Knowing Yourself and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs as a Foreign Woman in Gothenburg
It’s easy to think we know ourselves. After all, we live with ourselves day in and day out. But how much do you really know about how others perceive you? And how much do your own beliefs quietly hold you back—especially as a foreign woman navigating life and work in Gothenburg?
Your intentions might be clear—but do they match how others see you? And are the stories you tell yourself limiting the opportunities you could claim?
A Lesson in Self-Awareness
Some months ago I had the pleasure to meet Sarah. Sarah is an American engineer and leader who built a strong career within the automotive industry. However, she realized that working full-time corporate was not her passion. Today, she works as a consultant who enjoys bringing understanding to diverse teams, helping individuals overcome imposter syndrome to bring their best selves into their work, and helping individuals and companies avoid making the many mistakes she has learned through doing and studying. She has a very interesting and deep story about self-awareness.
During her studies at Stanford, she took a class formally called Interpersonal Communications, nicknamed Touchy-Feely. It was tough—emotionally, mentally—but also transformational.
Sarah realized something shocking: the way she saw herself wasn’t the way others saw her.
Her shyness was perceived as coldness.
Her anxiety was interpreted as superiority.
Her self-deprecating humor came across as biting.
She thought she was the underdog, trying to belong, but her behavior was unintentionally pushing others away. It was painful, but it opened the door to growth. Sarah learned to pause and reflect about:
What am I intending?
How am I being interpreted?
What does the other person intend?
How am I interpreting them?
Combined with reflection on her personal vision and mission, this awareness helped Sarah to connect more authentically—with colleagues, friends, and even herself.
Recognizing Limiting Beliefs
As foreign women in Sweden, we often carry limiting beliefs that quietly shape our choices at work:
“I don’t speak Swedish well enough to lead a project.”
“They see me too inexperienced to consider me for bigger responsibilities.”
“They cannot understand my ideas.”
“I’m too new to speak up in meetings.”
“I won’t fit in because I’m not Swedish.”'
I would like to share a personal one with you: “they know I´m not a technical person and will start challenging me from that angle”
These beliefs often stem from cultural differences, past experiences, or self-doubt—and they can stop us from showing our strengths or stepping into leadership.
The first step is awareness: notice the stories you tell yourself that hold you back. The second is action: challenge those beliefs in small, intentional ways.
Tools That Can Help
Over the years, Sarah has explored many instruments for self-awareness—DISC, Enneagram, Myers-Briggs—but her favorite is Belbin Team Roles.
Here’s why:
360-degree insight – Invite colleagues or mentors to give feedback on how you’re perceived.
Flexible and situational – Team roles evolve with context, unlike more fixed personality labels.
Practical and approachable – Provides language to understand strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles.
Real-life examples:
A young professional believed they were “too new” to lead but realized their Coordinator role aligned with a missing Scrum Master position. They stepped up, enjoyed their work more, and the team benefited.
Belbin Team Roles help bridge the gap between how we see ourselves, how others see us, and the limiting beliefs that hold us back.
Practical Steps for Foreign Women in Gothenburg
Reflect on Self-Perception vs. Reality
Ask colleagues, mentors, or friends how they see your strengths and contributions.Identify Limiting Beliefs
Write down recurring thoughts that stop you from acting or speaking up. Are they fact-based, assumptions, or fear? I´ll share with you one I recently realized I have: “They listen to my ideas just to be polite”.Challenge Beliefs in Small Steps
Speak up once in a meeting.
Volunteer for a project you feel “too new” for.
Share your ideas even if they feel different from the majority.
Use Self-Awareness Tools
Belbin Team Roles, DISC, or journaling can help you understand how you work best, how others perceive you, and how to overcome personal barriers.Seek Allies and Mentors
Connect with other foreign women, professional networks, or supportive colleagues who understand your journey.Practice Self-Care
Navigating a new culture, a new workplace, and your own limiting beliefs is emotionally taxing. Movement, journaling, reflection, and supportive communities aren’t luxuries—they’re essential.
The Takeaway
Being a foreign woman in Gothenburg comes with unique challenges—and unique strengths. Understanding how you are perceived, identifying and challenging limiting beliefs, and taking intentional action allows you to:
Step confidently into your professional potential.
Build authentic connections with colleagues and peers.
Reduce internal friction caused by self-doubt or cultural adaptation.
Thrive in both personal and professional spheres.
Self-awareness and reflection aren’t just professional tools—they’re acts of self-care, helping you honor your identity, your strengths, and your journey.
By understanding yourself, challenging limiting beliefs, and connecting authentically with others, you can create a life in Sweden that’s not only successful but deeply fulfilling.