Believing that something is true is kind of like the fairy dust Peter Pan uses to make him fly. First, he believes, then he thinks happy thoughts, and then he flies. Optimistic and hopeful beliefs can give us the courage to follow our dreams and bring our deepest desires to life.
In some contexts, beliefs are sacred. Our belief systems almost always fuel our thoughts. They are the bridges between believing and taking action. It isn’t easy to take action when the beliefs are limiting and depleting.
How do beliefs work
In order to take productive and positive action, you must have constructive thoughts. In order to have constructive thoughts, you must have empowering beliefs. Empowering beliefs will give you the confidence and conviction to achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself.
The beliefs that we have are the root of everything we do, every thought, every discussion, and every action. They signal and program the subconscious mind of what to expect. Therefore, it’s vital that they correlate and support our thoughts and actions. For example, if you believe that love is the most powerful force of energy, then everything you do will come from a place of love.
If your beliefs do not align with your actions, then there is a disconnect. With a little bit of practice, you have the power to change your beliefs. Reframing is the practice of transforming limiting beliefs (those that hold you back) into empowering beliefs (those that propel you forward).
Where beliefs come from
We start forming our beliefs in early childhood. Beliefs stem from our own experiences, the influences of those we trust, various sources of knowledge that we encounter, and the environments we are exposed to. For most people, beliefs live in the subconscious and are primarily developed somewhere between the ages of 0 – 7 years old. For the most part, they have a close relationship with values, which are long-lasting.
How to shift limiting beliefs to empowering beliefs
Learning to reframe your beliefs from limiting beliefs to empowering beliefs can create new opportunities and enhance happiness and fulfillment in all areas of your life. The first step in changing something is to become aware of it. Ask yourself if your beliefs are blocking you from living a joyful and prosperous life. When you believe or think something negative, take a moment to reframe the narrative. For example, there is no failure, only feedback for learning. There are no problems, just challenges and solutions. Every obstacle is a steppingstone towards success to help you learn and grow. Let your fears motivate you to overcome them instead of holding you back.
Practice reframing
“I have to” becomes “I get to”
“I hate myself” becomes “I love and respect myself for who I am”
“I wish I had that” becomes “I am happy for them and wish them well”
“I rarely have enough money” becomes “money flows into my life abundantly”
“I hate working out” becomes “exercise makes me stronger and healthier”
“I hate speaking in front of people” becomes “I am learning how to get better and more comfortable with public speaking”
Benefits of empowering beliefs
Empowering beliefs are the foundation of a fulfilling and happy life. When you believe in yourself and your capabilities, the opportunities become endless. Creating empowering beliefs improves your happiness, confidence, and demeanor. Empowering beliefs help create the life you want and encourage you to be bold and take risks.
Positive beliefs are correlated to positive thinking, and both are the vessels to a healthy mind and body. When we have empowering beliefs, we are more inclined to follow-up with positive actions and prioritize physical and mental well-being.
Conclusion
Beliefs can make your dreams a reality. They can also crush your dreams and limit you if you allow them. Ask yourself what you would have to believe in order to have, be, or do whatever you want in life. With a little bit of practice and awareness, you can shift your beliefs from limiting to empowering ones. If Peter Pan can fly, so can you. You just have to believe you can!
