Stop believing you have limits!

How Society and Our Upbringing Shape Our Beliefs: Breaking Through Limiting Barriers

In 1954, Roger Bannister made history by running a mile in under four minutes. Up until that point, many people believed this feat was physically impossible; doctors even suggested that running at that speed could be fatal. The "four-minute mile" was an invisible barrier imposed not by the limitations of the human body, but by society’s collective belief in those limitations. Bannister approached the challenge differently. Instead of focusing on breaking the four-minute mark, he reframed his goal: he calculated that he needed to run each lap in less than 60 seconds. With this new focus, he transformed a seemingly insurmountable barrier into a manageable task. And, in doing so, he broke the record—and shattered the limiting belief for others. After Bannister, over a thousand runners have broken the four-minute mile, including amateur athletes. What changed? Not the physical capabilities of athletes, but their belief in what they could achieve.

This story highlights how powerful societal beliefs can be, subtly influencing our ambitions, confidence, and even the goals we consider possible. But where do these beliefs come from, and how do they shape our lives? Let’s explore how the environment we grow up in can form both barriers and breakthroughs.

The Role of Society in Shaping Belief Systems

Our environment plays a substantial role in shaping who we become and what we believe we can achieve. From an early age, we absorb the values, expectations, and norms of the communities around us. Society instils frameworks that outline what is "normal," what is "possible," and what is worth pursuing. Sometimes, these frameworks are helpful and inspire us to accomplish great things. Other times, however, they create invisible barriers that hold us back.

Consider the way baby elephants are trained in captivity. When they are young and too weak to escape, they are chained to a small post in the ground. They pull and struggle but cannot break free, so they eventually stop trying. As adults, these elephants are strong enough to pull the post out of the ground easily, yet they stay put because they learned as babies that the post cannot be moved. Although they are now fully capable of breaking free, the limiting belief instilled in them as young elephants remains in place, restraining them.

This conditioning is not unlike the mental barriers we may adopt from societal beliefs. We often carry limiting beliefs throughout our lives simply because they were instilled in us early on, and we seldom question them.

Family Influence and the Power of Expectations

Alongside societal beliefs, our families play a key role in shaping our self-perception and ambition. Families pass down values, beliefs, and expectations—sometimes unconsciously. For example, children raised in families where education is highly valued are more likely to view learning as a stepping stone to success. Conversely, children in environments where certain careers are viewed as "unrealistic" or "unattainable" may grow up believing those paths are out of reach.

The case of Serena and Venus Williams demonstrates how family support and expectations can fuel success. Their father, Richard Williams, saw potential in his daughters and instilled a belief that they could become the best tennis players in the world. Despite pushback and lack of traditional tennis training, he encouraged them to keep going, pushing through barriers. His unwavering support helped them cultivate an unshakeable belief in their abilities, paving the way for their legendary success.

In contrast, many families impose subtle limitations on their children by emphasising "safe" career paths or practical ambitions. While often well-meaning, this encouragement can unintentionally set boundaries around a child’s perception of what’s possible. When families embrace and nurture potential, however, they can empower individuals to reach extraordinary heights.

Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs: A Path to Personal Freedom

Roger Bannister’s approach to the mile record teaches us that challenging the rules we take for granted can yield transformative results. In a world where people often feel confined by invisible barriers, questioning those beliefs is a key step in achieving real freedom and growth.

For anyone looking to break through their own limitations, here are some practical steps inspired by Bannister and others who have redefined what’s possible:

1. Reframe Your Goals: Instead of focusing on an intimidating end goal, break it down into manageable, achievable steps. As Bannister did, consider the individual components of a goal and tackle them one by one.

2. Question Your Beliefs: Ask yourself where your limitations come from. Are they based on evidence or simply on inherited beliefs? Challenge assumptions, and be open to the idea that you may be more capable than you think.

3. Seek Role Models: Surround yourself with examples of people who have achieved what you aim to accomplish, especially if they had to overcome similar obstacles. Role models provide inspiration and concrete examples of what’s possible.

4. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Understand that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. By adopting a growth mindset, you open yourself up to continual improvement and new possibilities.

5. Develop a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and who challenge societal limitations. A supportive network reinforces positive beliefs and provides encouragement in moments of doubt.

6. Practice Self-Compassion: Remember that growth often involves setbacks. Learning to treat yourself with kindness, rather than criticism, can help you stay motivated and resilient.

Moving Forward Without Limits

We live in a society that is constantly evolving. As the examples above show, beliefs about what is possible are not set in stone—they are influenced by time, context, and collective perception. Recognising that these beliefs can be challenged opens doors to achievement, fulfilment, and progress.

In the end, breaking free from societal and self-imposed limits is about cultivating an unshakable belief in our own potential. Whether you’re pursuing a new career, pushing for a personal best in sport, or simply aiming to change a habit, consider asking yourself: is this barrier real, or is it simply a reflection of what society has conditioned me to believe? The answer might just inspire you to reach beyond your limits.

If you want help with your limiting beliefs reach out and let's chat.

I work with entrepreneurs and athletes who want to embrace their real potential.

Thank you for reading. Jason Cannon