How Systemic Barriers Impact Our Personal Growth (and What We Can Do About It)

Self development is often spoken about as if we all start from the same place. But the truth is, we don’t. The idea of “just thinking positive” or adopting a growth mindset can feel frustrating and irrelevant when the challenges we face are rooted in systemic inequality.

Whether it’s racism, sexism, poverty, or other forms of discrimination, these deeply ingrained barriers shape how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible.

This was something I struggled with when I first started exploring self development and mindset transformation. In my late teens and early twenties, I was drawn to the world of self-help and spirituality — yet I often felt disconnected from it. The people sharing advice rarely understood my experience of intersectionality, and I didn’t see my reality reflected in their stories.

Navigating Identity and Discrimination

Growing up in a predominantly white area as a mixed-race woman shaped the way I saw myself from a young age. I often experienced discrimination but didn’t always have the language to articulate it. Moving away from London as a child disconnected me from my culture and from people who looked like me.

I had no one to speak to about the racism and microaggressions I was experiencing — even as a pre-teen. I was treated as “having an attitude” when I expressed my feelings, compared unfavourably to my white peers, and viewed negatively by the parents of certain friends. I was even once questioned on a train because I “matched the description” of someone who hadn’t paid for their ticket.

No matter how confident you are, repeated exposure to these experiences leave an imprint. Repeated negative treatment shapes your self concept and reinforces beliefs that you’re not good enough, not worthy, or somehow “less than.” 

Too young to realise the significance that our environments have on our self concept, combined with the lack of a support system to lean on for guidance, I began to believe that I was less than. I developed an internal narrative reflective of the harsh external narrative which echoed around me — This low, self-deprecating state became the baseline I would operate from each day. It slowly became my normal. 

The Hidden Impact of Systemic Barriers on Mindset

The mindset and self-concept I developed resulted in unhealthy coping mechanisms such as binge drinking, smoking, poor diet, and little to no exercise. When we don’t feel good about ourselves and view ourselves as less than, it’s unlikely we’ll prioritise taking care of ourselves.

As I got older, I began to see how these unhealthy coping mechanisms and addiction-related behaviours were often normalised and passed off as “just having fun” or “blowing off steam” particularly within working-class spaces. This made it much easier for me to convince myself that I was living a normal life — not mistreating my body as a result of poor self-concept and low self-esteem.

Fortunately, after a few serious wake-up calls, I was inspired to make life changes. I began un-normalising this behaviour and unlearning many of the unhealthy mindset patterns I had absorbed through exposure and internalised because of low self-esteem.

My experiences showed me that systemic oppression does more than limit external opportunities and shape experiences — it shapes how we think, feel, and speak to ourselves. It affects how we treat our bodies, how we show up in relationships, how we pursue our goals, and even how much we believe we deserve success.

That’s why adopting a positive mindset or repeating affirmations isn’t always enough. True mindset transformation begins with acknowledging the reality of the barriers we face — and then taking intentional steps to overcome their internal impact. It can be hard to take off the rose-tinted glasses and look honestly at the uncomfortable parts of our surroundings, families, friendships, and ways of living. Admitting that something needs to change isn’t easy, but it’s essential — and, in some cases, it can mean the difference between a life that feels worth living and one that doesn’t.

Practical Ways to Reclaim Your Self-Concept When Systemic Barriers Impact Personal Growth

Here are a few ways to start healing from systemic conditioning and building a more empowered mindset:

1. Create Environments That Affirm You

Seek out spaces and communities that value, celebrate, and uplift you. Surround yourself with people and environments that reflect positive messages about your identity — whether that’s your race, gender, culture, sexuality, or lived experience. This provides your brain with evidence that supports new, empowering beliefs.

2. Practice Self-Compassion and Inner Kindness

How you talk to yourself matters. Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with language that is rooted in love, understanding, and compassion. Developing a positive inner voice is a foundational part of personal growth and mindset change.

3. Focus on What’s Within Your Control

You can’t control how everyone perceives you — but you can control how you respond, how you care for yourself, and the choices you make. Adopting a growth mindset means focusing your energy on what you can influence: your actions, habits, mindset, and boundaries.

4. Reclaim the Narrative Through History and Knowledge

Learn about the achievements of people who share your identity or cultural heritage. Explore stories of resilience, innovation, and success from your community and ancestors. This not only strengthens your self concept but also reminds you of the power you carry within you.

5. Address Internalised Oppression

Internalised racism, sexism, or homophobia often show up as negative beliefs about ourselves — or as projection onto others who share our identity. Recognising and unlearning these patterns is essential. This is deep, sometimes uncomfortable work, and seeking support from a therapist or specialist can be incredibly valuable here.

6. Seek Support From Mentors or Coaches

Working with a coach or mentor — especially someone who understands intersectionality and systemic barriers — can help you build strategies for the future rooted in empowerment and self-acceptance. They can offer tools, accountability, and perspective to help you thrive beyond the limitations society has imposed.

Remember as You Move Forward: Your Story Isn’t Defined by Your Struggles

Systemic barriers may impact our personal growth and shape our experiences, but they do not define our potential. By combining self awareness, intentional action, and compassionate support, we can rewrite the stories we tell ourselves — and in doing so, unlock our capacity for profound personal growth.

Remember: personal development is not about ignoring oppression or pretending it doesn’t exist. It’s about building the inner tools to rise above it and know your worth — and creating a life that reflects our worth, dignity, and power.

Hi, I'm Daniella

I'm writer, mentor, coach, and founder of Words of Integrity. I help people like you break through limiting beliefs, transform their mindset, and create meaningful change in their lives and careers.

Learn more about me and my approach

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