The 4 Types of Limiting Beliefs Holding Young Adults Back
- Lindi van Heerden
- May 29
- 3 min read
We often think the biggest thing holding young people back is lack of resources:Not enough time, money, or connections.
But in my work, I see something deeper, more powerful, and far more dangerous. Limiting beliefs.
These are the quiet thoughts running underneath the surface, shaping decisions, fuelling self-doubt, and convincing young adults to play small.
Today, I want to help you spot four of the most common limiting beliefs and show you how to start breaking free from them.
1. “I’m Not Good Enough Yet”
This sounds like:
“I need to be more qualified before I apply.”
“Who am I to do this?”
“Other people are better than me.”
At its heart, this belief says you are incomplete and need to become someone else before you’re allowed to take action. It’s a lie.
Growth doesn’t come before you start; it comes because you start. You get better by doing, not waiting.
2. “It’s Too Late for Me”
You might laugh, but I’ve heard 21-year-olds say this. We live in a hyper-competitive, fast-moving world where young people feel like they’ve already missed the boat if they didn’t figure things out at 16.
This belief leads to paralysis. It whispers, “Why bother? You’re behind anyway.”
Here’s the truth: You are never too late for the right path. You might be late for someone else’s timeline, but your life is not a race against theirs.
3. “I Need to Be Sure Before I Start”
This one is sneaky. It sounds responsible, even smart.
“I should wait until I’m sure.”
“I’ll start when I know this is the right path.”
“I need to figure it all out first.”
Waiting for certainty is often just another form of fear. You can’t think your way into clarity; you have to act your way there.
4. “What Will People Think?”
This belief keeps dreams locked away, never spoken out loud. It says:
“They’ll laugh at me.”
“My parents won’t approve.”
“My friends will think I’m weird.”
The truth? Most people are too busy worrying about themselves to obsess over your every move. And the few who do criticise you? They’re often the ones too scared to chase their own dreams.
Breaking the Chains
Limiting beliefs are tricky because they often sound like facts. They’ve been shaped by childhood experiences, school systems, culture, or even well-meaning parents and teachers.
The first step to breaking free is simply naming them. Once you spot them, you can challenge them. Once you challenge them, you can replace them with more empowering truths.
Final Thoughts
You are not stuck because of who you are. You are stuck because of what you believe.
And beliefs can change.
Start noticing which of these four are shaping your choices. Then ask yourself,“What would I do if I believed the opposite?”
Because that one question might open the door to everything you’re dreaming of.
Take care,
Lindi
PS: If you want to explore your own limiting beliefs and get personalised guidance, book a free 15-minute session with me. I’d love to help you untangle what’s holding you back.
About Lindi van Heerden
Lindi van Heerden is a coach, mentor, and speaker passionate about helping young individuals navigate life’s big questions with courage and confidence. Through her Young and Purposeful – The Clarity Blueprint programme, she empowers young adults to break through self-doubt, take bold action, and create a life they love, even before they have it all figured out.
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