Level Up! With Shay

Unlocking Your Full Creative and Business Potential

Have you ever felt like something invisible is holding you back from achieving your full potential? Maybe you have a brilliant idea for a business, an incredible talent, or a passion for creating—but despite your skills and ambitions, you find yourself stuck, doubting your ability to succeed.

If so, you’re not alone – I’ve been there many times! Limiting beliefs are one of the biggest obstacles that creatives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners face, and they can be the silent killer of dreams. But there are ways to live differently.

In this blog post, we’re diving deep into what limiting beliefs are, how they hold you back, and—most importantly—how you can break free from them to unleash your full creative and entrepreneurial potential.

What Are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are subconscious thoughts and assumptions that prevent us from taking action or believing in our abilities. They often stem from our childhood, past experiences, societal conditioning, or fear of failure. Some common limiting beliefs include:

• “I’m not talented enough.”
• “I don’t have enough money to start.”
• “I’m too old/too young to be successful.”
• “Success is only for lucky people.”
• “What if I fail and embarrass myself?”

These negative thoughts create invisible barriers, stopping you from pursuing opportunities, taking risks, and stepping into your full potential.

The Impact of Limiting Beliefs on Creatives and Entrepreneurs

For artists, creators, and entrepreneurs, limiting beliefs can be particularly damaging. They can prevent you from:

• Sharing your work with the world because you fear criticism.
• Charging what you’re worth because you don’t believe in your value.
• Networking and building connections because you feel you’re not “good enough.”
• Taking the leap to start or expand your business because you fear failure.

But here’s the good news: limiting beliefs are not facts. They are simply thoughts, and thoughts can be changed.

How to Identify and Overcome Limiting Beliefs

1. Recognize and Challenge Your Negative Thoughts

The first step in overcoming limiting beliefs is awareness. Pay attention to the thoughts that pop up when you think about your goals. Write them down and ask yourself:

• Is this belief based on facts or fear?
• Have others in my situation succeeded? (Hint: the answer is almost always yes!)
• What is the worst that can happen if I try and fail?

Often, when you question these beliefs, you’ll realize they have no real foundation.

2. Rewire Your Mindset with Positive Affirmations

Your brain believes what you tell it repeatedly. Instead of reinforcing limiting beliefs, replace them with empowering affirmations such as:

• “I am capable and talented.”
• “Success is possible for me.”
• “Failure is just a stepping stone to success.”

By saying these affirmations daily, you’ll begin to shift your mindset from self-doubt to self-confidence.

3. Take Small, Bold Steps Outside Your Comfort Zone

Action is the antidote to fear. Start by taking small steps toward your goals. If you fear putting your work out there, post something small. If you’re hesitant about launching your business, start with a side project. Each small action builds confidence and proves your limiting beliefs wrong.

4. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

Your environment plays a huge role in your mindset. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Join mastermind groups, networking events, or communities where success and growth are the norm.

If you’re looking for guidance on building confidence in front of the camera and putting yourself out there, my course Lights, Camera, Action Plan is designed to help creatives and entrepreneurs overcome self-doubt, master on-camera presence, and share their message with confidence. Check it out here!

5. Educate Yourself and Invest in Personal Development

Knowledge is power. Read books, listen to podcasts, and take courses that help reprogram your mindset. Here are a few great resources:

• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
• Mindset by Carol Dweck
• You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
• Grit by Angela Duckworth

Additionally, using smart business tools can help eliminate the stress of managing your business and creative finances. I personally recommend FreeTaxUSA for easy tax filing and VistaPrint for high-quality business branding materials.

6. Visualize Your Success

Close your eyes and imagine yourself achieving your biggest goals. What does success look and feel like? Visualization helps train your brain to focus on what’s possible instead of dwelling on fear and self-doubt.

The Time to Break Free Is Now

Limiting beliefs don’t have to define your future. By recognizing, challenging, and replacing them with empowering thoughts, you can unlock new levels of success and creativity. Whether you’re a content creator, entrepreneur, or artist, the world needs your unique gifts. Don’t let limiting beliefs keep them hidden.

What’s one limiting belief you’re letting go of today? Drop it in the comments and let’s encourage each other on this journey of growth!

And if you’re ready to take a bold step toward confidence, check out Lights, Camera, Action—your guide to overcoming fear, showing up on camera, and sharing your message with the world. Sign up today!

Want another way to level up?

Download my free Level Up! For Artists Workbook below!

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