The Power of Beliefs

It’s time to flick your internal switch from I can’t do it to I can do it! Sometimes that’s all it takes, one small step to commit to a small change. This can unlock the most amazing transformation as you create your positive life and positive mindset!

This newsletter is all about the power of beliefs. We will explore the impact of limiting beliefs, how to remove them, and how to replace them with empowering beliefs that support you more positively! It’s a summary of content from Module 2 of The POSITIVE Lawyer?

Beliefs determine our thoughts, emotions, and actions – so choose them wisely!

Since unlocking the power of beliefs as part of my Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner certification, I’ve done a lot of work to identify, remove and replace my limiting beliefs. This is such a liberating experience.

Choosing our beliefs

Many of our beliefs are formed when we are young when we accept what others tell us and often to keep us safe. They become inbuilt mantras to keep us safe, automatic, subconscious responses.

Some of these are positive and unfortunately, some are also deeply negative, and they can hold us back from reaching our potential.

Hence, the important distinction between limiting beliefs and empowering beliefs. I’ve assembled some examples of both sets of beliefs to help you appreciate the difference.

Empowering vs Limiting beliefs

Have a look at both lists and especially consider the limiting beliefs that are within you. I personally struggle with four on this list. Although the work that I have done has significantly reduced the impact.

Here are some empowering beliefs based on the theory of Growth Mindset -

• There is no failure, only learning
• I can always improve my skills and abilities
• Challenges are opportunities to grow
• The future is exciting with endless possibilities
• I am responsible for the life I create
• I don’t need the approval of others to succeed
• I am grateful for the good things in my life
• I can make tomorrow better!

Here are some common limiting beliefs, how many do you have? I could easily let 4 or 5 of them take hold if I wasn’t careful!

• I’m a fraud, I don’t deserve my success
• I’m not good enough
• I will look stupid if I make mistakes
• I must be the best in my field to be admired and loved
• Rich people are not nice people
• I’m just not good with money
• Change is scary and uncomfortable
• I’m always left out and left behind
• It’s difficult to lose weight
• I’m too old to…

Personal experience

Here I share some of my most significant beliefs…I discovered about 4 years ago that my long-held limiting beliefs were...

“When I am successful no one will like me.” and

“When I love someone, they always abandon me.”

Using NLP, I’ve worked hard to remove these and now have two beautiful empowering beliefs…

“When I am successful the right people will like me!”

“Love is infinite, the more you give, the more you receive!”

NLP uses Timeline Therapy to release and remove these beliefs by allowing you to see the positive learnings that come from the limiting belief, and then it’s all about embedding the new beliefs so they fortify you and allow you to proceed more confidently. It can be helpful to write them down and put them up somewhere you will see them regularly throughout the day – perhaps in your workspace or in your bathroom mirror.

Identifying limiting beliefs

Firstly, find a quiet space on your own and get comfortable.

Second, grab a blank piece of paper and write down all the answers you can think of to the following questions without over-thinking or editing

• What areas of your life are unfulfilling and you’re not getting what you want?
• What areas of your life have you tried to improve but did not get the results you wanted?
• What aspects of your life make you unhappy and discontented?
• What aspects of your life make you feel weak, powerless, incompetent, or held back?

Take your time. These might be some of the most difficult questions you have ever asked yourself. Be honest with yourself don’t overthink it or hold yourself back.

Overcoming limiting beliefs

Step 1 - Review the limiting beliefs you have identified and isolate the strongest ones as these will be your core limiting beliefs

Step 2 - Consider your core limiting beliefs in turn and go through the following exercise, I suggest a fresh blank piece of paper for each belief as writing down the answers will have a positive cognitive impact

• Think back to when you first had the belief. When did you first believe this? What happened for you to believe it?
• Were you told to believe it by someone? Was it based on an experience?

Step 3 - One by one recognise the falsehood in each of your core beliefs

• How false is the belief? How has it limited you? How do you feel about it?
• It’s okay to get angry and even better to move through this to a place of forgiveness.

Remember all through this process that it’s important to accept that you are not perfect and time to be open to learning and ready to change.

Find out more…

The process to select and reinforcing your limiting beliefs is part of Module 2 of The POSITIVE Lawyer

Find out more and register your interest ??

OR book a discovery call with me ?

My aim is to inspire you to transform your working life and achieve great things and I look forward to joining you on your journey!