As professionals purusing careers and building businesses we face tough challenges—whether it’s adjusting to a new job or role, managing complex projects, or starting a new business.
One of the biggest obstacles to success at work is something less visible but just as potentially debilitating: limiting beliefs.
What Are Limiting Beliefs?
Limiting beliefs are assumptions or perceptions we hold about ourselves that restrict our potential. They’re often shaped by past experiences, societal expectations, or internalized self-doubt. Common limiting beliefs for men over 50 include:
- “It’s too late to start something new.”
- “I’m too old to be in the best shape of my life.”
- “Success is for younger generations.”
- “Change is too hard at my age.”
As Carol Dweck, Ph.D., author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, explains, “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.”
This means that the beliefs we hold dictate our ability to grow and achieve.
Step 1: Identify Your Limiting Beliefs
The first step to breaking free is recognizing the beliefs that hold you back. Take some time to reflect:
- What goals or dreams have you dismissed as “impossible”?
- What thoughts come up when you consider making a change?
- Do you frequently say, “I can’t” or “I’m too…” in certain areas of your life?
As Maxwell Maltz, M.D., notes, “Your self-image determines the level of performance you will achieve.”
By identifying and addressing limiting beliefs, you can begin reshaping your self-image to reflect your true potential.
Action step: Write down these thoughts. Awareness is the first step toward transformation.
Step 2: Challenge Your Beliefs
Ask yourself, “Is this belief really true?” Often, limiting beliefs are based on fear, not fact. For example:
If you think, “I’m too old to start a business,” research entrepreneurs who began after 50 (e.g., Colonel Sanders started KFC at 62).
If you think, “I can’t get fit,” remind yourself of men who’ve achieved fitness goals later in life.
Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.”
Modern psychology supports this; our beliefs shape our actions and ultimately, our outcomes.
Action step: Reframe the belief. Instead of “I’m too old,” say, “I have decades of experience and wisdom to guide me.”
Step 3: Replace Limiting Beliefs with Empowering Ones
Once you’ve challenged the old belief, create a new, empowering one to take its place.
- Limiting Belief: “Change is too hard at my age.”
- Empowering Belief: “I have the discipline and experience to make meaningful changes in my life.”
Neuroscientist Michael Merzenich, Ph.D., reminds us that “Neuroplasticity has shown us that the brain continues to adapt and change well into our later years.” This means you’re never too old to adopt new beliefs or behaviors.
Action step: Repeat your empowering belief daily. Write it down where you’ll see it often, like on a mirror or in a journal.
Step 4: Take Action
The best way to overcome limiting beliefs is through action. Start small, build momentum, and prove to yourself that change is possible.
- Want to get in shape? Begin with a 10-minute walk each day.
- Considering a career shift? Spend 30 minutes researching or networking.
- Dreaming of learning something new? Enroll in an online course or pick up a book.
As Will Durant (interpreting Aristotle) put it, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” Small, consistent actions can lead to profound transformations over time.
Action step: Celebrate your progress. Each small win reinforces your new belief system.
Step 5: Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
Limiting beliefs often thrive in isolation. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can help reinforce your growth. Seek out mentors, friends, or groups who share your goals and values.
Brené Brown, Ph.D., emphasizes, “We are wired to connect. Relationships are a fundamental human need, essential to our health and survival.” Building a strong support network can help you stay motivated and accountable as you pursue change.
Action step: Avoid naysayers who reinforce old beliefs. Instead, seek connections that inspire and uplift you.
Step 6: Reflect and Adjust
Breaking free of limiting beliefs is an ongoing process. Periodically check in with yourself to identify new beliefs that may arise. Reflect on your progress, and adjust your goals as needed.
Mark Twain wisely said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Reflecting on your journey allows you to continue evolving and pursuing what matters most to you.
Action step: Use a journal or planner to track your thoughts and achievements, keeping your growth top of mind.
Final Thoughts
Breaking free of limiting beliefs is one of the most empowering things you can do at any stage of your career. The only thing standing between you and your potential is your behavior.
Carol Dweck reminds us, “Believing talents can be developed allows people to fulfill their potential.” Remember: It’s not too late, you’re not too old, and your best days are ahead of you.