When I began my business in 2017, the first program I launched was Be Bold. It wasn’t just for the 13 remarkable women who joined, but for me too. As we embarked on this journey together, we explored where each was holding back—often due to fear or a lack of confidence. We unearthed the critical inner voice, the “mean girl” (more on her soon!) that was behind self-sabotage. This awareness was an eye-opener, revealing how we kept ourselves from what we truly desired.
Looking back, that program was a beautiful starting point. Over the years, I’ve witnessed profound growth—not just in the women I've coached but in myself. The Be Bold program was a great start and the success that helped me establish my confidence to coach, consult, and teach conscious leadership. However, as I reflect now, I realize I was only scratching the surface of what was truly holding people (and myself) back. I was offering tools and techniques to “overcome” fear, which worked to some extent, but I now understand that there was more to be uncovered.
The real work lies in exposing the limiting beliefs and old stories we carry—beliefs that shape our behavior, health, relationships, and performance. These narratives often stem from childhood traumas, societal conditioning, or even a seemingly insignificant comment made by a boss 20 years ago (yes, that was me, too—also coming soon). They linger, quietly influencing our actions today. Until we consciously dismantle these outdated stories, they will continue to run the show, creating repetitive patterns in our lives.
“The only limits that exist are the ones in your own mind.” – Anonymous
Here’s the good news: life is always working in our favor, even when it doesn’t feel that way. Life’s purpose is to help us evolve, grow, and learn, sometimes through challenging experiences. When I reflect on my journey, I see how these old narratives were in control.
A personal example: I grew up with the story that I wasn’t good enough. To prove otherwise, I drove myself to extremes—pushing myself in my career, athletics, and every facet of my life. One specific goal was breaking three hours in the marathon. To achieve this, I trained relentlessly—logging 75-90 miles per week, all while juggling a demanding career as a VP and raising three children (can I emphasize pushing myself- can anyone relate?) I hired a renowned coach and set my sights on the Twin Cities Marathon, a race I knew well.
I gave it everything I had, yet crossed the finish line at 3:00:27—just 28 seconds shy of my goal. It was a personal record by a lot, but I was crushed. In that moment, those 28 seconds felt like confirmation that I wasn’t good enough. But with time and reflection, I now see how life was gently showing me the truth: I was always good enough. Those 28 seconds didn’t define my worth; they were part of life’s way of nudging me toward a deeper understanding.
(⬆️My training buddy)
“You are extraordinary. Be responsible for that.” – Peter Crone
The journey to uncover and dismantle the old stories that hold us back is a deeply personal one, but it's also universal. We all carry narratives that limit our potential, often we are unconscious of these narratives. When we learn to release them, we step into a life of greater freedom, purpose, and peace. It’s not about perfection or meeting every goal—it’s about understanding that we are enough just as we are.
So as you reflect on your own life, ask yourself: What story is holding me back, and how can I begin to rewrite it? The answers may surprise you and, ultimately, set you free.
I’d love to hear about your journey. What shifts have you experienced?
Where are you ready to let go and embrace your true potential?
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