The Limits to Success structure consists of a reinforcing loop, the growth of which, after some success, is offset by a action of a balancing loop.

Growing Action interacts with a Current State in such a way that the Current State promotes more of the same Growing Action. As the Current State increases it interacts with some Limiting State to produce a Slowing Action. This Slowing Action then influences the Current State in such a way as to limit the growth promoted by the Growing Action.