Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs: Shelyna Brown's Approach to Personal Sovereignty

Limiting beliefs can trap us in a cycle of self-doubt, hindering progress and keeping us from reaching our full potential. These beliefs often stem from past experiences, societal expectations, or fear of failure, subtly shaping how we view ourselves and our opportunities. But what if you could break free from these constraints and step into a life defined by personal choice and empowered action?

In this article, I share insights from my own journey, as well as strategies from thought leaders like Carol Dweck , Brené Brown , Simon Sinek , and Ryan Holiday , to help you identify and overcome limiting beliefs. By combining the principles of my Preside? Method with actionable steps, you can reclaim your sovereignty and lead a life of purpose and freedom.

What Are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are false narratives we accept as truth. They tell us what we can or cannot do, often dictating the boundaries of our potential. For instance:

• "I’m not good enough to lead."
• "I don’t deserve success."
• "I’ll never recover from past mistakes."

These beliefs act as mental roadblocks, influencing our actions, relationships, and opportunities. As Carol Dweck , author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, explains, a fixed mindset reinforces these limitations, while a growth mindset challenges and transcends them.

Step 1: Recognize the Root of Your Beliefs

Breaking free starts with awareness. Reflect on where your limiting beliefs originated. Did they stem from:

• A critical comment during childhood?
• A past failure that left a scar?
• Cultural or societal norms that define success narrowly?

Case Study:

A client of mine, Sophia, struggled with the belief that she wasn’t “smart enough” to pursue a leadership role. After reflecting, she realized this belief stemmed from a teacher’s dismissive comment in middle school. By identifying the root, she began to dismantle the false narrative.

Actionable Tip: Journal about a time you hesitated to pursue a goal. Write down the belief that stopped you and trace its origin.

Step 2: Challenge the Narrative

Limiting beliefs often crumble under scrutiny. Use Brené Brown 's principle of vulnerability to face these beliefs head-on. She emphasizes the power of acknowledging our fears and embracing imperfections.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. Is this belief objectively true?
2. What evidence contradicts it?
3. What’s the worst that could happen if I let it go?

Example:

Sophia replaced her belief with evidence of her competence—her track record of successful projects and positive peer feedback. She reframed her narrative: “I am capable of learning and leading.”

Step 3: Replace Limiting Beliefs with Empowering Truths

The mind cannot operate in a vacuum; you must replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. This aligns with Simon Sinek 's concept of Start with Why. Clarify your purpose to rewrite your internal story.

How to Rewrite Your Beliefs:

• Old Belief: "I’m not creative enough to start my own business."
• New Belief: "Creativity is a skill I can develop with practice and effort."

Call to Action: Write down one limiting belief you’ll replace today. Then craft an empowering statement to guide your actions.

Step 4: Build Sovereignty Through Small Wins

Personal sovereignty—the ability to govern yourself—is built through consistent, intentional actions. Each small win chips away at doubt and reinforces confidence.

Strategies for Building Sovereignty:

• Set Micro-Goals: Start small. For instance, if you believe public speaking isn’t your strength, commit to sharing your opinion in one meeting per week.
• Track Progress: Use tools like habit trackers to visualize growth.
• Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small.

Ryan Holiday , author of The Obstacle Is the Way, highlights that obstacles are opportunities in disguise. Each challenge is a chance to strengthen your resolve and prove your beliefs wrong.

Step 5: Surround Yourself with Growth-Oriented People

Breaking free from limiting beliefs often requires external support. Surround yourself with mentors, friends, and communities that uplift and challenge you.

Case Study:

Sophia joined a leadership cohort where she received constructive feedback and encouragement. Seeing peers tackle similar fears inspired her to keep pushing boundaries.

Practical Tip: Seek out accountability partners who embody the traits you aspire to develop. Share your goals and progress regularly.

Step 6: Embrace Stewardship

The Preside? Method emphasizes stewardship—not just of your resources, but of your mind and actions. Stewardship shifts your perspective from “What’s holding me back?” to “What can I do with what I have?”

Stewardship in Practice:

• Time: Prioritize activities that align with your goals.
• Energy: Invest in self-care to stay resilient.
• Opportunities: Take calculated risks to expand your potential.

Quote for Reflection: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48) Stewardship calls us to rise to the occasion and use our gifts to their fullest.

Step 7: Pay It Forward

Empowerment isn’t complete until it’s shared. Use your journey to inspire and uplift others. This aligns with Oprah Winfrey 's philosophy of service—empowered individuals create empowered communities.

Action Plan:

1. Share your story of overcoming limiting beliefs on social media or within your network.
2. Mentor someone who’s facing similar challenges.
3. Volunteer in spaces where your skills can make an impact.

The Transformation: Sophia’s Journey

By following these steps, Sophia not only secured a leadership role but also mentored other aspiring leaders within her organization. She shifted from a reactive mindset to an empowered, proactive stance, presiding over her life with confidence and clarity.

Take Your First Step Today

Breaking free from limiting beliefs is a process, not a one-time event. Every step you take rewrites your story, bringing you closer to personal sovereignty.

Your Challenge:

• Identify one limiting belief you’ll tackle this week.
• Take one small action to challenge it.
• Share your journey with someone you trust.

Remember, the Preside? Method is here to guide you toward a life defined by your choices, not your constraints. You have the power to lead yourself—and inspire others to do the same.