The 3 Biggest Plot Twists Holding You Back-And How To Rewrite Them

Life rarely goes as planned. Plot twists—those moments that disrupt, derail, or distract—can leave us feeling stuck in a story we didn’t choose. But here’s the thing about plot twists: they’re not the end of the story. Like any great protagonist, you have the power to transform setbacks into breakthroughs, fears into fuel, and stagnation into forward momentum.

Let’s dive into three common plot twists that might be holding you back and explore how to rewrite them so you can reclaim control of your story.

Plot Twist #1: Fear of Failure

Fear of failure isn’t just about hesitating to try something new—it’s deeply rooted in our experiences and what we believe failure means about us. For me, this fear has shown up most profoundly in relationships. Growing up in a home that ended in divorce and experiencing my own painful divorce created a narrative of potential failure that was hard to escape.

This fear often led me to avoid difficult conversations or run from situations that felt too vulnerable. But my rewrite has been about learning to communicate better, to speak honestly when I’m not fine, and to ask questions rather than make assumptions. It’s also about staying present and having the hard conversations instead of avoiding them. The work is ongoing, but each step forward builds resilience and connection.

How to Rewrite Your Story:

• Redefine failure as growth. Every stumble teaches something valuable.
• Start small. Practice facing fears in low-stakes situations to build confidence.
• Commit to learning. Approach challenges as opportunities to develop strength and understanding.

Plot Twist #2: Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

Self-doubt is a relentless inner critic, and imposter syndrome only amplifies it, making you feel like you don’t belong no matter how much experience you have. I’ve felt this most in my work, particularly as I stepped into the role of a coach. Despite years of mentorship and leadership across multiple industries, I struggled to see myself as a coach because I constantly compared myself to the incredible talent around me.

What helped me rewrite this narrative was realizing that the source of these doubts was within me. It wasn’t about others—it was about my own focus. I learned to take others’ opinions and imagined judgments out of the equation and redirect my energy toward forward motion. When you look ahead and take action, you’re moving forward. But when you fixate on whether others think you’re qualified, you stay stuck.

How to Rewrite Your Story:

• Recognize that self-doubt is a voice—not the truth.
• Build a success inventory to remind yourself of your accomplishments.
• Take imperfect action; confidence grows with each step forward.

Plot Twist #3: External Pressures and Expectations

External expectations are sneaky—they can shape your choices without you even realizing it. For much of my life, I felt pressure to like certain things, act a certain way, and align with others’ beliefs about success. These pressures made it easy to lose sight of what I wanted and valued.

My rewrite has been about stepping back and separating others’ narratives from my own. I’ve learned to connect with what I think and believe, focusing on actions that align with who I want to be as a coach, Realtor, mom, student, and volunteer. Taking control of the pen has led to incredible growth—confidence, action, resilience, and momentum have all flourished as I’ve written my own story.

How to Rewrite Your Story:

• Reconnect with your values by reflecting on what truly matters to you.
• Set boundaries to protect your time and energy.
• Write a vision for your ideal life and use it as a guide for your decisions.

Rewriting the Ending

Plot twists are inevitable, but they don’t have to define your story. Fear of failure can teach resilience, self-doubt can invite growth, and external pressures can help you reconnect with your truth.

Rewriting your story doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with one small step: an honest conversation, a forward motion, or a decision that feels authentically yours. Over time, those small actions add up, and you’ll find yourself living a story you’re proud to call your own.

Your next chapter is waiting—how will you begin?