anyone tell you it’s not for you.

8) “I Must Change This First Before I Can…”

Sometimes, we get so caught up in preparing for the big things that we end up putting our growth on hold.

We tell ourselves, “I must do this first before I can do that.” But this way of thinking can actually hold us back.

I’ve been there, thinking I had to make a lot of money before I could start healing or lose weight before accepting my body. But then I realized these conditions were just obstacles in my mind.

You see, growth isn’t about meeting certain conditions. It’s about making decisions to move forward, even when things aren’t perfect.

I decided to believe in myself, to see myself as whole and capable. I also recognized the parts of me that weren’t quite ready yet, and instead of ignoring them, I worked hard to address them.

You can do the same. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start growing. Embrace where you are now, and take steps toward becoming the person you want to be.

You’re more than capable of evolving, no matter where you start. Believe in yourself, and don’t let anything hold you back. You’ve got this!

9) “I Don’t Need Your Help”

It’s great to be independent, but believing “I don’t need anyone’s help” can actually hold you back.

We’re all human, and we need each other. Trying to do everything on your own can be lonely, stressful, and limiting. It can keep you from learning from others and building meaningful relationships.

I know because I’ve been there, too. I used to think that asking for help was a sign of weakness. When I struggled on my own, I’d get caught in a cycle of anxiety, fear, and doubt.

But then I realized that asking for help isn’t about being weak or bothersome. It’s about being wise, recognizing that we can grow more when we lean on each other.

So don’t be afraid to reach out to others. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or coworker, people are usually more than willing to lend a hand.

You don’t have to go through life alone. Embrace the support around you and see how much further you can go. Together, we’re stronger. 

10) “I Don’t Know”

Saying “I don’t know” and leaving it at that can be a roadblock to growth. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to know everything.

What’s important is not settling for ignorance, especially when it comes to things you can find out for yourself.

Instead of throwing your hands up and saying you don’t know, why not take charge and start looking for answers?

Be curious. Be proactive. Dive into books, explore online resources, ask questions. Embrace the adventure of learning and discovering new things.

You see, not knowing is just a starting point. It’s a challenge, an invitation to grow, to explore, and to become more than you are now.

So the next time you find yourself saying “I don’t know,” remember, that’s just the beginning. You have the power to learn and grow. Embrace it, and see where it takes you!

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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