Success Advice
How to Avoid the Hidden Dangers of Self-limiting Beliefs in the Pursuit of Social Proof
An unspoken requirement for becoming a consultant, speaker or writer is the necessity of building “social proof.” This includes writing for publications like Entrepreneur, Inc., Success Magazine and online multi-author groups such as Addicted2Success, Thrive Global and Leaders In Heels. The list is endless, as are the opportunities to be seen and heard.
The hidden danger in the pursuit of social credibility is allowing your success or failure to become your identity. When you begin comparing yourself to others, wondering why your article wasn’t good enough for an editor you pitched, or worse, when the editor doesn’t bother to respond at all to your submission, you may end up feeling rejected. Rather than learning from the success of others, a failure mindset keeps you focused on your own perceived negatives.
It’s important for you to contribute to and celebrate the wins of others along with keeping yourself and your emotions balanced. It’s easy to fall into the trap of “why not me” when people around you are winning, growing, and reaching their goals while you aren’t. It happens to the strongest of people. How do you keep yourself from falling into the dangerous pit of self-limiting beliefs? It’s not easy, but it is doable.
Follow these tried-and-true methods for maintaining balance and self confidence as you work to build your social credibility:
1. Talk to God
He is the ultimate creator. Jordan Raynor, author of “Called to Create,” says “one of the most beautiful parts of business is providing people with the means to survive, thrive and enjoy God’s good gifts.”
God put us on earth to create, to celebrate, to live out loud. He supports us 100 percent. He doesn’t want us to fall into self-pity, victimhood and failure. When we inevitably do, he pulls us out of despair the moment we ask him to, setting us back on the path to success.
2. Surround yourself with positive people who genuinely want you to achieve your dreams
Sometimes this requires you to go outside your comfort zone. You may have to reach out to people, tell them the goals you are trying to attain, and ask for their support. Your group can include family, friends, or your kids. Online mastermind groups are important, but even more so are the people you can see, touch and connect with.
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey
3. Build a kick-butt inspirational playlist you can cue up in those times you are feeling less than
Music reaches into your soul. It can renew your spirit while chasing self-doubt from your mind. Songs connect us to a creative collective of artists who spent years fighting to be heard. Music opens doors, knocks down walls and lifts us up.
4. If you aren’t already connected to one, find or create your own online mastermind group
Napoleon Hill tells readers of his book, “Think and Grow Rich,” to create a small mastermind group of people with complementary skills, so each individual contributes something unique to the whole. When you collaborate with others, the group contributes to and supports the individual successes of each member.
5. Surround yourself with affirmations and reminders of past wins to keep you motivated when things get tough
Visual reminders are powerful tools used by the most successful people on the planet. Whether photos of past achievements, a manifesto, diploma, a dream/vision board or Post-Its, positivity drives success.
“When you think positive, good things happen.” – Matt Kemp
6. Practice mindfulness
In comparing yourself to someone else, you inevitably end up stuck in the past or projecting into the future. When your self-talk says, “I’ll never be good enough,” or “I’ve always been a failure,” mindfulness helps you focus on the present. The simple techniques of focusing on your breathing, feeling your feet on the ground, your butt in the chair, and the most powerful tool of all, prayer, bring you into the moment. Creativity only occurs when you live in the present.
7. Make a gratitude list
When you are grateful, it is impossible to feel failure. Gratitude keeps you focused on the goodness in your life. It reminds you of what is possible, rather than your perceived limitations. An appreciative mindset keeps you focused on the positive, creating space in your life for success.
Every day you decide what you will focus on and give your energy to. If you are trying to get published, keep writing while you wait to hear from an editor you’ve already pitched. Find another publication to which you can submit your work. Success comes from the willingness to try, no matter what your present circumstances.
How do you make sure to stay positive and find the success you want? Let us know your tips in the comments below!
Success Advice
11 Mark Manson Lessons That’ll Redefine Success in the Digital Age
Success in the digital age isn’t about hacks, it’s about the raw, real lessons Mark Manson actually lives by.
In 2016, Mark Manson released The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, a brutally honest, thought-provoking book that redefined self-help for a new generation. (more…)
Change Your Mindset
The Secret Daily Routines Behind History’s Most Brilliant Thinkers
Uncover the daily rituals and hidden habits that powered history’s most brilliant minds to success.
Why Daily Rituals Matter
Every great achiever has one thing in common: discipline. Behind the novels, inventions, discoveries, and masterpieces are small, consistent habits repeated daily. (more…)
Did You Know
How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub
Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.
Social media is one of the greatest marketing tools in 2025. According to a recent study, some 86% of marketers globally use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertisements, while 94% use it for content distribution. (more…)
Personal Development
These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.
Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
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