6 Powerful Tips to Vanish Self-Limiting Beliefs – Warrior Mind Podcast Episode #695

Welcome to the Warrior Mind Podcast! I’m your host, Gregg Swanson. I’ve spent over 20 years helping individuals strengthen their mental, emotional, and physical resilience.

Whether surviving an avalanche, leading vast sales teams, or competing in CrossFit, I’ve seen firsthand the power of mental toughness. This podcast is all about helping you unlock that same strength in your own life.

We all have those nagging thoughts, don’t we? You know, the ones that creep in just when you’re about to take a leap, whispering in your ear: “You can’t do this.” They are limiting beliefs…those pesky mental barriers that keep us from achieving greatness, whether it’s in physical fitness or mental strength.

But here’s the thing… most of these self-limiting beliefs are completely unfounded. Imagine what you could do if you learned to quiet those doubts and rewrite the narrative in your mind.

If you’re ready to overcome these invisible chains, build grit, and unlock the resilient warrior within, let’s dive in together.

Let’s start with the basics: What are self-limiting beliefs?

They’re those ingrained thoughts that hold us back. Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking, “I’m not strong enough,” or “I’ll never achieve my goals.”

Sound familiar?

These beliefs often come from past experiences, fear of failure, or societal conditioning. The problem is that they are like invisible walls, stopping us from achieving our full potential.

You might be wondering why this matters. Well, the mental battles we fight directly impact our ability to push ourselves physically. Ever skipped a workout because you thought it wouldn’t make a difference?

That’s a limiting belief at work!

Mental strength and physical fitness are two sides of the same coin.

Identifying Your self-Limiting Beliefs

Now, here’s the fun part: identifying these sneaky beliefs.

The first step is self-awareness. Take a moment and think…what beliefs do you hold that might be holding you back? “I’m not good enough,” or “I can’t handle this,” are common culprits. We’ve all got them. If you’re not sure where to start, try journaling or reflecting on the moments when you’ve felt stuck. Ask yourself:

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• What’s stopping me from going after my goals?
  
• What excuses do I find myself making?
  

Once you recognize these thoughts, you’ve already taken the first step toward dismantling them.

How Limiting Beliefs Affect Physical Fitness and Mental Strength

I’ve been there too—those moments where you think, “I’ll never be fit enough,” or “Why even bother?” These thoughts are poison, not just to your mindset but to your fitness journey.

Mental blocks can stop you from starting a fitness routine or cause you to give up too soon. The fear of failure can be paralyzing, but here’s the truth: mental grit is the foundation of physical endurance.

When you push past those mental barriers, your body follows. Think of athletes…some of the strongest people on the planet.

Do you think they’ve never battled limiting beliefs?

Of course they have, but they’ve learned how to conquer them.

It’s the same for you. Whether you’re lifting weights or trying to run that extra mile, your mind will tell you to quit long before your body needs to. Break through that wall, and you’ll be amazed at how much more you can achieve.

Rewriting the Narrative: Turning Limiting Beliefs into Empowering Beliefs

Here’s where the magic happens: turning those limiting beliefs on their head.

One of my favorite techniques is reframing…basically taking a negative belief and flipping it into something positive. For instance, instead of saying, “I’ll never be good enough,” you say, “I’m learning and growing every day.” It’s a small shift, but it makes a world of difference.

Visualize yourself as the strong, resilient person you want to be. Picture it vividly. What does your day look like? How do you feel? These mental exercises can literally rewire your brain to believe in your ability to succeed.

A growth mindset is key here. It’s the belief that you can improve through effort and learning. We’ve all got room to grow…let’s embrace that instead of shying away from challenges.

Real-Life Examples of Banishing Self-Limiting Beliefs

I want to share a couple of real-world stories that always inspire me.

Think about someone like Serena Williams. Do you think she never had limiting beliefs? Of course she did. But she rewrote her internal script. In the face of adversity, she didn’t back down. She pushed through. The same goes for people in every walk of life—entrepreneurs, artists, and everyday folks like you and me.

One example I love is the story of David Goggins. He wasn’t born a Navy SEAL or ultramarathon runner. He grew up with a lot of self-doubt, but he fought those beliefs tooth and nail. It’s that sheer refusal to let limiting thoughts define him that makes him unstoppable today.

And you can do the same.

Now, let’s get practical. Here are some techniques you can start using right now to kick those limiting beliefs to the curb:

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• Daily affirmations: Repeat positive statements about yourself every morning. Tell yourself, “I am strong. I am capable.”
  
• Small wins: Focus on small, manageable goals. Each success, no matter how tiny, builds your confidence.
  
• Accountability: Share your goals with a friend or coach who can encourage you to stay on track.
  
• Meditation and mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness helps you recognize when limiting beliefs are creeping in. Once you notice them, you can replace them with empowering thoughts.
  

Remember, consistency is key. These mental exercises are just like physical workouts—you’ve got to show up every day.

The Connection Between Grit, Resilience, and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Grit. Resilience. These are the tools we need to achieve greatness, both mentally and physically. But here’s the thing…you can’t develop these traits if you’re held back by limiting beliefs. It’s like trying to run with weights strapped to your feet.

Overcoming these mental hurdles builds the grit and resilience you need to keep pushing forward. Even when the road gets tough—and trust me, it will—your inner strength will keep you moving. This mindset shift doesn’t just apply to fitness; it’s about thriving in every aspect of your life—whether it’s your career, relationships, or personal growth.

Limiting beliefs are like invisible chains holding you back from the life you deserve. But the good news?

You hold the key.

By identifying, reframing, and overcoming these beliefs, you unlock a whole new level of potential in both your physical fitness and mental strength.

I challenge you…right here, right now…to pick one limiting belief that’s been holding you back. Just one. Now, flip it on its head. Replace it with a belief that empowers you. This is your moment to break free, to develop the grit and resilience that will propel you toward your goals.

Your future self is waiting for you to take that first step.

Let’s go get it, together.