By Dr. Scott Zarcinas, Founder, 818: Unlocking Your Life

The Moment I Almost Gave Up

In 2004, I found myself at a crossroads, questioning everything I had ever believed about myself. I had just returned to my hometown of Adelaide after years abroad, but instead of feeling accomplished, I felt completely lost.

I was unemployed. My wife and I had no income. We had no home of our own, no furniture, and very little savings. We relied on the kindness of family and friends for a place to stay.

And then there was my writing. For six years, I had poured my heart into three novels, only to be met with over 250 rejection slips from publishers across the world. With each rejection, my self-worth took another hit. The dream I had sacrificed so much for was slipping through my fingers.

Doubt crept in. The voice in my head kept repeating:
❌ “You’re not a real writer.”
❌ “No one will ever publish you.”
❌ “You have no credibility.”

The confidence I once had was gone. I had left behind a stable career as a doctor to chase this dream, and now, all I had to show for it was uncertainty and regret.

Had I made the biggest mistake of my life?

The Breakthrough: Giving Myself Permission

One morning, as I lay in bed wrestling with my self-doubt, a quieter, calmer voice spoke up. It reminded me of something I had overlooked:

👉 I already had the knowledge.
👉 I already had the experience.
👉 I already had the passion.

I didn’t need permission from a publisher. I didn’t need a stamp of approval from an external authority.

The only permission I needed was my own.

That realisation shifted everything. I stopped waiting for someone else to validate me. I stopped letting my fear dictate my actions. Instead, I made a decision: I would write the book—whether or not anyone wanted to read it.

And so, I began.

Winning the Only Battle That Matters

The journey wasn’t easy. It took another six years before my book, Your Natural State of Being, was finally published (now Being YOU!).

But here’s what I learned along the way:

The biggest battle we face isn’t against external circumstances—it’s against ourselves.

Every one of us has an inner critic that tries to keep us small. It tells us we’re not good enough, not qualified enough, not worthy enough.

And for many, that voice is so loud, so persistent, that it stops them from ever taking action.

But the truth is, those limiting beliefs are just illusions. They are stories we tell ourselves—not reality.

If I had continued listening to my self-doubt, I would have never written that book.

And yet, the moment I chose to believe in myself rather than my fears, everything changed.

What This Means for You

If you’re holding yourself back because you feel unqualified, because you think no one will listen to you, or because you believe you don’t have what it takes—know this:

You already have everything you need.

Your experience is enough. Your knowledge is enough. You are enough.

The only thing standing in your way is the story you’re telling yourself. And the good news? You can change that story.

How to Overcome Your Own Limiting Beliefs

If you’re struggling with self-doubt, here are three steps to start shifting your mindset:

1️⃣ Recognise the belief. Write down the thoughts that are holding you back. Be honest. What is your inner critic telling you?

2️⃣ Challenge the belief. Ask yourself: Is this really true? Is there evidence to support it? More often than not, these beliefs are based on fear, not reality.

3️⃣ Rewrite the belief. Replace self-doubt with self-empowerment. Instead of “I’m not qualified,” try “I have valuable experiences to share.” Instead of “No one will listen to me,” try “The right people will resonate with my message.”

The next time your inner critic tries to stop you, remind yourself:

You don’t need permission. You don’t need external validation. You just need to start.

Your Turn to Transform

Looking back, I realise that my biggest obstacle wasn’t a lack of opportunity—it was a lack of belief in myself. The moment I decided to trust myself, my path opened up.

And the same is true for you.

Whatever dream you’ve been putting off, whatever goal you’ve been afraid to pursue—this is your sign to start.

You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment. You don’t need anyone’s permission.

You just need to take that first step.

So, what’s the limiting belief that’s been holding you back? And more importantly—what’s the new belief you’re ready to embrace?

Want personalised guidance on identifying and transforming your limiting beliefs?

👉 Book your complimentary Discovery Session today and discover how personalised life coaching can help you achieve the transformation you’ve been seeking.