Have you ever thought to yourself, “I could never do that,” “That’s not for people like me,” or “I’m just not good enough”?

Those subtle but nagging thoughts? They aren’t facts. They’re self-limiting beliefs, and if they aren’t challenged, they can quietly run your life.

For survivors of toxic relationships or emotionally abusive situations, these beliefs often take root early and run deep. They’re developed out of fear, reinforced by trauma, and fed with repetition.

But the truth is, you are not your doubts. And you have a great deal more power than you have been told.

What Are Self-Limiting Beliefs, and Where Do They Come From?

Self-limiting beliefs are the subconscious stories that keep you stuck. They tell you who you can’t be, what you can’t do, and why you don’t deserve more.

They often stem from:

• Childhood programming or overly critical caregivers.

• Toxic relationships damage your self-confidence.

• Societal messages tied to gender, age, success, or social value.

• Past failures that now identify your present.
  

Some common examples are:

• “I’m not smart enough.”

• “I can’t trust anyone.”

• “I’ll always be alone.”

• “I’m too damaged to start again.”
  

None of these beliefs are protective; they are restrictive. And the more you believe them, the more you act like they’re true.

The Cost of Carrying These Beliefs

To live with self-limiting beliefs is to live life restrained by invisible chains. You may stay in toxic relationships because you don't believe you can do better. You might hold back from speaking up because you are scared of how others will perceive you or judge you. You may hold back from pursuing your dreams because you think you'll fail (even if you've never tried). 

It is not just emotional. It is financial, it is relational, and it is spiritual. This type of belief determines how much you earn or mismanage your finances, how you show up in your relationships, and what you see in the mirror. 

As Kanchan Bhaskar states, "You are not broken. You are simply covered up with layers of lies others have told you, and you bought it."

Are You Stuck in a Self-Limiting Pattern?

Ask yourself:

• Do I procrastinate because I fear not being good enough?

• Do I stay silent to avoid conflict, even when I want to speak up?

• Do I feel undeserving of love, rest, or success?

Awareness is the first step to self empowerment. When you name the belief, you can begin to change it.

Rewriting the Narrative: From “I Can’t” to “I Am Capable”

Liberating yourself from self-limiting beliefs isn't a one-time event. But it begins with reframing. 

Here's how to do it:

1. Name the belief: What is the voice in your head saying?

2. Challenge it: Who told you this, and is it even true?

3. Replace it: Come up with a new, empowering thought.

For example: 

• "I always fail": "I learned from every failure, and I am improving."

• "I am not worthy": "I am enough just as I am."

Every time you reframe, you gain a portion of your power back.

Tools to Break Free and Rebuild

Healing is an active process. Here are some tools to help:

• Journaling prompts: “What is the belief holding me back, and whose voice is it?”

• Mirror work: Say your new belief aloud to your reflection every morning.

• Community and coaching: You don't have to do this alone! Healing with support speeds up growth.
  

With practice, your brain begins to rewire. Your confidence builds. And you start living in alignment with your true potential, not past programming.

Conclusion

You were never meant to live small, silent, or stuck.

The voice in your head that says you can’t? That’s not you. That’s the residue of old wounds and outdated stories.

It’s time to choose a new story, one where you are worthy, capable, and powerful.

If you're tired of feeling stuck in cycles of self-doubt, Kanchan Bhaskar’s Transformational Coaching Program is designed to help you break free from the beliefs that no longer serve you and step boldly into your next chapter.

Book your free discovery call and start believing in your voice, your vision, and your worth.