5 Barriers that Keep holding us Back

Breaking Free: 5 Barriers That Keep Holding Us Back

By Kay Kesse

We’ve all had moments when it felt like something invisible was holding us back. We try, we push, we pray… and still feel stuck. Sound familiar?

The truth is, many of the things that stop us are not on the outside, they’re inside us. They’re not always loud, but they’re powerful. Let’s have a conversation about five common barriers that keep people from moving forward and what we can do to start breaking free.

💬 Featured Quote:

“Freedom begins the moment you decide to stop believing the lie that you’re not enough.”

— Kay Kesse

1. Fear of Failure

Let’s start with the big one, fear. Specifically, fear of failing.

Fear says, “What if I try and it doesn’t work?”

But here’s the flip side: What if you never try and never know what could have been?

Failure isn’t final it’s feedback. It’s part of the learning process . Everyone great you admire has had few bumps on the road.

They failed. And they got up again.

📖 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

2. Self-Doubt

You might call it imposter syndrome or just plain insecurity. It’s that voice that whispers, “Who do you think you are?”

Truth is you’re enough. You’re called and you don’t need to have it all figured out to take the next step.

When you doubt yourself, you limit God’s power working through you.

📖 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

3. Past Mistakes and Regrets

Sometimes we’re not stuck in the present, we’re stuck in the past.

We replay old choices, old relationships, or missed opportunities like a broken record. But God doesn’t live in your past. He’s moving you toward something better.

📖 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:18–19

4. People-Pleasing

Let’s be honest: living for approval will leave you exhausted.

When your worth is tied to others’ opinions, you end up building a life based on their expectations not God’s purpose.

You were never meant to fit into every room. Some places need your authentic self, not your edited version.

📖 “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? … If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

5. Procrastination (aka “Waiting for the Right Time”)

Let’s call it what it is delay dressed up as wisdom.

“I’ll do it when I feel more ready.”

“When I have more money.”

“When the timing is right.”

But the right time is rarely obvious and waiting too long can turn into stagnation. God often moves when we move in faith.

📖 “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4

So, What Now?

You don’t need to conquer all five barriers today. But take one step. Choose to believe something new. Let God’s truth be louder than the lies.

The journey from bound to bold isn’t about being fearless  it’s about moving forward despite the fear. You were made for more so let’s live like it.

🙏 References:

   •   The Holy Bible (NKJV, NIV, ESV translations)

   •   Maxwell, John C. Failing Forward

   •   Joyce Meyer. Battlefield of the Mind

   •   Brene Brown. The Gifts of Imperfection

   •   T.D. Jakes. Destiny: Step Into Your Purpose

Journal Prompt 

What’s one barrier you’ve identified in your own life and what small step can you take this week to start overcoming it?