Have you ever been stuck, feeling like an invisible force is holding you back from taking action? Maybe it's updating your resume, balancing your checkbook, or writing that report you’ve been avoiding. No matter how much you tell yourself to "just do it," something keeps gnawing at you, stopping you from moving forward.
More often than not, that invisible force is rooted in a limiting belief—an outdated narrative you’ve unconsciously accepted as fact. These beliefs shape your choices, behaviors, and even your reality, often without you realizing it. But here's the good news: You have the power to identify, challenge, and rewrite those beliefs to unlock new levels of growth and success.
In this post, we’ll explore the five categories of beliefs identified by Dr. Nick Hall that shape our perception of what’s possible:
Core Beliefs
Cultural Beliefs
Hand-Me-Down Beliefs
Advertised Beliefs
Biological Beliefs
Each of these belief systems plays a critical role in your life. Understanding them can help you break free from limitations, realign with your values, and step into your full potential. Let’s dive into each one—and how you can start shifting these beliefs today.
1. Core Beliefs: The Invisible Rules That Shape Your Identity
Core beliefs are the deep, foundational truths we hold about ourselves. They are often formed early in life and shape how we see the world. The tricky part? We don’t consciously choose these beliefs—they’re absorbed through our experiences, family dynamics, and cultural environment.
For example, you might have internalized beliefs like:👉 “I’m not good with money.”👉 “I’m a terrible public speaker.”👉 “I’m too old to start fresh.”
These aren’t facts—they’re assumptions. And when left unchecked, they quietly run your life like invisible scripts.
Why Do Core Beliefs Exist?
Core beliefs develop as a way for our brains to make sense of the world. For instance, if you grew up hearing, "Money doesn’t grow on trees," you might unconsciously view financial success as unattainable. These beliefs act as mental shortcuts to interpreting reality but can severely limit your potential when they go unexamined.
The Problem with Core Beliefs
Unexamined core beliefs act like filters, distorting your reality. Imagine climbing a ladder while believing it’s too unstable to hold you. Every step feels risky—even if the ladder is solid. That’s how limiting core beliefs work. They make safe opportunities feel dangerous.
A Simple Solution
Start by identifying a core belief that’s limiting you. Then ask yourself:👉 “Is this absolutely true?”
For example, if you believe, “I’m terrible at public speaking,” challenge that belief by recalling moments when you’ve communicated well—even in small ways. Over time, this practice rewires your brain to see new possibilities.
Takeaway:
Your core beliefs shape your identity. By identifying, challenging, and replacing limiting beliefs, you can break free from invisible mental barriers and create a more empowered life.
2. Cultural Beliefs: The Invisible Scripts Society Hands You
We’ve all heard stories of the “American Dream”—that anyone can rise to the top with hard work and determination. It’s an appealing narrative, but is it always true?
This belief is what we call a cultural belief—a societal script that feels like a universal truth but may not align with your personal values or reality.
Why Do Cultural Beliefs Exist?
Cultural beliefs evolve to help societies function. They’re passed down through traditions, media, education, and everyday interactions. But just because something is a cultural norm doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
For example, many people chase societal definitions of success—like climbing the corporate ladder or buying a bigger house—only to realize those milestones don’t bring them joy.
The Problem with Cultural Beliefs
Cultural beliefs can lead to stress, burnout, and disconnection from your authentic self. If you’re following a script that doesn’t align with your values, you may feel unfulfilled or trapped.
A Simple Solution
Start by noticing the cultural scripts you follow. Ask yourself:👉 “Is this belief aligned with my values and goals?”
If it’s not, redefine success on your own terms. For example, instead of chasing a bigger title, you might prioritize work-life balance or creative fulfillment.
3. Hand-Me-Down Beliefs: The Beliefs We Inherit from Our Families
Some beliefs aren’t created by you or society—they’re handed down from generation to generation. These are hand-me-down beliefs.
For instance, my grandparents lived through the Great Depression. Their experiences during that time profoundly shaped the beliefs they passed down to my family:
👉 “Live within your means.”👉 “Save every penny.”👉 “Don’t put all your money in one bank.”
While these beliefs may have served them well during a period of financial hardship, they aren’t always helpful today. In fact, they can create a mindset of scarcity and risk aversion in more stable economic times.
The Problem with Hand-Me-Down Beliefs
Outdated beliefs can limit your choices. For example, if you’ve inherited the belief that “stability is everything,” you might avoid opportunities that could lead to growth or fulfillment.
A Simple Solution
List the beliefs your family emphasized. Pick one and ask yourself:👉 “Does this belief help or hinder me today?”
If it hinders you, replace it with a new belief that supports your current goals.
4. Advertised Beliefs: The Messages We Absorb from Marketing
Advertisers don’t just sell products—they shape beliefs.
Think about some of the most memorable slogans you’ve heard:🔹 “Just Do It” – Nike🔹 “Think Different” – Apple🔹 “Because You’re Worth It” – L’Oréal
These aren’t just catchy phrases; they’re messages engineered to influence your behavior and shape your identity. Over time, these messages can create advertised beliefs—beliefs designed to sell, not to serve you.
The Problem with Advertised Beliefs
When we chase advertised ideals, we often feel dissatisfied. Why? Because we’re measuring our lives by someone else’s standards.
A Simple Solution
Whenever you’re tempted by an ideal—whether from an ad or a social media influencer—ask yourself:👉 “Is this my belief, or was it sold to me?”
Shift your focus to intrinsic goals, like personal growth, meaningful relationships, and gratitude for what you already have.
5. Biological Beliefs: How Your Thoughts Impact Your Body
Beliefs aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re biological instructions that shape how your body responds to the world. This connection between beliefs and biology is at the core of psychoneuroimmunology, a field studied by Dr. Nick Hall.
When you hold a negative belief about yourself, your brain triggers a stress response. Your body releases cortisol, your muscles tighten, and your immune system weakens. But when you replace negative beliefs with empowering ones, you enhance your resilience, confidence, and overall well-being.
Why We Default to Negative Beliefs
It’s partly evolutionary. Our ancestors needed to be hyper-vigilant to survive. But today, most threats aren’t life-threatening—they’re social or emotional. Unfortunately, our ancient wiring still kicks in, leading us to see challenges as risks to our self-worth.
The Simple Fix: Reframe Your Beliefs
Practice cognitive reframing—catch negative thoughts and replace them with empowering questions.
Instead of:👉 “I’m terrible at public speaking.”Try:👉 “What small steps can I take to improve my speaking skills?”
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Beliefs to Unlock New Possibilities
Your beliefs shape your reality. But the good news? You have the power to take control.
By identifying and challenging core, cultural, hand-me-down, advertised, and biological beliefs, you can break free from limitations and start living a more authentic, empowered life.
Let’s talk about how you can shift your beliefs to achieve lasting growth and success.
Comments