How To Overcome Limiting Beliefs And Reclaim Your Power

Written by Indre Ratkele, Success & Transformation Coach

Indre Ratkele is a Success & Transformation Coach, the creator of "I am Ready," a personal development course and the author of "Master the Basics of Investing. A Practical Guide to Succcess." She helps individuals overcome harmful habits, align their mindset, and achieve personal and financial breakthroughs.

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Have you ever felt like something invisible is holding you back? You work hard. You dream big. Or maybe... you're even afraid to dream at all. Maybe dreaming feels like a luxury – like a waste of time in a life filled with responsibilities: taking care of your family, working long hours, paying bills, just trying to survive.

And yet, somewhere deep inside, a quiet voice whispers, “You’re not good enough.” Or “You’re not ready.”

These aren't just fleeting thoughts. They are limiting beliefs – deeply rooted patterns that influence our choices, undermine our confidence, and shape the life we believe we're allowed to live.

In this article, I want to show you how to recognize and rewire those beliefs, not through vague motivation, but with practical, real tools that have truly changed my life. This isn't a theory. It's a lived experience. These are the exact practices that helped me transform self-doubt into global visibility, build a thriving coaching business, and create a life I once believed was only possible for "other people."

Why this matters

Limiting beliefs cost us more than we realize. They quietly rob us of joy, ambition, love, and a sense of fulfillment. They shape our careers, relationships, health, and financial potential, often without us even noticing. Our beliefs become our blueprint for life, and unless we question and change them, we end up living by that same design, over and over again.

These beliefs keep us stuck in survival mode, living paycheck to paycheck, chasing security instead of purpose. We seek validation from others, stay in jobs that no longer inspire us, and convince ourselves that making a change could lead to something worse.

So we don’t risk it. We stay where it's familiar, inside the comfort zone we've built not for growth, but for safety.

But here’s the truth: that “comfort” is often the cage. Limiting beliefs don’t just keep us safe, they keep us small. They stop us from trying, learning, expanding, and creating the life we truly want.

And this isn’t just personal experience. Science backs it up. A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that self-limiting beliefs significantly reduce motivation and make long-term goals harder to achieve, especially when those beliefs are formed early in life. Even more striking, they can alter our perception of what is realistically possible.

What are limiting beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are not just abstract ideas. They are the silent architects of our self-worth. They shape how we show up in the world, what we believe we deserve, and how we respond to challenges. Often, these beliefs are formed early in life through childhood experiences, repeated rejection, or unmet emotional needs. They sound like quiet but persistent whispers:

“I’m not smart enough to succeed.”

“People like me don’t get those kinds of opportunities.”

“I’m too broken to change.”

For me, these beliefs ran deep. I grew up feeling unwanted and invisible, especially in the presence of my stepfather, who never accepted me. As a child, I internalized the idea that I wasn’t enough, not lovable, not worthy, not seen. That belief system followed me into adulthood like a shadow.

I became someone who constantly sought validation. I wanted to be seen, to be heard, to feel important, in my personal life, in my relationships, and especially in my career. I worked hard, overloaded myself with responsibilities, and chased achievements, all in hopes of finally feeling worthy. But deep down, I still felt empty.

To quiet that inner void, I turned to alcohol, drugs, and unhealthy habits. These things gave me temporary relief, a moment where I could feel okay, even powerful. But that false comfort came at a heavy price. Over time, it turned into a full-blown addiction that nearly destroyed everything: my health, my relationships, and my sense of self.

Looking back now, I see that it wasn’t just the substances. It was the why behind them. I was trying to escape the pain of unworthiness. I was numbing the shame and hiding from my own limiting beliefs. But healing began the moment I asked myself, What am I really trying to run from? and What would it look like to build a life where I didn’t need to numb myself to feel okay?

That is where transformation begins. Not in perfection, but in the honest decision to face yourself. To stop believing the old stories. To rewrite your narrative, from pain to purpose.

Where do limiting beliefs come from?

Limiting beliefs are not part of who we truly are, they are learned. Most often, they begin in childhood, shaped by the people around us and the environment we grow up in. These messages get absorbed into the subconscious mind and start forming our internal reality, how we see ourselves, what we believe is possible, and what we think we deserve. Over time, they become the lens through which we interpret life.

After years of battling low self-worth and unhealthy coping mechanisms, I began searching for something deeper. My turning point came a few years ago when I first started learning about the subconscious mind. I came across the work of John Assaraf, a leading expert in the field of brain science and personal transformation. His teachings, rooted in neuroscience, opened my eyes to how much of our behavior is driven by subconscious programming, up to 95 percent according to research.

Through his programs and something he calls "Innercises," mental exercises designed to rewire the brain, I realized that change doesn’t come from willpower alone. It comes from reconditioning the subconscious mind. His work is based on the science of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways, no matter your age or past.

That understanding changed everything for me.

I wasn’t broken. I was programmed. And that meant I could be reprogrammed.

With time, commitment, and the right tools, I began to unlearn the beliefs that had kept me stuck, and replace them with new ones that supported my growth. That is when my reality began to shift.

The power of the subconscious mind

Neuroscience shows that the subconscious mind governs up to 95 percent of our actions, thoughts, and emotional responses. Much of what we do every day is driven by subconscious beliefs we are not even aware of.

The good news is that our brains are adaptable. Through neuroplasticity, we can form new neural pathways and shift old belief systems. This is where true change happens, not through sheer willpower, but by reprogramming the subconscious mind.

How to rewire limiting beliefs: Tools that work

Here is the good news. Your beliefs are not fixed. You can reprogram them. You can retrain your subconscious mind, and in doing so, change your entire reality. The tools are simple, accessible, and incredibly powerful when used consistently:

1. Meditation

Meditation helps quiet the mind and allows you to access deeper layers of the subconscious. Research from Harvard Medical School shows that regular meditation strengthens the prefrontal cortex and reduces the influence of the amygdala – the part of the brain that triggers fear and stress.

I meditate first thing in the morning because that’s when the subconscious is most receptive. But meditating before sleep works too, as it lets you tap into the subconscious mind during the transition from wakefulness to sleep.

2. Affirmations

Affirmations are more than just positive statements. They’re tools for reshaping your inner narrative. Studies show that self-affirmation activates the brain’s reward centers, reducing stress and reinforcing empowering beliefs.

I use laminated affirmation cards, placing them around my home and office. This keeps positive messages in my line of sight, reminding me to repeat them consistently.

3. Scripting

Scripting involves writing about your future as though it’s already happening. This activates the reticular activating system in the brain, which helps you focus on opportunities and behaviors that align with your goals.

I’ve used this technique to write about my life as if it’s already happening, describing how I feel, what I’ve accomplished, and the person I’ve become. It’s a powerful way to create a clear mental picture of the future you want to manifest.

4. Embodying your future self

This technique involves visualizing your future self and taking steps to embody that version of you today. Research shows that acting as if you are already the person you want to become increases persistence and goal achievement.

I analyze how my future self thinks, behaves, and interacts with others. Then, I take small but intentional steps each day to align myself with that vision.

6. Consistency and repetition

Rewiring your subconscious requires repetition, emotional involvement, and patience. This is not about being perfect – it is about being persistent.

The integration of these practices into your daily life may initially seem simple, but their consistent application yields profound transformation. Backed by neuroscience and real-life evidence, these tools offer more than hope – they offer a pathway. When you begin to work with your mind instead of against it, your outer world starts to reflect the inner changes. This is how true, lasting empowerment begins.

What becomes possible when you change your beliefs

Since embarking on this transformative journey of inner work, my life has experienced profound shifts. I made the pivotal decision to step away from my full-time job and redirect my time, energy, and focus toward building my business and pursuing projects aligned with my purpose. This shift empowered me to create a career that is not only fulfilling but also deeply connected to what truly matters to me.

Throughout this journey, I had the privilege of becoming an executive contributor for Brainz Magazine and collaborating with incredible individuals, which opened doors to meaningful opportunities and expanded my network. I also launched a podcast designed to empower individuals to reclaim their personal power. You can listen and subscribe here.

However, the most profound transformation has occurred within me.

I’ve come to understand that I am enough, and I no longer seek external approval or wait for permission to express my authentic self. I've learned to harmonize with my subconscious mind, unlocking the potential within me. Today, whenever I set a goal or envision a new future, I do so with confidence, knowing I have the ability to achieve whatever I set my mind to. I trust that when I am aligned, focused, and open, the right opportunities, people, and ideas will naturally flow into my life.

This internal transformation has allowed me to develop skills I once believed were beyond my reach. I mastered the art of investing, which has become a consistent source of income. I even wrote a book on the subject, available for free on my website as a gift to you.

I also created a transformative personal development course and founded the Bold Souls Community, a space where courageous individuals walk the path of growth and purpose together. Since shifting my focus toward purpose-driven projects, I’ve been drawn to like-minded, high-level individuals. Today, I am fortunate to collaborate with inspiring people worldwide, united in our mission to elevate others and create lasting change.

This shift is not simply about external accomplishments. It is deeply rooted in internal alignment. I am actively learning to work with my subconscious mind to build and sustain a healthier, more intentional life, one grounded in self-awareness and free from negativity, limiting habits, or outdated beliefs. Each morning, I engage in mental practices that reshape my thinking, visualizing myself as vibrant, strong, and clear-minded, with days filled with clarity and purpose. This discipline has supported my evolution, helping me move away from dependencies, whether on substances, toxic relationships, or outdated belief systems, toward a life based on freedom, empowerment, and integrity.

I no longer seek an escape because I have found a sense of home within myself. I’ve discovered my power and now live from it.

And this is exactly what I want for you, too. My mission is to help others who were once in the same place I was, searching for a way out, needing support, and lacking the guidance I didn’t have at that time. I aim to be the person I needed when I was struggling, offering tools, wisdom, and encouragement to empower others to become the best version of themselves.

For those ready to begin their journey, I’ve created resources like my course I Am Ready to help you take the first step.

You are not broken – you’ve just been programmed

This isn’t about fixing yourself. You’re not broken. You’ve just been programmed to believe you are limited, and those programs can be rewritten.

You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment. You don’t need to “deserve” happiness or abundance. You were born worthy. And the moment you begin to truly believe that, the world will reflect it back to you.

Want to go deeper?

If this article resonated with you, if you’re tired of feeling like something unseen is holding you back, then maybe this is your moment.

My course, I Am Ready, was created for people just like you. It is a self-paced, transformational journey designed to help you shift your mindset, rewire limiting beliefs, and build a life of clarity, confidence, and freedom. Inside the program, you’ll find:

• Mindset & confidence – Learn how to shift subconscious patterns and build unshakable self-belief

• Financial empowerment – Break through money blocks and develop a mindset aligned with abundance

•  Health & energy – Establish powerful daily routines to boost mental and physical well-being

•  Relationships & boundaries – Build fulfilling connections and reclaim your personal power

•  Success environments – Shape your space and habits to support real, lasting growth

With engaging video lessons, downloadable worksheets, guided meditations, affirmation audios, and lifetime access, this isn’t just a course. It’s a complete toolkit for sustainable transformation.

Start your journey today here.

And if you’re not quite ready to dive into the course, but want to keep exploring these topics at your own pace, tune in to my podcast for weekly insights and real stories of transformation:

Listen on YouTube. Let this be the moment you stop waiting for permission.

Let this be the day you say: I Am Ready.

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info!

Read more from Indre Ratkele

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Indre Ratkele, Success & Transformation Coach

Indre Ratkele is a Success & Transformation Coach, the creator of the "I Am Ready" personal development course, and the author of "Master the Basics of Investing: A Practical Guide to Success." Drawing from her journey of overcoming harmful habits, self-doubt, and negativity, Indre helps individuals unlock the power of the subconscious mind and the 9 Environments of Success to create transformative change. Her mission is to guide others toward clarity, confidence, and a life of abundance through mindset alignment and practical strategies.