by Joanna Sobczak
Beliefs are our ways of thinking.
Different for everyone but everyone has their own. Everyone believes something to be true about the world, others and themselves and this informs their actions and decisions. Beliefs are formed as a result of our life experience, concepts we were thought, explained and we adapted as own. They often come from parents, friends, colleagues, relatives etc.
We choose to accept some and reject others. We did in the past and we continue to do. Every day we interpret events through what we believe to be true. Some limit us, some empower. Some of the beliefs are right below the surface available when we try to understand and explain reality – “I can’t cook” – “People are strange” – “I deserve to be treated with respect” – and our reaction is often automatic but always based on what we believe to be RIGHT.
Some of our beliefs are hidden deep inside and these are the ones that we encourage you to look into this month. Beliefs are not always easy to identify simply because we just take action that is true to who we are, never realising what lies beneath, not trying to understand why. Certain reactions and behaviours are obvious to us because this is who we have always been. But there are thoughts that inform our behaviour and these are beliefs. – I can achieve anything I want, I just have to go for it – Dreams come true
But what should we do if they limit our potential, restrict our thinking, reduce opportunities to achieve success? We all like to think that we are open-minded, ready for every possibility, seeing clearly what is ahead of us, with ability to correctly assess situations. But is it always true?
January is a month of courage, time when we want to be bold with our planning. Thinking “big” takes strength as quite often our New Year’s resolutions are at the same time challenges. Have you got the courage, the strength of character? Beliefs play a very important part in New Year’s planning – those often unquestioned concepts about our own abilities, intentions of others, rules of the world. Are you aware of yours?
If deep down you think “I will fail” – will you aim for a promotion at work? If your actions are informed by “I am too old for that” – will you plan an adventurous trip around the world? If your mind tells you “I have tried to do it before and it didn’t work. There is no point in trying” – how will this affect your planning for 2013? Do you recognise any of these thoughts? Have you got your own ones? How do they serve you?
Only think what you could achieve if you believed – “I have experience in life that I can draw from” – “I can learn anything I want, I just have to stay focused” – “I am surrounded by kind people and they will always be there for me” – Challenge? Sure, bring it on!
And truly and honestly it is all in our thinking. Make your first resolution this year to consciously choose what you are going to believe about others, the world and yourself. Have courage and examine your beliefs. Have courage to question those limiting concepts and stretch your thinking. Maybe what you will discover is a belief that has been holding you back for years. A misconception that can be easily replaced with pure POWER. And you will start with a new frame of mind and belief system that is truly underpinned with reality because:
YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE! YES, YOU CAN! YOU HAVE TALENTS! YOU HAVE ACHIEVED SUCCESS IN THE PAST!
Just have courage to see it.
