Limiting beliefs are something that’s held me back, and continue to hold me back on my inner work journey. I always hear tiny thoughts pop up in my head, such as: “Maybe I’m doing too much at once,” or “Maybe I’m being a bit too delulu,” or even, “No one is going to take you seriously.” But the truth is, these thoughts are simply in my head, disguising themselves as a way to “keep me safe.”
We all have limiting beliefs, and they often stop us from striving to reach the best versions of ourselves. In sha Allah (God willing), by the end of this blog post, you’ll be able to catch your limiting beliefs and change them so you can reach your fullest potential. If you’re looking for more practical tips on goal-setting, check out this post on How to Stay Aligned with Your Values While Achieving Your Goals.
So, What Exactly Are Limiting Beliefs?
A limiting belief is an idea or thought that holds you back from doing something beneficial or something you deeply want to achieve. This might look like wanting your dream body but thinking it’s “unrealistic,” or wanting to make 10K a month but thinking, “I’m too young.”
These beliefs deter you from even trying. Who said achieving your dream body had to be unrealistic? Who said making a certain amount of money at a young age is impossible?
When we listen to limiting beliefs, they become a form of self-sabotage. They disrupt our growth and stop us from reaching our goals.
Where do they come from?
Limiting beliefs can come from different places such as the people around you, past experiences or ultimately, the whispers of Shaytaan.
For example, thinking that earning 10K at the age of 16 is impossible might feel like a way to protect yourself from disappointment. But this mindset does the opposite. By not trying, you don’t even give yourself a chance to achieve your dreams. Doesn’t it hurt more to know you could’ve done it, but didn’t even try? Knowing that you had the opportunity but didn’t go for it.
We would rather ponder on what we could’ve achieved as it’s safer to say ” I could’ve done this but…( excuse)” rather than trying and failing. This concept is explored in The Courage to Be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi, a book I recommend for its beneficial mindset shifts. (As always, take what resonates and remember your core values.)
Most importantly, Shaytaan tricks us into forgetting that Allah is capable of anything. Doubting that something can happen is essentially doubting Allah’s capabilities.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am… If he remembers Me in himself, I too remember him in Myself. If he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’”
So if you think that he’s not going to give you something then you are basically setting yourself up. The shaytan is fooling you by framing it as keeping yourself safe and being “realistic” when really and truly nothing is impossible for your Lord. With tawakkul and sabr, anything meant to cross your path will surely be yours, in sha Allah.
How to catch a limiting belief
Think about your biggest goals. Those life-changing goals that excite you. Have you started working toward them? If not, ask yourself: What’s holding me back?
These reasons are your limiting beliefs—the excuses you give yourself to avoid pursuing your dreams.
In my case, one of my limiting beliefs was that I was too young to educate others about what I’ve learned. I thought no one would take me seriously. But I had to ask myself: Who said that’s true? I’ve seen many women learn from those younger than them. So I rewired that belief.
If you have an Idea that lights you up ( you know the ideas that you just feel like wow i cracked the code or ahh that’ll be so cool if…” yeah those ones) and then straight away you shut it down with something that’s a limiting belief and it’s you running right back to your head. For more insight into managing overwhelming self-development ideas, check out my post on self-development overload.
For example this can look like “ I want to start this business” and then you think but I don’t have enough time or enough money. These are limiting beliefs it’s holding you back. Instead of thinking, “I don’t have enough time or money,” challenge that thought and ask: “How can I make time? How can I save money to make this possible?”
How to challenge Limiting Beliefs
Once you’ve caught your limiting beliefs you’ve taken the first step to getting rid of it. Once you’ve caught a limiting belief, challenge it. Ask yourself: Is this thought serving me?
For example, I reframed my belief about being too young by thinking: My age can be my biggest asset. The fact that I’m so young and have been blessed ( Alhamdulillah all praises are due to God) with all this knowledge, makes me stand out. Similarly, you can reframe your beliefs into something empowering.
Another way to challenge limiting beliefs is by seeking proof that your goal is achievable. Look at people who have done what you want to do. Seeing others succeed in similar situations rewires your brain to believe, If they can do it, so can I. You might also enjoy reading my blog post ‘Girl, Get Up and Love Yourself’ for practical ways to build confidence.
Create Evidence Portfolios
Evidence portfolios are also a really helpful way to get rid of your limiting beliefs. This is a concept Bahja Abdi talks about and it involves keeping a record of the promises you made to yourself and achieved. When you doubt yourself, look back at what you’ve already accomplished. She’s also got a really good video on limiting beliefs you should watch it here.
Something that I also like to use that’s similar to this is an answered duas portfolio. I like to keep note of all the duas that Allah has answered for me. When I feel doubt or Shaytaan strikes me with low iman, I remind myself: I really wanted this, and Allah provided it for me. Some duas took longer to be answered than others, but they were answered in the end. This reflection strengthens my trust in Allah and helps me push through limiting beliefs.
To sum it up
Limiting Beliefs come from shaytaan to hold us back from reaching our full potential and make us doubt the capabilities of Allah. He disguises these thoughts as “being realistic” or “playing it safe,” but in reality, they’re barriers stopping us from achieving our dreams.
So next time you have a limiting belief, remember to catch it, ask if it’s serving you. If not, reframe your thinking so that it does serve you. Always remember that Allah has got you and will answer your prayers. You deserve to live your dream life and achieve your full potential. You got this girl I believe in you x