Stop Blocking Your Own Path: Create the Life You Want
We all have dreams—big, soul-stirring visions of the life we long to create. Maybe you want to try something new or let go of what's no longer serving you. Yet somehow, you keep feeling stuck. So what’s really holding you back? Often, the biggest obstacle in our path isn’t external—it’s the fears and doubts we carry within ourselves.
Let’s explore how you can gently step out of your own way and finally move toward the life you’re dreaming of.
Here are 5 Steps you can start today:
1. Take Responsibility for Your Own Life and Your Current Situation
Taking ownership of your life can be challenging—especially if you’ve faced difficult circumstances beyond your control. But it’s also incredibly empowering. When you stop focusing on what’s happened to you and begin asking, What can I do to move forward?, you reclaim your personal power.
Nelson Mandela fought for racial equality and the end of poverty, resulting in his imprisonment in South African prisons for 27 years. When he was finally released, Mandela could have easily gotten caught up in sadness or resentment about the life he missed while in prison. He could have spent time being angry at the government for locking him up and at the guards for being cruel to him. He could have easily become a victim, but he consciously made the decision to leave his anger behind and take responsibility for his own life, his thoughts, and his mindset. He then went on to become President, something that would not have happened if he allowed himself to be a victim.
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Reflect for a moment:
Are there areas where you're still holding onto resentment or blame?
How can you reframe the situation to regain your power?
Every time you shift your mindset, you take a step closer to your dreams.
2. Identify Your Self-Limiting Beliefs - Replace Them With A Powerful Mantra
Sometimes, what holds us back isn’t obvious. Self-limiting beliefs—often hidden in our everyday thoughts—can quietly sabotage our progress. These beliefs may sound like:
I'm not good enough.
People like me don’t succeed.
I don’t have the right skills, training, or background.
I don't have enough education, training, certifications, etc.
Recognizing these beliefs is the first step toward freeing yourself from them. Write down any self-limiting thoughts that come up for you. Then, create a positive affirmation or mantra to help shift your mindset.
One powerful example comes from Suze Orman, who used a mantra to change her self-perception. When she was a struggling waitress, she didn't feel strong or confident and also didn't know how to manage her money. In her book, The Money Class, Suze Orman recounts how she recited the following mantra at least three times per day to help her shift her beliefs, and today, she is all those things:
I am young, powerful, and successful, and I make at least $10,000 a month. ~ Suze Orman's Mantra at Age 29
What mantra can you create today to start reprogramming your thoughts?
Write it down and place it in conspicuous places - on your bathroom mirror, on your computer, in your wallet, by your alarm clock. Practice reciting it over and over again. You will notice an immediate shift in your mindset.
Keep your mantra short so it is easy to remember, and don't limit yourself. Suze used the term "at least" when talking about money. Also, don't use the terms, "I wish" or "I hope." Be strong in your mantra.
3. Stop Worrying About What Other People Think
We’ve all heard it before: Stop worrying about what others think. But it’s not always easy, is it? If you’ve been conditioned to seek approval, the fear of judgment can be deeply ingrained.
Ask yourself:
What would I do if I wasn’t worried about other people’s opinions?
How would it feel to show up fully as my true self?
When you stop living for others and start aligning with your truth, you create space for extraordinary things to unfold.
4. Stop "Shoulding" On Yourself
How often do you find yourself thinking, I should do this... I should do that...? We all do it. But "should" statements often carry the weight of guilt and self-judgment, making us feel like we’re never enough.
What if you replaced should with want to, choose to, or I am?
For example:
Instead of I should work out more, try I want to move my body because it makes me feel good.
Instead of I should be more successful by now, try I am on my own unique journey.
Empowering language helps you shift your mindset and take inspired action from a place of self-compassion.
5. Stop Using Unhealthy Coping Strategies
Stress and setbacks can sometimes lead us to unhealthy coping habits—overeating, numbing out on social media, or pulling away from loved ones. We’ve all been there.
For me, when I feel stressed, I crave carbohydrates, chocolate, or alcohol - all things that inevitably end up making me feel worse. Now that I am more aware of my unhealthy coping strategies, I recognize when I fall into them and am able to either shift my thinking, or get back on track more quickly. The key is recognizing when you’re falling into those patterns and gently redirecting yourself to more nurturing habits.
What helps you feel grounded and whole? Maybe it's journaling, connecting with nature, or reaching out to a friend. Create a list of healthy coping strategies that you can turn to when life feels overwhelming.
What are your current coping habits? Which ones might you replace with something more supportive?
Next Steps:
You are capable of amazing things. By shifting your mindset and breaking free from old patterns, you can step into the life you've always dreamed of.
Which of these steps will you try today? Let us know in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!
