Henry Ford said, "Those who believe they can and those you believe they can't are both right." How is that possible? Not everyone can be "right", right?
His statement supports my definition that a Belief is an idea that is accepted as true or real. I also "believe" that we use our Beliefs to decide what is reality based on convictions that may or may not be founded in fact.
Do you remember the story of the Three Bears? (I modified the story just a bit and the bears are eating the porridge instead of Goldilocks, so please just go with me ... !) The first bear said the porridge was too hot, the second bear said it was too cold, and the third bear thought it was just right. Each bear was given porridge from the same pot, so what is true? What is fact? It just depended on what each bear decided to believe!
And, what do you think each bear did based on their Belief about the porridge? The first bear probably spit it out, drank some cold water, and waited for the porridge to cool before eating it. The second bear probably put the porridge in the microwave to heat it up and then started eating. And, the third bear probably ate it really fast and asked for dessert!
Each little bear took a different action based on their Belief. And, the power of our Beliefs is that they drive our actions. Our Beliefs determine what we will and won't do and what we will and won't say. The other powerful and most wonderful part of Beliefs is that Beliefs can be changed! And, what that means to you is you can choose what to believe.
So, what do you believe? Right now, take out a sheet of paper and fill in the blanks on these three statements as much as possible.
1. I am ...
2. People are ...
3. The World is ...
Once you've finished that, reflect on two things:
1. How are those Beliefs expressed in your life? What do you do or not do because of those Beliefs? What do you say or not say?
2. How do those Beliefs make you feel?
In living an "On Purpose" life, we want to create Beliefs that support us being "On Purpose". So, take a few moments and look back at what you wrote last month about what you are capable of. Do the Beliefs you just identified support you in fulfilling your potential? What Beliefs would you change?
I believe you have everything you need within you (the inspiration and the skills) to find and live your purpose. Do you?
Check back next month for Part 5 and share your insights about the power of beliefs in the Personal Development Forum!
For more fabulous information from Laura, check out www.TheCenterforIntentionalGrowth.com and click on the People "On Purpose" section.
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