The Power of Belief: How It Shapes Our Lives and Limits Our Potential

Our beliefs are incredibly powerful forces. They shape how we see the world, define who we think we are, and guide the actions we take in life. Yet, it's crucial to remember that beliefs are not absolute truths—they are our interpretations of reality, not reality itself. These core beliefs are deeply ingrained assumptions about ourselves, others, and the world around us. They influence our perceptions and, as a result, play a significant role in determining the life we live.

What’s surprising is that despite their profound influence, we are often unaware of how much these beliefs shape our experiences. Many of these beliefs take root during childhood, becoming rigid, inflexible, and self-perpetuating over time. We tend to reinforce them by seeking out evidence that supports our beliefs and ignoring anything that contradicts them.

We all carry many core beliefs—I’m no exception. I consider myself a recovering perfectionist. Perfectionism, a very common personality trait, often stems from the limiting belief that “I’m not good enough.” Research suggests that perfectionism can have detrimental effects. In fact, Forbes found that 92% of people are affected by it. This belief often originates in childhood experiences and can manifest in various ways, restricting our actions and preventing us from fully engaging with life.

As Brené Brown wisely notes, “Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. It’s often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life paralysis.” The belief that "I’m not good enough" can fuel the need for perfection, which in turn prevents us from trying new things and stifles our potential.

Becoming Aware of Limiting Beliefs

The first step to overcoming limiting beliefs is awareness. You can’t challenge or change something if you don’t know it’s there. As a coach, part of my mission is to help others challenge their perceptions and beliefs so that they can live the life they truly desire.

In coaching, we often find that clients may not even realize the extent of their limiting beliefs. That’s where we come in. We guide them through the process of self-discovery and help them gain clarity on these beliefs. For clients who are already aware, we support them in questioning and reframing those beliefs.

A key aspect of coaching is evoking awareness. Within the International Coaching Federation’s core competency of “Evoking Awareness,” we help clients by:

• Asking questions that explore their way of thinking, values, needs, and beliefs.
• Asking questions that help them explore beyond their current thinking.
• Helping them identify patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion that influence their present and future.
• Supporting them in reframing perspectives.

By fostering this awareness, clients begin to see their lives—and themselves—in new ways. They become empowered to question the beliefs that have been holding them back and make choices that align with the life they want to live.

Empowering Change

At the core of coaching is the desire to empower people. Through awareness, my clients gain the freedom to challenge their limiting beliefs and take control of their lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them move from a place of being constrained by their beliefs to one where they feel free to make decisions and take actions that align with their values and dreams.

My ultimate goal as a coach is to help people live the life they truly want, unburdened by limiting beliefs. With the right support, you can shift your mindset, embrace new perspectives, and open yourself up to the possibilities that await. The first step is awareness, and from there, transformation becomes not only possible but inevitable.