The Power of ‘Yet’: Shifting Limiting Beliefs to Possibility

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I’m just not good at this,” or, “This will never happen for me”? These thoughts can feel like definitive statements about your abilities and potential, locking you in a cycle of self-doubt and frustration. But what if a single, three-letter word could transform those limiting beliefs into powerful possibilities?

That word is “yet.”

Adding “yet” to your inner dialogue shifts impossibility to potential. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” you say, “I can’t do this yet.” It’s a simple adjustment, but it opens the door to growth, resilience, and progress. This mindset change can be the first step in breaking through your limiting beliefs and embracing the power of your potential.

Understanding Limiting Beliefs

Limiting beliefs are deeply ingrained thoughts or assumptions that hold you back. These beliefs often stem from past experiences, societal conditioning, or even fear of failure. They whisper, “You’re not enough,” or, “You’ll never succeed.”

Dr. Gay Hendricks refers to this phenomenon as the “Upper Limit Problem” in his book The Big Leap. Hendricks describes how we unconsciously set ceilings on our happiness, success, and potential. These self-imposed limits are often rooted in fear—fear of change, fear of outgrowing relationships, or fear of failure. But the truth is, these upper limits are not fixed. They can be expanded.

Reframing with the Power of “Yet”

Reframing is the process of looking at a situation, thought, or belief from a different perspective. By adding “yet,” you acknowledge that growth is still possible. This simple shift in language rewires your brain to focus on progress rather than perfection.

Examples:

• “I’m not good at this” becomes “I’m not good at this yet.”

• “I’ll never achieve my goal” becomes “I haven’t achieved my goal yet.”

This subtle change encourages curiosity, learning, and the belief that you are capable of growth.

Techniques to Shift Your Thoughts and Limiting Beliefs

• Challenge Your Beliefs: Write down your limiting beliefs and ask yourself:

  • Is this belief absolutely true?

  • What evidence supports or contradicts it?

  • What would happen if I chose to believe the opposite?

    
    

• Visualize Your Growth: Imagine yourself a year from now, having overcome your current challenges. What steps did you take to get there? Visualizing success reinforces the belief that change is possible.

  
  

• Set Stretch Goals: Push gently against your upper limits by setting goals that feel slightly outside your comfort zone. Celebrate every small victory along the way.

  
  

• Adopt Affirmations Affirmations are powerful tools for rewiring your mindset. For example:

  • “I am capable of growth and change.”

  • “Every day, I move closer to my goals.”

Pushing Back Against Resistance

Resistance to growth is normal. You may feel discomfort or fear as you push against your upper limits. The key is to take small, consistent steps. With each step, you prove to yourself that you can handle more than you thought.

When resistance arises:

• Pause and breathe.

• Remind yourself of your “yet.”

• Ask, “What small step can I take right now?”

Embracing Progress and Possibility

The power of “yet” lies in its ability to remind you that you are still growing. When you believe in progress over perfection, you unlock infinite possibilities. You hold the key to breaking through your limits, discovering your potential, and living authentically.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to transform your limiting beliefs and unlock your full potential, start with my guide on Breaking the Cycle of Negativity. Unlock and discover the root of your negative thoughts of yourself and others by taking an inventory of what you listen to, say to yourself, and think throughout your day. Awareness is the first key to unlocking cycles and patterns of habits that continue on without conscious thinking and acknowledgment. Get started today on cultivating positive thoughts and self-love.