318: Lessons from Disney on Overcoming Mindset Obstacles to Your Big Dreams with Jeff Barnes

What’s really keeping you stuck on the sidelines of your dream? In this inspiring conversation with “Dr Disney” (bestselling author and speaker Jeff Barnes), we unpack the mindset blocks, fears, and limiting beliefs that keep women from pursuing God-given visions.

Drawing from the life of Walt Disney, we explore how to move through fear, take bold action, and build the emotional and spiritual habits that keep your dreams alive, even in the face of failure.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

[00:00] Could Fear of Failure Be Sabotaging Your Dream?

[05:00] What Can Disney Teach Us About Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs?

[09:00] Why Overthinking Is the Park Bench That Keeps You Stuck

[12:00] How “Conflict” Is a Sign You’re on the Right Track

[15:00] Who Are the “Roys and Lilys” Helping Protect Your Dream?

[18:00] Are You Trying to Rush God’s Timing?

[23:00] What Mickey Mouse Can Teach Us About Starting Small

[27:00] How to Let Go of Control and Focus on What You Can Change

[29:00] What Is a “Berm”—and Why Do You Need One Around Your Dream?

[00:00] Could Fear of Failure Be Sabotaging Your Dream?

Fear is often the biggest obstacle, not laziness or procrastination, but fear. Jeff Barnes opens the conversation by naming the two most common fears that paralyze us: the fear of failure and the fear of embarrassment. These keep us stuck on the sidelines of our dreams, pretending we’re waiting for the right time.

Jeff shares how Walt Disney faced enormous risks, including bankruptcy, criticism, and rejection. Yet he took action anyway. We often assume we need confidence before we act, but it’s movement that builds courage, and Disney’s story is quite inspiring.

[05:00] What Can Disney Teach Us About Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs?

When designing Disneyland, Walt Disney didn’t begin with a perfect blueprint. Disneyland started as a seed of an idea, born out of a disappointing day at a dirty amusement park. Instead of staying in that frustration, Walt dreamed of something better.

Jeff explains that people laughed at Walt’s vision. They thought it was silly, impossible, a waste of time. But Walt had the ability to see beyond the current reality and trust what could be.

The lesson for us? Dreams often require us to stop asking others for permission and stop letting their small expectations dictate our next move.

[09:00] Why Overthinking Is the Park Bench That Keeps You Stuck

We often convince ourselves that we’re being productive by overthinking an idea. But according to Jeff, overthinking is simply a more socially acceptable form of fear. It’s like sitting on a park bench at Disneyland, observing everyone else live their lives while convincing yourself you’re “just getting ready,” he says.

Walt Disney placed benches in Disneyland for a reason—people need breaks. But benches aren’t where the magic happens. Dreams come to life when we leave the bench and start building. Jeff says that if you’re stuck in analysis paralysis, it’s time to take one step forward, however small.

[12:00] How Conflict Is a Sign You’re on the Right Track

Jeff argues that conflict doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re stretching. Jeff shares that Walt Disney’s career was full of resistance, financial pressure, rejection from colleagues, and even betrayal. But Walt didn’t interpret conflict as a red flag. He saw it as part of the process.

If you’re facing pushback or feeling like it’s harder than you expected, it doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path. It might mean you’re finally pursuing something that matters, Jeff says.

[15:00] Who Are the “Roys and Lilys” Helping Protect Your Dream?

Walt had a vision, but it never would have happened without the steady support of his brother Roy and the wisdom of his wife Lily. Jeff points out that every dreamer needs trusted people who hold them accountable, encourage them, and remind them who they are when things get shaky.

These people help protect the dream when your confidence wavers. Think about who’s walking alongside you. It’s important to consider though if they are cheering us on, or feeding our doubts.

[18:00] Are You Trying to Rush God’s Timing?

Jeff explains that Walt Disney didn’t build Disneyland overnight. There were years of waiting, planning, failing, and starting over. Jeff warns against trying to “force” a dream into being. That urgency often leads to burnout or cutting corners.

God’s timing is part of the process. We’re invited to walk in faith, not just hustle in fear. When we embrace the pace of God’s plan, we build a foundation that can last.

[23:00] What Mickey Mouse Can Teach Us About Starting Small

Jeff shared a fascinating story about how the iconic Mickey Mouse came to be. After losing the rights to his original character Oswald, Walt Disney was devastated. But on the train ride home, he created a new character, Mickey Mouse. That simple sketch turned into a global icon.

Jeff uses this moment to show how small beginnings can birth powerful outcomes. You don’t need to wait for a huge opportunity. Start with what you have. Trust that obedience in the little things can open big doors.

[27:00] How to Let Go of Control and Focus on What You Can Change

Control feels safe. But trying to control every detail can choke your creativity, he says. Jeff shares how Walt focused on what he could do, kept imagining, kept building, kept believing. He couldn’t control public opinion or financing. But he could keep moving forward.

Letting go of control doesn’t mean giving up. It means giving over to God, to timing, to the natural unfolding of your purpose. Surrender is the soil where growth happens.

[29:00] What Is a “Berm”—and Why Do You Need One Around Your Dream?

In Disney parks, a berm is a raised barrier that blocks outside distractions from entering the park. It protects the experience. Jeff encourages every dreamer to build their own berm.

What boundaries do you need to keep your focus clear? Maybe it’s limiting social media, saying no to draining relationships, or carving out quiet time. Protecting your dream isn’t selfish, it’s stewardship, he says. Every dream needs space to breathe, grow, and flourish.

JOIN THE EMOTIONAL CONFIDENCE CLUB:

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We’re a Christ-centered community of women learning to process everyday emotions—like disappointment, overwhelm, and shame—using a science-and-Scripture-based roadmap that makes emotional healing practical, powerful, and personal.

Every 6 weeks we welcome new members and focus on a new topic.

Apply now to join us at AliciaMichelle.com/club.