In our first episode of That Sh*t Doesn't Define You, we explored a question that resonates with so many people: What's holding you back?
You can look successful on the outside—career milestones, personal wins, entrepreneur progress others admire—but still feel stuck inside, like something invisible is holding you back from reaching your full potential.
Whether it's past trauma, fear of failure, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs, these mental and emotional blocks often stand in the way of real growth.
In this blog, we'll share practical steps to help you identify what's holding you back and how to move forward with confidence. And if you haven't listened to the first episode yet, we highly recommend it—it sets the stage for this journey.
Why We Get Stuck (Even After Success)
Sometimes, the biggest barriers in life aren't the ones we see—they're the ones we've learned to ignore. These hidden roadblocks can come from past trauma, societal expectations, or internalized fears and doubts.
As we grow, we carry these experiences and stories with us. Without realizing it, they shape how we show up in our personal lives, as entrepreneurs, and in business.
Unresolved trauma, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the fear of failure—or even success—are often the culprits. These mental and emotional blocks can leave us feeling stuck, even when we've accomplished what others dream of.
The good news is that you have the power to move forward. Breaking through these limiting beliefs starts with awareness.
Identifying Your Barriers
The first step to making progress is identifying what's holding you back. It's time for some self-reflection. Here's a simple yet powerful exercise that you can do right now to help uncover your personal roadblocks:
- Think about an area in your life where you feel stuck. Is it in your career, relationships, or personal growth? Where are you feeling most stagnant?
- Ask yourself, “What's the story I'm telling myself about why I can't move forward?” Are you telling yourself that you're not qualified? That you're not good enough?
- Challenge that story. Is it really true? Who told you that? Does this belief serve you?
The goal is to recognize the stories you've been carrying and challenge their validity. Most of the time, these stories are just thoughts that have been reinforced over time but are not necessarily rooted in truth.
Rubber Meets the Road: Actionable Steps to Move Forward with Confidence
Let's act now that you've identified what's holding you back. This is where the rubber meets the road. It's time to take small but meaningful steps toward breaking free and creating real change.
Here are two concrete tools to help you move forward:
- Journal Prompt:
- "What's holding me back? What's the first small step I can take to move forward?"
- Start writing. Be honest with yourself about what's stopping you. Then, brainstorm a small action step you can take today—something that feels manageable but meaningful.
- Action Step:
- Take one small action today that aligns with your growth as a leader or entrepreneur. It might be having that tough conversation you've been avoiding, setting a new habit in motion, or committing to a new routine that nurtures your personal development. The key is to start messy. Don't wait for everything to be perfect before taking action. Perfection is just a form of procrastination.
Dare to Move Forward
It's time to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start taking action, even if you're scared or unsure. As we discussed in the podcast, this is not your practice life. You don't get to put things off and wait for the ideal time to move forward.
Every small step you take toward your dreams matters. Start where you are, take the first step—and keep going.
Remember, you don't have to do it alone. There's a community of like-minded individuals, just like you, ready to take on their limiting beliefs and move forward purposefully.
Let's Keep Moving Forward Together
If this blog and our podcast resonated with you, subscribe to our monthly newsletter for even more insights and strategies on breaking through barriers, developing resilience, and getting the business help you need to live your best life. We'll provide the tools to make lasting change and show up as your most powerful self.
You've got this. Start today, and take that first step toward the life you deserve.
