Have you ever stared at something in your life—a goal, a dream, even a to-do list item—and thought, I just can’t do that? Maybe it’s too expensive, too complicated, or too far out of reach. Or so you think. That’s the power of limiting beliefs—those quiet, persistent thoughts that convince you something is impossible before you’ve even tried.

I want to tell you a story that beautifully illustrates how these beliefs can quietly linger in our lives for years, holding us back from simple, achievable joy.

The Oven Range Hood That Took 20 Years to Replace

My mother-in-law lived in the same house for over two decades, and there was one thing she disliked from day one: the range hood over her oven. It was dated, clunky, and frankly, an eyesore. But for over 20 years, she did nothing about it. Why?

Because of a set of limiting beliefs she’d never questioned.

She believed:

• Replacing it would be too expensive.
  
• She didn’t have the skills to install it.
  
• She didn’t have the time to deal with it.
  

So it sat there. For two decades.

When it came time to sell the house, her realtor casually suggested replacing the hood. “They’re like $100,” she said. My mother-in-law was stunned. “Wait, what? I thought it would cost thousands!” But it didn’t. Within an hour of buying the new one, she had it installed—herself.

She looked at her new range hood and thought, Why did I wait 20 years to do this?

What Are Limiting Beliefs?

This story is a powerful reminder that limiting beliefs don’t always scream at us—they whisper. They gently steer us away from action, convincing us we “can’t” or “shouldn’t” without ever asking us to challenge the thought.

In coaching, we often help people untangle facts from thoughts. For example:

• Fact: Your bank account has $1,000 in it.
  
• Thought: “That’s not enough, I can’t afford anything.”
  
• Fact: You weigh 200 lbs.
  
• Thought: “I’m unhealthy,” or “I’ve come so far.”
  

The fact is neutral. The thought is a story we’re telling ourselves—and that story can either empower us or keep us stuck.

Why We Let Limiting Beliefs Hold Us Back

Sometimes limiting beliefs start young. Maybe someone made an offhand comment about your writing, and you decided you weren’t a writer. Maybe you tried a business idea once, it didn’t work out, and now your brain tells you you’re “not cut out for entrepreneurship.”

The more often you repeat these thoughts, the stronger the mental pathways become. Over time, those thoughts turn into beliefs—and eventually, those beliefs become your default reality.

But here’s the good news: beliefs can be changed.

Try the “Three Quotes” Method

In the business world, it’s common to get three quotes before making a decision. It’s smart, logical, and helps you make informed choices.

What if you did that in your personal life?

What if instead of assuming something was impossible, you got three quotes? Three pieces of information? Three different perspectives?

Want to hire a house cleaner but think it’s too expensive? Get three quotes.
Curious about writing a book? Write a chapter, take a workshop, or talk to someone who’s done it.
Thinking about starting a business? Do a little research. Look up what a business license costs. Take the first micro step.

Often, you’ll find that the thing you thought was impossible is not only doable—it’s simpler and more affordable than you imagined.

Confronting the Fear of Disappointment

One of the hidden reasons we let limiting beliefs run the show is our fear of confrontation or disappointment. We don’t want to say no. We don’t want to let people down. So we avoid the situation entirely.

But you don’t owe everyone a yes. You don’t even owe everyone an explanation.

You’re allowed to gather information and decide what works for you. You’re allowed to explore options. And yes—you’re allowed to say no.

Change Starts With Awareness

So here’s your challenge: Take one goal or dream you’ve put on the back burner and ask yourself:

• What do I think is stopping me?
  
• Is that a fact, or just a thought?
  
• What information could I gather that might prove me wrong?
  

Maybe it’s launching a business, or writing a book, or taking a solo vacation. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to investigate. You might find that the biggest thing standing in your way isn’t money, time, or knowledge—it’s simply a limiting belief.

And that’s something you can change.

Final Thoughts

You deserve a life that excites you. A life where your goals don’t get pushed aside for years because of unchallenged thoughts. Don’t let limiting beliefs be the reason you stay stuck. Whether it’s a kitchen update or a lifelong dream, you are more capable than you think.

Sometimes, all it takes is one new thought to replace an old belief—and a little action to create momentum.

You’ve got this.

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Need help uncovering your limiting beliefs?
Let’s chat. Coaching can be a powerful tool to help you see what’s really holding you back. Send me a DM or visit the website to learn more.