How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back.
Discover how limiting beliefs are formed and how to break free using mindset coaching techniques for men. Learn action steps and journaling prompts to build confidence and achieve your goals.
Every bloke has that little voice in his head that says, “You’re not good enough” or “You’ll mess it up.”
Some men hear it when they’re about to speak up at work. Others hear it before approaching a girl, starting a new business, or even trying a new skill at the gym.
That voice isn’t truth.
It’s a limiting belief – a thought you’ve repeated so many times it’s become your reality. And here’s the good news: it can be changed.
In this post, we’ll unpack:
What limiting beliefs are and where they come from
How they hold men back in life, relationships, and career
Action-based mindset coaching tools to break them down
Journaling prompts to help you rewire your thinking
By the end, you’ll have the tools to start building the confidence you’ve been chasing — without the fake “just be confident” advice.
What Are Limiting Beliefs?
Limiting beliefs are the stories we tell ourselves about what we can or can’t do. They’re mental roadblocks that quietly shape our decisions, behaviours, and results.
Common examples for men include:
“I’m not smart enough.”
“I’m not the type of guy who can lead.”
“If I try, I’ll fail — and everyone will see.”
“Real men don’t show emotions.”
These aren’t just random thoughts — they often have deep roots.
Where Limiting Beliefs Come From
Most limiting beliefs are formed early, through:
Childhood experiences – Being told you’re “lazy,” “clumsy,” or “not good at maths” can stick.
Past failures – A single bad experience can become the lens you view future attempts through.
Cultural expectations – Outdated ideas about masculinity can make you believe you need to be tough, silent, and perfect.
Comparison – Measuring yourself against others’ highlight reels on social media.
The brain’s job is to keep you safe. If it thinks you’re at risk of embarrassment, rejection, or failure, it will convince you to stay in your comfort zone — even if it means sabotaging your own goals.
Why They Hold Men Back
For young men, these beliefs can quietly control life. They:
Stop you from speaking up or taking risks
Keep you in jobs, relationships, or routines that drain you
Limit your ability to connect deeply with others
Hold you back from becoming the man you want to be
Over time, they create a cycle: lack of action → no evidence of ability → more self-doubt.
Mindset Coaching for Men: How to Break Them Down
Here’s the truth: you can’t think your way out of a limiting belief — you have to act your way out.
1. Catch the Belief
Next time you hesitate on something you want to do, pause and ask:
What story am I telling myself right now?
Is this based on fact or fear?
Awareness is step one. You can’t change what you don’t see.
2. Challenge the Story
Treat the belief like a witness in court.
Ask yourself:
What’s the actual evidence for and against this belief?
Have I ever proven it wrong, even once?
Would I say this to a mate in the same situation?
This reframing pulls the belief out of the shadows and shows it for what it is — a thought, not truth.
3. Take Small, Evidence-Building Actions
Confidence isn’t built in your head — it’s built by doing.
If you believe you “can’t lead,” start by leading a small project or team activity.
If you believe you “can’t talk to people,” start with a small conversation at the coffee shop.
These micro-wins give your brain proof that the belief is false.
4. Use Journaling to Rewire Your Thinking
Writing forces you to slow down and see your thoughts clearly. Try these prompts:
What is a belief I hold that’s holding me back?
Where do I think it came from?
What’s one small thing I can do to challenge it this week?
If I didn’t have this belief, how would I act differently?
5. Surround Yourself with People Who See More in You
The right circle will challenge your limits instead of reinforcing them. Seek out mates, mentors, or communities that push you to level up.
Real Talk: This Isn’t Overnight Work
Overcoming limiting beliefs is like training a muscle. It takes repetition, challenge, and recovery. You’ll slip back into old patterns at times — and that’s normal.
The key is to keep stacking evidence that you can do what your old beliefs say you can’t.
Final Word
Your beliefs shape your reality — but they’re not fixed. With the right mindset coaching strategies, small consistent action, and honest reflection, you can rewrite the stories holding you back.
Start with one belief. One small challenge. One win.
That’s how confidence is built.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into building confidence and overcoming limiting beliefs, get in touch and let’s have a chat.
