Ever wonder why some people seem to be their own worst enemy? You know the type—they start with great intentions, make initial progress, then somehow find a way to derail themselves just when things are going well.
I’ve watched this pattern play out countless times over the years, both in people I’ve known and, if I’m being honest, in myself at various points.
There’s usually something deeper at work than simple lack of willpower or motivation.
The truth is, most self-sabotage stems from beliefs we carry around in our heads—often without even realizing it. These mental roadblocks can be incredibly sneaky, whispering doubts and excuses that sound perfectly reasonable on the surface.
Today, I want to share seven limiting beliefs that I’ve noticed consistently trip people up on their journey toward meaningful progress.
1. “I’m not the type of person who…”
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford
This one hits close to home because I’ve caught myself thinking it more times than I’d like to admit.
When we box ourselves into rigid categories—”I’m not a morning person,” “I’m not good with money,” or “I’m just not creative”—we create mental prison cells. These labels become self-fulfilling prophecies that shut down possibilities before we even try.
The problem is we treat these labels as permanent facts rather than temporary circumstances. But here’s the thing: identity is far more flexible than we think. The person who says “I’m not a runner” might surprise themselves after a few weeks of consistent effort.
What stories are you telling yourself about who you are?
2. “I can’t do it perfectly…”
Oh, this belief has derailed more dreams than I can count. I see it everywhere—the person who won’t start exercising because they can’t commit to an hour daily, or someone who abandons learning guitar after hitting their first difficult chord.
Perfectionism masquerades as high standards, but it’s really just fear wearing a fancy suit. It whispers that anything less than flawless isn’t worth pursuing, which is absolute nonsense when you think about it.
Progress beats perfection every single time. The messy first draft beats the blank page. The wobbly push-up beats staying on the couch.
Done is better than perfect, and imperfect action trumps perfect inaction.
3. “I’ve failed before, so I’ll probably fail again”
This belief loves to use your past as evidence for your future limitations. It’s that nagging voice that reminds you of every diet you quit, every project you abandoned, or every time you fell short of your goals.
I’ve seen people carry around their failures like heavy luggage, unpacking them every time a new opportunity presents itself. But here’s what that voice doesn’t tell you: failure is data, not destiny.
Take J.K. Rowling, who was rejected by 12 publishing houses before she finally found a home for Harry Potter. Imagine if she’d let those rejections convince her that she wasn’t meant to be a writer. She later reflected, “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life”.
Your past attempts weren’t wasted—they were practice rounds. Each so-called failure taught you something valuable about what doesn’t work, bringing you closer to what does.
The question isn’t whether you’ve failed before. It’s whether you’re willing to try again with what you’ve learned.
4. “I don’t have what it takes”
This insidious belief whispers that success requires some special ingredient you simply weren’t born with. Maybe it’s talent, intelligence, connections, or just plain luck—whatever it is, you’ve convinced yourself you’re missing it.
I remember feeling this way when I first started writing seriously after retirement. Looking at established authors, I wondered if I had the “writing gene” or if I was just fooling myself.
But here’s what I’ve learned: most of what we call “natural talent” is actually the result of consistent effort over time. The people who seem to “have it” usually just started earlier or stuck with it longer.
This belief is particularly toxic because it gives us a convenient excuse to quit before we’ve really tried. Why put in the hard work if we’re destined to fall short anyway?
The truth is, you probably have more than you think you do. And what you don’t have yet, you can develop. Skills can be learned, habits can be built, and confidence grows with practice.
5. “I’m too old/young….”
Time often becomes the ultimate scapegoat for avoiding change.
Whether you’re twenty-five thinking you should’ve started a decade ago, or fifty-five believing your best years are behind you, this belief has a version for every age.
I hear this one constantly, and it always makes me chuckle a bit. When I decided to pursue writing seriously in my sixties, plenty of people thought I’d missed the boat. But here’s the thing about timing—the “perfect” moment is usually just an illusion we create to avoid discomfort.
The calendar doesn’t care about your dreams, and neither do your goals. What matters is starting from where you are, not where you think you should be.
Sure, someone who started earlier might be further along, but so what? You’re not running their race. The only real competition is between who you are today and who you could become tomorrow.
As the old proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is right now.”
6. “Success is for other people, not people like me”
This belief creates an invisible barrier between “us” and “them”—whoever “they” are. Maybe it’s people with better education, more money, different backgrounds, or just those who seem to have life figured out.
I’ve watched people sabotage themselves because success felt foreign, like putting on clothes that didn’t fit. They’d get close to a breakthrough, then unconsciously pull back because achievement didn’t match their self-image.
The truth is, successful people aren’t a different species. They’re ordinary folks who often refused to accept ordinary limitations. They come from every background imaginable, with every possible starting point.
This belief often stems from our environment growing up or the circles we move in. If no one around us aimed high, we might unconsciously think reaching beyond feels like betrayal or pretense.
But success isn’t reserved for some exclusive club. It’s available to anyone willing to persist through the inevitable setbacks and keep moving forward despite the fear.
7. “I don’t deserve …”
This might be the most heartbreaking belief of all. Deep down, some people carry a quiet conviction that they’re not worthy of happiness, success, or fulfillment.
It shows up in subtle ways—apologizing for taking up space, downplaying achievements, or feeling guilty when things go well. People with this belief often sabotage themselves right at the moment of triumph because success feels unearned or uncomfortable.
Sometimes this stems from childhood messages, past mistakes we can’t forgive ourselves for, or comparing our inner struggles to everyone else’s highlight reel. Whatever the source, it’s devastating because it makes us our own worst enemy.
Here’s what I wish I could tell everyone carrying this burden: your worthiness isn’t up for debate. It’s not something you earn through perfect behavior or achievements. It’s your birthright as a human being.
You deserve to pursue your dreams, celebrate your wins, and take up exactly as much space as you need. The world needs what you have to offer, even if you can’t see it yet.
Breaking free from the mental chains
Our minds can be incredibly convincing liars.
Often, these limiting beliefs feel so real, so logical, that we rarely question them. We just accept them as truth and wonder why progress feels impossible.
The good news? Once you shine a light on these mental roadblocks, they start losing their power. Simply recognizing when one of these beliefs is running the show can be enough to break its grip.
I’m not saying it’s easy—I still catch myself falling into these traps from time to time. But awareness is the first step toward freedom. When you notice that familiar voice telling you why you can’t, won’t, or shouldn’t, you can pause and ask: “Is this actually true, or is this just fear talking?”
