Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: A Coach's Guide

We all carry beliefs about ourselves and the world. Some of those beliefs, the stories we tell ourselves about us and the world around us, are empowering, others limiting. These limiting beliefs and gremlins act like invisible barriers, keeping us from pursuing our dreams and living authentically.

What Are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are assumptions or perceptions we hold about ourselves, others, or the world that constrain us in some way. They often sound like: -Middle aged women cannot be successful entrepreneurs -People in their fifteenth can’t start a new career

##What is Gremlin?

Gremlin is the inner voice we hear that sounds like:

• “I’m not smart enough to start my own business”
• “I’m too old to make a career change”
• “People like me don’t succeed at that”

These thoughts feel true, but they’re often based on past experiences, fears, or messages we’ve internalized from others.

The iPEC Approach

In my coaching practice, I use the iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching) Energy Leadership framework to help clients identify and shift limiting beliefs. This approach focuses on raising awareness of the energy and perspective behind our thoughts.

How to Challenge Limiting Beliefs

1. Name It

The first step is awareness. What belief is holding you back? Write it down. Getting it out of your head and onto paper makes it less powerful.

2. Question It

Ask yourself:

• How true is this belief?
• What evidence supports it? What contradicts it?
• Would I say this to a friend in the same situation?

3. Find the Origin

Where did this belief come from? Understanding its source helps you see it as something learned, not an inherent truth.

4. Reframe It

Replace the limiting belief with an empowering one. “I’m not smart enough” becomes “I’m capable of learning what I need to know.”

5. Take Small Action

Action builds evidence against limiting beliefs. Take one small step that contradicts the old belief and notice what happens.

###6. Release the Gremlin Gremlin’s role is to protect you from feeling disappointed, hurt, ashamed. Releasing the Glemlin is telling that inner voice that you no longer need its protection and you can take care of yourself.

Creating New Patterns

Changing beliefs takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself. Each time you notice and challenge a limiting belief, you’re creating new neural pathways and opening up possibilities.

Let’s Work Together

If limiting beliefs and Gremlins are keeping you stuck, you don’t have to work through them alone. Through personalized coaching, we can identify what’s holding you back and develop strategies to move forward with confidence.