What If Your Story Was False?

What if the biggest thing holding you back is a story you've been telling yourself for years? Maybe you've convinced yourself that you're too old to start over, that you're terrible with money, or that you're simply not the kind of person who takes big risks. You've repeated these thoughts so often that they feel like facts. But have you ever stopped to question whether they're actually true? In this episode of Brave Moves, Julie DeLucca-Collins shares a powerful exercise from her recent Recalibrate Retreat that explores how our thoughts influence our emotions, behaviors, and ultimately, the results we experience. Using a simple thought model, Julie explains how limiting beliefs can keep us stuck in familiar patterns, even when we genuinely want something different. She also explores why positive affirmations don't always work, especially when we don't believe what we're telling ourselves, and how choosing a more believable thought can help us take action. If you've been procrastinating on a dream, questioning your abilities, or waiting until you feel confident enough to begin, this episode will help you examine the stories shaping your decisions. You may discover that some of the beliefs you've been carrying no longer deserve a place in your life. What You'll Hear How limiting beliefs influence the choices we make. Why repeating a negative thought can make it feel like an established fact. How the thought model connects circumstances, thoughts, feelings, actions, and results. Why fear of failure can lead to procrastination and avoidance. The difference between a positive affirmation and a thought you can genuinely believe. How to recognize beliefs that may have been holding you back for years. Why questioning your thoughts can create opportunities to respond differently. Your Brave Move of the Day Think about one belief you've been carrying that may be keeping you stuck. Maybe it's: "I'm too old to start something new." "I'm not good at putting myself out there." "I always mess things up." "I'm not confident enough to do that." "People like me don't get opportunities like that." Write that thought down. Now ask yourself: Is this an established fact, or is it an interpretation I've accepted as the truth? Next, consider a more believable and helpful thought you could practice instead. For example: Instead of "I'm going to fail," try "I don't know how this will turn out, but I can take one step and see what I learn." Instead of "I'm not good at this," try "I'm learning how to do this, and I can improve with practice." You don't have to convince yourself that everything will work out perfectly. You can simply choose a thought that gives you permission to try. A Question to Reflect On What would you attempt if you stopped treating your fear as proof that you weren't capable? Think about the opportunities you've passed up, the conversations you've avoided, or the dreams you've postponed because of something you've been telling yourself. What might become possible if you questioned that belief? Connect with Julie Are you ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start taking small steps toward the things that matter to you? Julie DeLucca-Collins is a confidence and business coach, award-winning author, speaker, and certified Tiny Habits coach who helps women challenge self-doubt, build confidence, and create meaningful change in their lives. Through Brave Moves, Julie shares practical strategies and personal reflections to help you recognize limiting beliefs, develop supportive habits, and find the courage to take your next step. Follow Brave Moves for short, encouraging episodes about confidence, personal growth, mindset, and navigating life's challen