When I was a kid, I believed in magic.
Not the kind with wands and spells, but the kind that turned cardboard boxes into spaceships, backyards into jungles, and cloudy days into opportunities to dance in the rain. I didn’t need evidence or guarantees—I just believed.
Somewhere along the way, though, doubt crept in. Life taught me to be “practical,” to temper my imagination, and to second-guess dreams that felt too big or risky. I started to believe more in limits than possibilities.
But here’s the thing: often, the biggest obstacles we face aren’t external. They’re the mis-beliefs we carry—the stories we tell ourselves about what we can or can’t do. Suspending those mis-beliefs, even for a moment, can open the door to something extraordinary.
What Are Mis-Beliefs?
Mis-beliefs are the doubts and assumptions that keep us stuck. They’re often subtle, disguised as rationality or caution, but they hold us back from trying, risking, or dreaming.
- “I’m not smart enough to do that.”
- “It’s too late for me to change careers.”
- “I could never achieve what they’ve done.”
These thoughts aren’t facts—they’re stories. And like any story, they can be rewritten.
Why We Believe in Limits
Mis-beliefs often come from a place of self-protection. If we don’t try, we can’t fail. If we stay small, we avoid rejection.
But in trying to shield ourselves from pain, we also shield ourselves from growth, connection, and joy. The irony is that believing in limits doesn’t make us safer—it just makes us smaller.
The Power of Suspending Mis-Belief
Suspending mis-belief doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It means choosing to see beyond your doubts, to entertain the possibility that you’re capable of more than you think.
When you suspend mis-belief, even briefly, you allow yourself to:
- Take risks. You give yourself permission to try, even if success isn’t guaranteed.
- Dream bigger. You imagine outcomes that once felt impossible.
- Move forward. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, you take action—even imperfect action.
How to Suspend Mis-Belief
Letting go of limiting beliefs is a practice. Here are some ways to start:
1. Challenge the Story
When a mis-belief surfaces, pause and ask:
- “Is this really true, or is it just a fear?”
- “What evidence do I have that contradicts this belief?”
- “How would I act if I didn’t believe this?”
Often, the story falls apart under scrutiny.
2. Borrow Someone Else’s Belief
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe in yourself. In those moments, lean on someone else’s faith in you.
- A mentor’s encouragement.
- A friend who sees your potential.
- The resilience of someone who’s faced similar challenges and succeeded.
Seeing what’s possible for others can remind you of what’s possible for you.
3. Take a Leap Without Certainty
You don’t have to feel 100% confident to act. In fact, confidence often comes after taking the leap.
- Apply for the job you don’t feel “ready” for.
- Share the creative work you’ve been hiding.
- Say yes to the opportunity that scares you.
Even small steps can shift your mindset from “I can’t” to “What if I can?”
4. Practice Curiosity Over Certainty
Curiosity is the antidote to doubt. Instead of assuming you can’t, ask yourself:
- “What might happen if I try?”
- “What’s the next small step I could take?”
- “How would this look if it worked out?”
Curiosity keeps you open to possibility, even when doubt lingers.
The Miracle of What’s Possible
When you suspend mis-belief, you create space for the unexpected. You give yourself a chance to grow, to surprise yourself, to discover strengths you didn’t know you had.
It’s not about guaranteeing success—it’s about refusing to let fear and doubt dictate your story.
Looking back, every big change or accomplishment in my life started with a moment of suspended mis-belief. Applying for a role I didn’t think I was qualified for. Saying yes to an adventure that felt outside my comfort zone. Trusting myself when it felt easier to doubt.
The Takeaway
The next time a mis-belief whispers in your ear, pause. Imagine, just for a moment, that it’s wrong. Suspend the doubt, even if only briefly, and ask yourself: What might happen if I tried anyway?
You might fail. Or you might uncover something extraordinary.
Because the real miracle of suspending mis-belief isn’t that it guarantees success—it’s that it reminds you that your limits are often self-imposed. And when you let them go, even for a moment, you’re free to discover just how much you’re capable of.
