Why it's important to know your beliefs

All of your (or maybe just my) favorite content creators talk about belief.

Even your’s truly wrote a piece about it a while back (see here).

So what is the big deal about beliefs?

Well, I’ll tell you in a story.

A long time ago (this morning), in a land far, far away (15 miles away from my house) I was driving on the interstate to an appointment (I’m office hunting).

It was all going well, until I hit a wall of stop traffic.

Well, hit is a strong word. I braked just in time.

It was one of those situations where the leftmost of the 3 lanes was closed a mile up ahead.

So, everyone started getting over way ahead of time, leaving the far left lane open for at least a mile while everyone crowded in.

Which, is exactly the wrong thing to do.

It’s been shown through a lot of different studies that the zipper pattern (where you merge in right at the closure) gets traffic moving quicker. Like this:

This data has been out for literally years.

But still people try to get over as quickly as possible.

And most even get mad at people who drive to the end of the lane then get over.

But why?

Because they believe it.

It’s an irrational belief, sure, but that doesn’t matter.

They hold onto to the belief in the face of facts and science. And it affects their actions in these situations.

This is just one example of how powerful belief is.

Until that belief is shattered, people will continue to act on what they believe is true. Even to their detriment.

If you become proficient enough with your ability to influence belief through the written or spoken word, well, that is powerful indeed.

So my exhortation is to find your beliefs.

Some that you hold are good, and help you reach your goals.

But others are limiting. And these limiting beliefs will hold you back from reaching your optimal life.

So, how do you find these beliefs?

Well one way is simply to pay attention to the stuff you say to yourself and/or friends and family.

Usually, they manifest as sentences that  start with “I can’t”, “I’m not”, “I am” or “I can.”

These are belief statements.

Each time you hear this come out of your mouth or you catch yourself thinking something along these lines. Write them down in your notes app, record a voice message, or write it in a journal.

After a while of doing this, you’ll become more aware and open to seeing where they manifest in your life.

Once you have this awareness shift, you’ll understand that beliefs can be changed. 

You have the power to change your reality.

All it takes is an awareness shift and a willingness to change.

And that is powerful indeed.

Stay optimal friends,

Swanagan