What if the reason you’re not making the progress you want in life isn’t because you’re incapable or unmotivated — but because you’re letting certain assumptions hold you back?
We all do this sometimes. We tell ourselves stories that feel real but actually keep us stuck in fear, doubt, and hesitation. Today, I want to talk about five common assumptions that can limit your growth — and why each one simply isn’t true.
1. “Everyone else has it all together — except me.”
This is one of the most common (and most dangerous) assumptions we make.
You might look at your friends, coworkers, or people on social media and think, “Wow, they’re so confident. Their lives are amazing. I’m so far behind.”
But here’s the truth: you’re comparing your insides to their outsides.
You know your own worries, insecurities, and struggles — but when you look at others, you only see their highlight reel. You don’t see their private fears, their failures, or the nights they question themselves too.
When you really get to know someone you once thought “had it all together,” you usually discover they’re just as human as you are. Everyone is figuring it out as they go.
So stop comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s front stage. You’re not behind — you’re on your own path.
2. “People are watching and judging everything I do.”
Do you ever feel like you’re always in the spotlight — that everyone’s noticing your mistakes, your awkward moments, or your imperfections?
That assumption can create so much pressure and hold you back from trying new things. But the truth is, most people are far too busy worrying about their own lives to analyze yours.
Even if someone does notice a mistake, they’ll likely forget it within minutes. We all make errors. We all have moments we wish we could redo.
Once you realize people aren’t watching your every move, there’s real freedom in that. You no longer have to be perfect — you just have to keep showing up.
3. “Opportunities will always be there — I can wait.”
Here’s a powerful quote from John Maxwell:
“Opportunities never look as good coming as they do going — and they wait for no one.”
How true is that?
Sometimes, we let hesitation or fear convince us that we can wait — that the opportunity will still be there later. But the truth is, opportunities are fleeting.
That job offer, that collaboration, that moment to take a chance — it won’t always come back around. And often, it’s only after it passes that we realize how much we wanted it.
So when something feels right and aligns with your goals, don’t sit on it. Say yes, take action, and trust yourself.
4. “If I’m not good at something right away, it’s not for me.”
Starting something new is uncomfortable — no matter who you are.
Maybe you’ve tried a new skill, hobby, or job and thought, “I’m in over my head. I can’t do this.” But before giving up, ask yourself:
Am I really in over my head, or just outside my comfort zone?
There’s a big difference.
- When you’re in over your head, you’re drowning — you need immediate help to stay afloat.
- When you’re out of your comfort zone, you’re treading water — it’s uncomfortable, but you’re still moving forward.
Growth happens in discomfort. Ask for help if you need it, keep practicing, and you’ll find that what once felt impossible starts to feel natural.
5. “People will say no — so why even ask?”
Fear of rejection keeps so many people from chasing what they want.
Maybe you don’t ask for the meeting, the date, the sale, or the opportunity — because you assume the answer will be no. But that assumption robs you of the possibility that the answer could be yes.
Rejection isn’t a reflection of your worth. It’s part of the process. Every successful person you admire has faced rejection — and kept going anyway.
Sylvester Stallone, for example, was rejected nearly 1,500 times before anyone agreed to produce Rocky. Imagine if he had given up after 100 tries.
You never know what’s possible until you ask.
Final Thoughts: Challenge Your Assumptions
Now that you know these five assumptions, will they magically disappear? Probably not — we’re human, and we’ll keep fighting them from time to time.
But awareness is the first step. When you notice one of these thoughts creeping in, challenge it. Ask yourself if it’s truly real — or just an assumption keeping you stuck.
I still have to remind myself of these truths daily. Growth isn’t about never struggling — it’s about recognizing the lies that hold us back and choosing to move forward anyway.
Have you ever caught yourself believing one of these assumptions — and realized it wasn’t true? Share your story in the comments below. Your experience might just inspire someone else to keep going.