In a recent LinkedIn post, IZA MONTALVO explores the profound impact of childhood beliefs on adult online behavior and professional growth. MONTALVO highlights how deeply ingrained, often limiting, self-perceptions learned in youth can act as significant barriers to expressing oneself and building a presence online.
The post, which draws inspiration from the book “The Courage to Be Disliked” by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, posits that individuals are not inherently trapped by their past experiences. MONTALVO challenges the notion that childhood narratives about oneself are immutable facts, instead framing them as decisions that can be re-evaluated and changed.
“Most of us grow up believing the opposite. We carry sentences from childhood into adulthood like permanent labels: ‘I’m not the type who speaks up.’ ‘I’m not good on camera.’ ‘I’m not great with technology.’ ‘I’m not someone people listen to.'”
The Paralysis of Past Decisions
IZA MONTALVO argues that these self-imposed labels, often formed in childhood, manifest as hesitation and self-doubt when attempting to create content or engage online. The author points out the common tendency to overthink, endlessly revise, and postpone publishing due to a fear of judgment or a pursuit of unattainable perfection.
According to MONTALVO, this internal struggle often leads to inaction, allowing others with potentially less experience but more willingness to overcome these internal barriers to move forward. The core issue, as presented by MONTALVO, is not a lack of skill but rather an adherence to limiting self-stories.
Embracing Discomfort for Online Freedom
A central theme in MONTALVO’s analysis is the acceptance of discomfort as a prerequisite for authenticity and freedom online. The author suggests that building a meaningful online presence requires acknowledging that not everyone will agree or like what you share.
“To be free, you have to accept something uncomfortable: Some people will misunderstand you. Some will disagree with you. Some will dislike you. And that’s not failure. It’s the cost of staying honest with yourself.”
IZA MONTALVO connects this idea directly to online success, stating that influential individuals online are often those who have moved beyond the fear of external validation. They shift their focus from seeking approval to aligning with their own beliefs and values.
The Shift from ‘What Will People Think?’ to ‘What Do I Believe?’
The post emphasizes a critical mindset shift: moving away from constantly questioning how others might perceive one’s actions and towards an internal validation based on personal conviction. MONTALVO suggests that this transition makes communication easier, fosters better ideas, and helps in connecting with an audience that resonates with genuine perspectives.
“The people who build audiences, businesses, and influence on the internet are rarely the ones with the most perfect ideas. They’re the ones who stopped letting old beliefs decide what they’re allowed to do.”
IZA MONTALVO concludes that the true obstacle for many online is not a lack of talent or knowledge, but the deeply held narratives they tell themselves about their own capabilities. The courage to overcome these internal narratives, much like the courage to simply press “post,” is what ultimately enables individuals to make their mark.
“Most people online aren’t held back by skill. They’re held back by the story they believe about themselves.”
The insights shared by MONTALVO offer a powerful reminder that personal growth, particularly in the digital space, often begins with challenging and ultimately rewriting the stories we’ve long believed about ourselves.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by IZA MONTALVO on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 7, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →