Heads up: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and purchase, I might earn a small commission- at no extra cost to you. I only recommend stuff I actually use, love, or would fight a bear for. Thanks for keeping the lights on.
The pain in my wrists was getting worse every day.
Hours of typing had me convinced I was developing carpal tunnel, and my mind immediately went to the worst-case scenario: Maybe this is a sign I should quit writing. Maybe the universe is telling me I’m on the wrong path.
For months, I’d been hunched over my laptop in the most uncomfortable position imaginable. My office chair wouldn’t rise to the proper height, leaving me bent at awkward angles that sent shooting pains up my arms. I told myself there was nothing I could do about it; the chair was broken, and I was stuck.
So instead of looking for solutions, I started planning my exit strategy from the one thing that actually brought me joy.
That’s when I realized something that changed everything about how I approach problems.
The “Broken” Chair That Wasn’t
The breakthrough came from the most unexpected place; pet sitting at someone else’s house.
They had a similar chair with the same type of lever, and when I used it, something clicked: these chairs don’t work like elevators. You actually have to lift your body weight off the seat for the mechanism to engage.
When I got home, I walked over to my “broken” chair and tried again- this time standing up while pressing the lever.
It worked perfectly.
I’d been suffering for months because I hadn’t lifted my ass off the seat.
Face palm doesn’t even begin to cover the embarrassment. But more importantly, it revealed something much bigger about the way I’d been sabotaging myself without even realizing it.
What I’m Learning About Simple Solutions
This chair incident opened my eyes to something bigger. How many other things in my life had I dismissed as impossible after one failed attempt? How many opportunities had I written off because I couldn’t see past my initial assessment?
For years, my motto has been “it is what it is.” I’d accept whatever situation I found myself in and passively move to the next plan of action. Usually a longer, more difficult path that I’d convince myself was the only option.
But sometimes the simplest approach is the right one. Sometimes the solution really is as basic as trying again with a slightly different technique.
Here’s what I’m discovering about overcoming self-limiting beliefs:
- Question your first assessment – Just because something didn’t work once doesn’t mean it’s permanently broken
- Look for the simplest solution first – We often overcomplicate problems that have straightforward fixes
- Notice when you’re playing victim – That voice saying “there’s nothing I can do” is usually lying
- Practice the pause – When you catch yourself spiraling into doom scenarios, stop and ask: “What am I not seeing?”
- Try again with fresh perspective – Sometimes we just need to approach the same problem with new information or technique
The research backs this up too. Studies on cognitive behavioral therapy show that recognizing and challenging these automatic negative thoughts is one of the most effective ways to break free from limiting beliefs. Sometimes, though, we need extra support to see our blind spots clearly.
The crazy part is how much we limit ourselves over silly miscalculations. We give up after the first attempt because it didn’t work perfectly, forgetting that “one and done” is rarely the answer in any area of life.
The Bigger Picture
This experience has me questioning other things I’ve decided to dismiss. What else have I written off too quickly? What other “broken chairs” am I living with unnecessarily?
If you’re struggling to break through persistent patterns of self-doubt and limitation on your own, online therapy platforms can provide the professional support to help you identify and challenge these beliefs more effectively. Sometimes an outside perspective is exactly what we need to see our blind spots.
I’m by no means a master at this, and honestly, that’s okay. What I do have is a growing awareness of my patterns and a willingness to approach problems with more openness. When I circle back to those dismissed possibilities, I’m going to give myself the space to see them from multiple angles before deciding what the next best step should be.
Personal growth isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about catching yourself in these self-sabotage patterns quicker and being willing to pivot when you realize you’ve been limiting yourself. The Harvard Business Review research on growth mindset confirms that people who believe they can develop their abilities are more resilient and successful than those who think their talents are fixed.
Moving Forward With Less Limitation
The remarkable thing about the limitations we put on ourselves is how arbitrary they often are. We fixate on one outcome – usually the negative one, in my experience – only to get a reality check when the simplest adjustment gets things moving in a better direction.
My wrists don’t hurt anymore. My chair works perfectly. And I’m still writing, probably more than ever because I’m not fighting discomfort with every word.
But more importantly, I’ve got a real-life reminder that sometimes the obstacles we think are permanent are actually just waiting for us to try a different approach. The next time I catch myself saying “there’s nothing I can do,” I’m going to remember this moment and ask myself: “Really? Have I actually tried everything, or am I just comfortable being stuck?”
Because the truth is, we’re usually more capable than we give ourselves credit for. We just need to get out of our own way long enough to see it. As neuropsychologist Rick Hanson explains, our brains are naturally wired to focus on problems and threats, but we can train ourselves to notice opportunities and solutions too.
What “broken chair” in your life might just need a different approach? Sometimes the solution really is simpler than we think.
Ready to Break Through Your Own Limiting Beliefs?
If this story resonates with you, you’re probably ready to start identifying and dismantling the barriers you’ve been putting in your own way. That’s exactly why I created the FREE 7-Day Say Yes Starter Pack.
This isn’t another generic self-help toolkit. It’s a complete system designed to help you:
✨ Identify your unique self-sabotage patterns through guided journal prompts that reveal what’s really holding you back
✨ Regulate your nervous system with simple techniques to stay calm and clear when challenging limiting beliefs
✨ Burn down the old self with powerful exercises for releasing outdated stories about what you’re capable of
✨ Recreate the new you using proven methods for building confidence and taking aligned action
Download your free starter pack now and start saying yes to the possibilities you’ve been dismissing. Because your breakthrough might be as simple as adjusting your chair; you just need the right tools to see it.
GET YOUR FREE 7-DAY SAY YES STARTER PACK HERE
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if I’m stuck in self-limiting beliefs or if there are real obstacles?
A: Great question. Real obstacles require problem-solving and action, while limiting beliefs keep you stuck in analysis paralysis. Ask yourself: “Have I tried multiple approaches, or am I fixated on why something won’t work?” If you’re spending more time explaining why something’s impossible than exploring solutions, you’re probably dealing with limiting beliefs.
Q: What if I’ve tried everything and nothing works?
A: I used to think I’d “tried everything” with my chair situation, but I’d actually only tried once, incorrectly. Often when we say we’ve tried everything, we’ve tried the same approach multiple times or avoided the simplest solutions. Consider whether you’ve actually exhausted all options or just the ones that feel comfortable.
Q: How long does it take to overcome self-limiting beliefs?
A: It’s not a one-and-done process. I still catch myself falling into old patterns, but I notice them faster now. Some beliefs shift quickly (like realizing your chair actually works), while deeper patterns might take months or years to fully transform. The key is building awareness and celebrating small wins along the way.
Q: Can limiting beliefs come back even after I’ve worked through them?
A: Absolutely, and that’s normal. Think of it like physical fitness, you don’t work out once and stay fit forever. These patterns got reinforced over years or decades, so be patient with yourself when they resurface. The difference is you’ll recognize them faster and have tools to redirect your thinking.
Remember: Your breakthrough might be simpler than you think. Sometimes all it takes is standing up and trying again.
Reborn MeatSuit 
Leave a comment