Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I could never do that”? Or heard someone say:
“How did she achieve that?”
This comment often implies that the person believes they couldn’t achieve the same thing themselves. Yet, more often than not, that belief simply isn’t true.
“I’m almost burned out and can’t do anything about it.”
“That’s easy for you to say!”
These comments share a common thread: they reflect the limits we place on ourselves through deeply ingrained self-beliefs.
It took me a while to understand why these statements no longer resonate with me. At first, they only gave me a slight discomfort — a restless itch, if you will. Over time, I realized that discomfort came from recognizing how much of my life had been defined by self-imposed boundaries.
Growing up, I placed many beliefs on myself: the constraints, limitations, and rules I thought I had to follow. Some were imposed by others, but I accepted them as valid without question. But after years of challenging these assumptions, I’ve come to realize that most of these beliefs were arbitrary. Instead, I’ve learned to focus on a few core beliefs that truly define who I am — beliefs that guide my decisions on a daily basis.
Let’s Look at Some of My Core Beliefs
Integrity: I will always be honest, transparent, and sincere, ensuring that my actions align with my words. To be clear, what is my truth may not be others’.
Health (= fuel): Physical and mental well-being are non-negotiable. They’re the foundation for everything else, and self-care is the essential fuel that keeps me going.
Commitment to Learning: No matter where I am in life, I strive to learn something new every day. Continuous improvement is a mindset, and I refuse to settle.
Accountability: I take full responsibility for my actions, my choices, and their outcomes.
Kindness: Treating others with compassion and respect creates positive relationships and builds a supportive environment.
Curiosity: I’m deeply curious about how others see the world and why they do. Asking questions and listening are the shortest paths to understanding and growth.
Everything is Changeable: Nearly everything can change if you’re willing to invest the effort, take the risk, and accept the time it takes. It’s all about trade-offs.
The “Core Beliefs backpack”
I think of my core beliefs as items in a backpack. The fewer items I carry, the freer and more adaptable I am. Everything outside the “core beliefs backpack” should remain open to challenge, reconsideration, or adaptation.
The more you add to your backpack of unchangeable beliefs, the heavier it becomes. Over time, you might find yourself stuck, unable to move forward. That’s why I regularly reassess what stays inside my backpack and what can be let go.
This isn’t easy. It takes effort to question long-held assumptions and differentiate between what’s core and what’s simply familiar. But the reward is worth it. When you trust that your core beliefs are solid, everything outside becomes open to adaptation.
Why I Challenge Burnout Beliefs
I started this by mentioning the discomfort I feel when people say things like, “I’m almost burned out and can’t do anything about it.”
I feel empathy for them — burnout is real and painful. But I also want to gently challenge them: “What small thing can you change today to make tomorrow just a little better?”
Could it be something as simple as saying, “No, I can’t take on another task right now”? Speaking your truth, even when it’s hard, is a courageous step toward reclaiming control over your life.
Here’s what I want you to take away from this
Work actively to minimize what’s inside your “core beliefs backpack.” Keep it light. Reserve that space for the few things that truly define who you are and how you live.
Move everything else outside the backpack, where it can be challenged, questioned, and adapted. Doing this opens the door to a growth mindset.
Think of this as building a muscle: the muscle to question, adjust, and grow — bit by bit, day by day. It won’t happen overnight, but with practice, it gets easier.