How Your Limiting Beliefs Are Sabotaging Your Business (And What to Do About It)
“If I have a fear of rejection, it might play out in my business as avoiding important conversations with my team or clients. That fear isn't just holding me back; it's holding the business back.”
- Dr. Ashleigh Moreland
As a business owner or leader, you likely entered your role with grand ambitions. Maybe it was to provide for your family, create something meaningful, or live life on your own terms. But as you’ve probably discovered, running a business isn’t just about strategy, planning, or even passion. It’s also deeply personal, because your business is an extension of... YOU!
So, what if I told you that your business will only grow as much as you do?
It might sound surprising, but the growth of your business is directly linked to your own personal development. This concept was explored in a recent episode of The Re-MIND Podcast, where I sat down with my co-host, David Masterton, to discuss how our inner limitations, such as our fears, unresolved emotions, and limiting beliefs, are holding us back from achieving the success we want.
In this post, we’re going to explore how these internal barriers affect your business and, more importantly, what you can do to start addressing them.
What Are Limiting Beliefs?
Before we dive in, let’s clarify what we mean by limiting beliefs. Simply put, they are thoughts or assumptions that act as mental roadblocks, convincing us that certain things aren’t possible. These beliefs are often deeply ingrained, typically formed from past experiences, fears, or even inherited patterns from others around us. You might not even be aware of them, but they can show up in subtle ways in your business.
For example:
“I’m not good enough to lead a team.”
“If I take time off, everything will fall apart.”
“People will think I’m arrogant if I promote myself.”
“I don’t have time to deal with this right now.”
These beliefs can dictate how you approach your business, interact with clients, and lead your team. They create an invisible ceiling that limits not just you but also the potential of your business.
The Link Between Personal Growth and Business Success
In our podcast discussion, we touched on the idea that your business is a reflection of you—your values, your strengths, but also your weaknesses. This means that our business becomes an external expression of our internal world, so any unresolved issues within yourself, like fears, limiting beliefs, or past experiences, will inevitably show up in your business.
Here’s an example: You might struggle with the fear of rejection. Maybe it’s been something you’ve carried with you for years, long before you even started your business. As a result, you avoid having tough conversations with your team, hesitate to ask for feedback from clients, or shy away from putting yourself out there in a big way. That fear is holding you back.
And the business? It suffers too. Perhaps your team lacks direction because you haven’t communicated clearly, or maybe potential clients never hear from you because you’re too afraid to promote your services. The business stays stuck because YOU are stuck.
In contrast, when you focus on your personal growth and actually start challenging those limiting beliefs and working through your fears, your business will naturally begin to expand as well.
The Most Common Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back
While limiting beliefs can vary from person to person, there are a few common ones that we see time and time again, especially in the world of business:
Fear of Rejection: “What if they don’t like what I’m offering or say no?” This fear can make you avoid taking risks, whether it’s having a sales call, launching a new product, or simply having a difficult conversation with an underperforming employee.
Fear of Being Seen: “I don’t want to be judged.” This belief often shows up when people are hesitant to step into the spotlight, whether it’s through public speaking, social media, or even being the face of their own brand.
Perfectionism: “It has to be perfect before I launch.” Yep, I’m still working on this one. But you know what? My imperfect action still has a way bigger impact than someone elses perfect plan for action. This belief will keep you in a cycle of over-preparation and under-action. The truth is, nothing will ever be perfect, and waiting for the “perfect” moment is just another way of avoiding taking action.
Fear of Failure: “What if it all falls apart?” This one is particularly crippling because it can stop you from even starting. The fear of failure keeps you playing small, even when you know there’s more potential.
Practical Tools to Overcome Limiting Beliefs
Recognising your limiting beliefs is the first step, but it’s only part of the process. The real work begins when you start challenging these beliefs and taking action in spite of them. Here are some practical tools to help you get started:
1. Self-Reflection and Journaling
Take time each day to reflect on your thoughts, especially when you notice a moment of hesitation or fear in your business. Journaling can be a powerful tool to identify recurring beliefs that might be holding you back. Ask yourself:
What am I afraid will happen if I take this step?
Where does this belief come from? Is it truly mine, or did I inherit it, learn it or observe it from somewhere else?
What evidence do I have that challenges this belief?
For example, if you believe that promoting yourself will come across as arrogant, write down moments when you’ve shared your expertise and received positive feedback. Challenge the narrative that’s been keeping you small.
2. Reframe the Belief
Once you’ve identified a limiting belief, try to reframe it. Instead of saying, “I’m not good enough to lead a team,” reframe it to: “I’m learning and growing as a leader every day, and I bring valuable skills to my team.” The goal is to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. This reframing can reduce the power of the belief and open you up to new possibilities.
3. Take Small, Aligned Actions
One of the best ways to challenge limiting beliefs is by taking small, intentional actions that contradict them. If you have a fear of being seen, challenge yourself to post on social media or speak at an event, even if it’s uncomfortable. Start small, but do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
4. Get Comfortable with Discomfort
Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. When we avoid discomfort, we stay in the same place, repeating the same patterns. Embrace the idea that discomfort is part of the process. Whether it’s having a tough conversation, asking for help, or promoting yourself, discomfort is where the magic happens.
The Fear of Rejection in Action
Let’s look at a real-world scenario that I have come across SO MANY TIMES that I’ve literally created an entire workshop and survey resource on it. Imagine you own a business and need to have a difficult conversation with a team member who’s underperforming. You know the conversation is necessary, but the fear of rejection keeps you quiet. You tell yourself that maybe it’s not the right time or that things will improve on their own. Weeks pass, and the situation only worsens.
Now, let’s shift the perspective. If you were able to work through that fear, you could have an open and honest conversation with the team member. The issue could be addressed, and the business would benefit from improved performance and alignment with your company’s values.
By avoiding the conversation, not only do you allow the issue to persist, but you also reinforce the belief that rejection is something to fear. This is where growth is essential. Recognising that your fear of rejection is holding you back, not just from the conversation but from moving forward in your business.
How Rise and Thrive Can Help You Overcome Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs are powerful, but they aren’t permanent. In our Rise and Thrive program, we go beyond mindset work and dig into the deeper issues that keep you stuck. We combine neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and heart-centred coaching to help you identify and overcome the personal barriers that are impacting your business... because here’s the real kicker. Behind every limiting belief actually lies an emotion that is ENCODED in your nervous system. We’ve got to not only do the mindset work, but the processing work at a body level. That’s what makes our approach so different.
By joining Rise and Thrive, you’ll learn the practical tools and strategies to move past limiting beliefs, resolve fears, and grow into the leader your business needs. You’ll connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who are also committed to their personal and professional growth.
Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community
One of the most effective ways to break free from limiting beliefs is to surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. That’s why we’ve created the Heart-Centred Healing Hub on Facebook. It’s a space where you can share your wins, challenges, and insights with others on a similar journey, and a place to be seen, heard, and encouraged as you take bold steps towards growth.
Conclusion
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that your business will grow when you grow. Limiting beliefs may be holding you back, but they don’t have to define your future. By taking small, intentional steps and addressing the fears that keep you stuck, you can break through to new levels of success, not just in your business but in every area of your life.
So, ask yourself: What action can you take today to challenge a limiting belief? How can you step into the discomfort and grow beyond your current limitations?
Remember, the power to change is already within you.
With wellness in mind [and body, and spirit],
Dr Ashleigh Moreland
Watch Episode 80 of the Re-MIND Podcast here:
