How to Identify Your Beliefs & Unlock Your Potential

Have you ever set a big goal, felt excited… and then, for some reason, never followed through? What if I told you it wasn’t about motivation—but your beliefs holding you back?

Today, we’re learning about how to identify our beliefs—especially the ones that may be stopping us from achieving our goals.

The Truth: Your Beliefs Shape Your Reality

If you believe something is possible, you’ll take action. If you believe it’s not, you’ll subconsciously sabotage yourself. This idea is backed by experts like Dr. Carol Dweck in her book Mindset, where she explains how a growth mindset can completely change your ability to succeed.

What Are Beliefs & Why Do They Matter?

A belief is simply a thought that we have repeated so often that it feels like the truth. And here’s why that’s important: Our beliefs dictate our actions, and our actions determine our results.

This concept is also explored in Atomic Habits by James Clear, where he explains that our habits are not just about what we do—they are shaped by what we believe about ourselves.

For example:

  • If you believe “I’m not good at public speaking,” you’ll avoid speaking opportunities, never practice, and stay stuck.

  • If you believe “I can learn to be a great speaker,” you’ll practice, improve, and eventually gain confidence.

The same applies to money, success, relationships, and health. If you have beliefs that limit you, they will hold you back from achieving your full potential.

How to Identify Your Beliefs

Here are three powerful methods to uncover the beliefs shaping your life:

1. Listen to Your Self-Talk

This is where mindfulness, meditation, and journaling can really help us. Our mind is constantly reinforcing our beliefs. Start paying attention to the words you use daily—especially when thinking about your goals.

For example:

  • “I’ll never be able to start my own business.” → That’s a belief.

  • “I’m not disciplined enough to stick to a fitness routine.” → That’s a belief.

  • “I just don’t have what it takes to be successful.” → That’s a belief.

Every time you say “I can’t” or “I’m not”, ask yourself—is this really true? Or is it just something I’ve accepted as true?

This idea is similar to what Tony Robbins teaches: “The only thing keeping you from getting what you want is the story you keep telling yourself.”

2. Examine Your Reactions

Our strongest beliefs show up in our emotions.

For example:

  • If you procrastinate on a goal, do you believe deep down that success isn’t for people like you?

  • If you feel anxious about money, do you believe wealth is tied to greed?

Your reactions are clues to what you truly believe—not just what you say you believe.

3. Trace It Back: Where Did This Belief Come From?

Ask yourself:

  • Did I consciously choose this belief, or did I inherit it from family, society, or past experiences?

  • Have I ever questioned whether it’s actually true?

In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz explains how many of our beliefs are formed in childhood without our awareness, and how questioning them can set us free.

For example, if you grew up hearing “Success requires struggle,” you might unknowingly sabotage yourself whenever things feel “too easy.” But is that belief helping you? Or holding you back?

How Beliefs Affect Goal Achievement

Here’s the key: Your beliefs determine whether you follow through on your goals or give up before you even start.

So if you want to achieve big goals, you have to start by identifying your deep-rooted beliefs and stories that you have accepted without questioning.

How to Shift Limiting Beliefs

Once you’ve identified a limiting belief, here’s how to rewire it:

1. Question It:

  • Is this belief always true?

  • Can I find examples where the opposite is true?

2. Rewrite It:

  • Instead of “I’m bad with money,” say “I am learning to manage money wisely.”

  • If you believe you’re bad at networking, introduce yourself to one new person.

  • If you believe you’re not creative, try a small creative project.

Action is the fastest way to prove to yourself that your beliefs can change.

Your Challenge

Your beliefs are shaping your life—whether you realize it or not. The good news? You can change them.

Here’s a challenge: Write down one belief you have about your ability to achieve your goals. Then ask yourself—is this belief helping me or holding me back?

Drop a comment below if you found this helpful!

Sources Mentioned

Below are the affiliate links to the amazon website for the books referenced in this article.

What’s one belief you’re working on shifting today?

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