Internal Blocks: How Invisible Walls Prevent Us from Being Happy?

Each of us wants to be happy, successful, and loved. We set goals, dream about things, and make plans. But we often run into invisible obstacles that prevent us from moving forward. It's as if we're hitting an invisible wall that doesn't let us get what we want. This can manifest as a fear of new opportunities, chronic procrastination, sabotaging our own success, or simply the feeling that «I don't deserve this.» We try to overcome these obstacles with willpower, but it doesn't work. Why? Because these obstacles are not external but internal. They are located deep in our subconscious and are called internal blocks.

Internal blocks are negative beliefs and attitudes that we have absorbed throughout our lives and that control us on a subconscious level. They act as a «brake» and prevent us from moving forward, even if we really want to. In this article, we will examine where internal blocks come from, how they manifest in different areas of life, and, most importantly, how to recognize and remove them so that you can finally live the life you've always dreamed of.

1. Where Do Internal Blocks Come From?

Internal blocks are not an innate quality. They are formed under the influence of various factors throughout our lives. The main reasons for their appearance are:

• Childhood traumas. If we were often criticized, humiliated, or compared to others in childhood, this can lead to a deep feeling of inadequacy. The belief «I'm not good enough» becomes a powerful block that will hinder us in adult life.
• Parental beliefs. Phrases like «don't stand out,» «money is earned through hard work,» and «all men are cheaters» shape our worldview and create blocks.
• Negative experiences. A serious failure, for example, a failed business or a painful breakup, can lead us to be afraid of repeating that experience and to avoid any risks.
• Fear of the unknown. Everything new seems dangerous to us. Our brain is programmed for survival, and it will do everything to sabotage our attempts to step out of our comfort zone.

These factors create «walls» in our subconscious that prevent us from moving forward. They can be so strong that even the strongest desires and aspirations are shattered by them. This is the very «black streak» from which it is impossible to escape until you remove these invisible obstacles.

2. How Do Internal Blocks Manifest in Life?

Internal blocks manifest differently depending on the area of life. Here are a few examples:

• In career and finances:
  • You avoid responsibility and are afraid to take on new projects.
  • You are afraid to ask for a raise, even if you deserve it.
  • You sabotage your own success (for example, you are late for an important meeting or forget to send an important email).
  • You don't believe that you can earn a lot of money.
• In relationships:
  • You are afraid to open up and show your true self because you are afraid of being rejected.
  • You constantly choose the «wrong» partners who don't value you.
  • You can't build long-term relationships.
• In health and well-being:
  • You constantly postpone exercising or going to the doctor.
  • You are prone to self-criticism and feel inadequate.
  • You often feel anxiety or apathy without a visible reason.

Becoming aware of these behavioral patterns is the first and most important step toward eliminating them. You must become an attentive observer of your behavior and reactions.

3. How to Remove Internal Blocks?

Removing internal blocks is not easy, but it is possible. It requires time, patience, and conscious work on yourself. It's not just «reading an article and understanding everything»; it's a daily practice that will gradually change your mindset and behavior. Here are three practical steps that will help you with this:

1. Step 1: Identification and acceptance.
   • Name your block. Sit in silence and ask yourself: «What is preventing me from moving forward?» The honest answer may shock you. For example: «I'm afraid of success because I'm afraid of responsibility.»
   • Trace its roots. Think about when this block appeared. Perhaps it happened in childhood when you were severely scolded for a mistake.
   • Accept it. Tell yourself: «Yes, I have this fear, and that's normal. But it doesn't control me. I have the right to make mistakes.»
2. Step 2: Rephrasing.
   • Replace the negative belief with a positive one. Instead of «I'm afraid of responsibility,» say: «I'm ready for new challenges.» Instead of «I'm not worthy of a lot of money,» say: «I'm worthy of financial well-being.»
   • Visualize. Imagine how you feel when you live without this block. How do you act? What do you say? What kind of people do you surround yourself with? The more vivid the picture, the faster your brain will believe in it.
3. Step 3: Action.
   • Start small. Don't try to do something monumental right away. If you're afraid of public speaking, start by giving a toast among friends. If you're afraid to ask for a raise, first just prepare for the conversation, and then try to bring up the topic.
   • Celebrate your victories. Keep a journal and write down every time you act against your block. This may be a small victory, but it is incredibly important, as it strengthens your belief in yourself and proves to your brain that doing it «differently» is not scary.
   • Seek support. Spend time with people who support you and believe in you. Sometimes the opinion of a loved one can be the push you need.

Every small action you take against your blocks is a blow to the invisible wall. And with each blow, that wall gets thinner until, one day, it collapses. And only then will you be able to feel truly free and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are internal blocks and what do they look like in real life?

Internal blocks are unconscious negative mindsets and fears that act as a psychological brake. In daily life, they manifest as constant procrastination, a sudden loss of interest in important goals, or a feeling that you are "unworthy" of success. It is as if you hit an invisible wall every time you try to change your life for the better.

Why do I constantly sabotage my own success, even though I want it so badly?

This occurs due to a conflict between your conscious desire and an unconscious block that perceives success as a hidden threat. For example, your brain might associate wealth with losing friends or increased responsibility that you cannot handle. Sabotage is a subconscious defense mechanism trying to keep you within your familiar "safe" zone.

How can I identify my own hidden psychological barriers?

Start tracking your automatic thoughts at moments when you need to take an important step. If you hear an inner voice saying "you won't succeed," "it's not time yet," or "you aren't good enough," these are markers of blocks. Write these phrases down to move them from the realm of the unconscious into the realm of conscious control.

Is it possible to remove internal blocks without a psychologist's help?

Yes, mild mindsets can be managed independently through belief work and small practical steps. Every action taken despite fear strikes a blow against the "invisible wall" and proves to your brain that new experiences are safe. However, to process deep childhood traumas, it is more effective to consult a mentor or use specialized methodologies.

Where do these invisible walls in our heads come from in the first place?

Most blocks are formed in childhood under the influence of criticism from parents, teachers, or traumatic events. We internalize others' attitudes and mistake them for our own truths about the world and ourselves. Over time, these beliefs turn into a rigid framework that defines our choices and the ceiling of our achievements in adulthood.

Why doesn't positive thinking help get rid of blocks?

Positive affirmations work only at the conscious level, whereas blocks sit deep within the subconscious. If the belief "I am a failure" lives inside you, no amount of repeating "I am successful" will change the situation without deep work on the root cause. Blocks should not be painted over with positivity; they must be systematically dismantled through analysis and new actions.

How much time is needed to completely remove a hindering mindset?

The speed depends on the depth of the block, but initial behavioral results can be noticed after 21–30 days of conscious work. Consistency is key: you must constantly catch old thoughts and replace them with new, constructive scenarios. A complete restructuring of your thinking and the destruction of "walls" can take several months of active practice.

Is it necessary to change my social circle to exit a black streak faster?

It is highly advisable, as toxic people often feed your internal blocks with their doubts and criticism. Interacting with those who believe in you and support your endeavors creates a favorable environment for internal change. Sometimes an outside perspective becomes the very push that helps break a hole in a long-standing barrier.

Can I remove all the barriers preventing happiness at once?

Unfortunately, the psyche is organized in layers, and it is better to remove blocks gradually to avoid the intense stress of abrupt changes. Start with the most pressing barrier hindering you right now—for example, in work or relationships. Success in one area will provide you with the resource and confidence to work on the remaining sections of the "invisible wall."

We've discussed that our life is not a predetermined script but a set of beliefs that we can change. We've seen that the root of our problems is in our internal blocks, not in external circumstances. Understanding this is, of course, an important step. But how do you move from understanding to action? How do you learn to make the right choices when it seems like everything is against you? I once found myself in a similar situation, where I had a lot of theoretical knowledge, but my life was not getting better. This is what prompted me to create the step-by-step guide «The Labyrinth of Life.» This book is a practical guide that will help you not only understand the causes of your failures but also start taking action to permanently get out of your «black streak» and get your life back on track. To begin your journey toward change, simply go to the very beginning, to the «Introduction» section.