Mindset Blocks: How to Overcome the Mental Roadblocks Holding You Back

Jun 23, 2025

“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.”

—Dan Millman

Ever Feel Like You’re the One Holding You Back?

You’re ambitious. You’ve got goals. You know what you want from your career and leadership path. But sometimes, it still feels like something keeps getting in the way.

You hesitate. You overthink. You delay a decision or second-guess your idea. You might even talk yourself out of going after something that really matters to you.

If you’ve ever wondered why that happens, here’s the truth. It’s not about being unprepared or unqualified. It’s not about talent. It’s about mindset blocks—those quiet, persistent beliefs that get in your head and hold you back from showing up fully.

In the first three articles of this series, we talked about what mindset is, how to grow it, and the five leadership mindsets that help you thrive. In this final post of The Mindset Advantage series, we’re getting real. We’re naming the mindset traps that show up for almost every leader, and more importantly, we’re learning how to move through them.

Now, let’s unpack these hidden barriers and discover how to break through them.

1. The Imposter Syndrome Trap

This is the voice that whispers, “I’m not good enough. I don’t belong here. Sooner or later, they’ll figure it out.”

Imposter syndrome causes talented people to shrink back, play small, and second-guess their value. And strangely enough, it can get louder the more successful you become.

Here’s what to do:

Say it out loud. Call it what it is. Naming that thought is the first step to taking away its power.
Make a proof list. Write down the wins, feedback, projects, and moments you’re proud of. Go back to that list often.
Take action even when you don’t feel ready. Confidence comes from doing, not just thinking.

If this mindset block resonates with you, I encourage you to explore it further. Last summer, from July to August 2024, I published a five-part series focused entirely on understanding and overcoming Imposter Syndrome—how it shows up, why it sticks around, and how to break through it with courage and clarity.

You can find all five posts in the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter archives at www.excel2win.com. These articles were written from real experiences—mine and others’—so you don’t have to feel alone in the struggle.

2. The Perfectionism Loop

This mindset says, “If it’s not perfect, it’s not worth doing.” And it keeps a lot of smart, capable people stuck. You spend so much time planning, adjusting, and overthinking that nothing ever really gets finished.

Perfection is not leadership. Progress is.

Here’s how to shift:

Focus on done, not perfect. Get something to 80 percent and improve as you go.
Celebrate small steps. Progress is what builds momentum.
Ask yourself, “Am I afraid of doing it wrong, or am I afraid of how I’ll be seen?” That one question can be a game changer.

3. The Comparison Spiral

You see someone’s big career move online, and suddenly your own progress feels small. You wonder if you’re behind. You wonder if you’re doing enough.

Comparison isn’t just distracting. It drains your energy and makes you forget how far you’ve come.

Here’s what helps:

Protect your space. If someone’s content constantly triggers insecurity, it’s okay to mute or unfollow.
Shift the mindset. Replace “Why don’t I have that?” with “What can I learn from this person’s path?”
Run your own race. Measure from where you started, not against someone else’s highlight reel.

4. The All-or-Nothing Block

This one tells you, “If I can’t do it all, I won’t do anything at all.” So you wait for perfect timing, high energy, or ideal conditions.

But real talk? Perfect conditions rarely show up.

Instead, try this:

Break it down. Instead of “launch the project,” try “jot down three ideas” or “send the first email.”
Use micro-wins. Give yourself 15 minutes to take one action. Starting is often the hardest part.
Remind yourself that finished is better than flawless. Progress creates momentum.

5. The Fear of Judgment

You want to speak up. You want to lead. But you start thinking, “What if I mess up? What if people disagree? What if I sound silly?”

This fear keeps good leaders invisible. It stops your ideas from being heard and your impact from growing.

What helps:

Remember most people are focused on themselves, not you.
Start small. Share one thought in a meeting. Post one idea online. Take a small step toward visibility.
Your value doesn’t depend on how others respond. You get to lead with courage, not just approval.

So… How Do You Break Through These Blocks?

These mindset traps don’t just disappear overnight. They linger. They whisper. But when you recognize them, you take back control.

Leadership isn’t about being fearless. It’s about choosing to move forward—even when fear is in the room with you.

Your Breakthrough Challenge This Week:

Pick one mindset block you’ve felt recently
Write down how it tends to show up for you
Take one action that directly challenges it
Reflect on how it felt and what it taught you

To help you with this, download the Mindset Breakthrough Worksheet. It’s simple, honest, and powerful.

Final Thoughts: You Are Your Greatest Asset

Your mindset isn’t just a leadership tool—it’s the foundation. How you think influences how you lead, grow, and connect. When you get your mind right, everything else becomes possible.

Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep leading from the inside out.

And if this article spoke to you, I invite you to subscribe to the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter.

These articles are written from real-life experience, shared with you the way mentors once shared with me. It’s my way of paying it forward, offering practical tools and mindset strategies to help you rise. No spam. No sales. Just real growth. Every Monday. Always free.