We’ve all been there — standing on the edge of something new, something more, something better — only to feel that familiar tug pulling us back. Not from the outside world. From within.
“I’m not ready.”
“I’m not good enough.”
“What if I fail?”
These aren’t truths. They’re limitations — silent, invisible walls we build from past experiences, fear, and self-doubt. And the longer we live within them, the more real they start to feel.
But here’s the truth: you were not born to play small. You were not meant to live a life dictated by fear, regret, or the opinions of people who don’t live your life. Every limitation you carry was learned — and what’s learned can be unlearned.
Start by recognizing what’s been holding you back. Not just on the surface, but at the root. Is it fear of failure? Fear of judgment? A deep belief that you’re not worthy of more? Call it out. Get honest with yourself. You can’t overcome what you refuse to name.
Then ask: Whose voice is that, really? Is that self-doubt yours — or was it passed down to you? A teacher who told you to be more realistic? A parent who meant well but never dreamed big themselves? A past failure that convinced you to never try again?
Once you identify the source, you take back your power. You get to decide what stays and what goes. You don’t owe your old self anything — not the fear, not the story, not the limitation. You are allowed to evolve. You are allowed to grow out of your past.
Let go of the idea that you need to have everything figured out before you move forward. Growth doesn’t require perfection — it requires motion. Forward is forward, even if it’s messy. Don’t let the illusion of needing to be “ready” stop you from starting.
Protect your mind like it's your most valuable asset — because it is. Be mindful of the words you speak about yourself. If you're constantly telling yourself, “I can’t,” your brain will believe you. But if you start saying, “I’m figuring it out,” your world begins to shift.
Surround yourself with people who reflect your potential, not your past. Energy is contagious — so choose the kind that stretches you, uplifts you, and challenges you to rise. The right people won’t just support your growth; they’ll expect it.
And here’s the most important part: forgive yourself for staying small for so long. You did what you had to do to survive. But now it’s time to thrive.
You weren’t put here to live in fear of your own power. You weren’t meant to shrink to make others comfortable. You are here to expand, to lead, to create, to rise — but none of that happens until you drop the weight of who you think you have to be, and step fully into who you really are.
Let go of the limits. Let go of the labels. Let go of the lies.
Your next level won’t be unlocked by who you were — it’s waiting on who you’re becoming.
And the only thing standing between the two... is what you’re willing to release.
So release it.
Let go.
And watch what opens up for you.
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/liveandlaugh