Beliefs are quite a tricky concept. They seem elusive yet powerful – with the ability to dictate the direction of our lives. To better understand the strength they hold, let’s take a look at how the dictionary defines the word.
According to Oxford, a belief is an acceptance that something exists or is true. Therefore, a belief is nothing more than our personal ability to accept something as true and existing. It is also important to take note that, just like Santa Claus, our imaginary childhood friends, or even the monsters under our bed, it doesn’t have to be real for us to believe in it.
Once we have already accepted something as true, we continue to hold on to that belief – real or not – even if other people regard it as false. In other words, a belief is something we tell ourselves repeatedly, to the point where we have great difficulty in accepting other realities.
Beliefs are just thoughts we keep thinking over and over again.
Positive Beliefs VS Negative Beliefs
As what we’ve mentioned earlier, beliefs hold enormous power… and it’s up to you whether you use it for the better or for the worse.
Positive beliefs are empowering. They give us the confidence we need to boost our self-esteem to achieve our goals and dreams. Negative beliefs, on the other hand, are also called limiting beliefs. They create barriers, limit our opportunities, and build walls in our lives – even when we really don’t want to.
Fear is also a strong force, and when combined with negativity, can take full control of our minds and overthink. What we focus on continues to grow, so when we focus on limiting beliefs, they expand.
Change Your Belief System
You can’t change your beliefs overnight. It is a continuous process and you should take your time doing it. Just follow the steps below!
#1. Identify your limiting beliefs.
The first step to changing your limiting beliefs to positive ones is to recognize what they are. Assess what you’re feeling, “are you anxious?”, “are you insecure?”, “are you frustrated?” and try to go back to the time why you felt that way. You might have had a bad day, but that doesn’t mean you have a bad life.
#2. Recognize your limiting beliefs as what they really are – beliefs.
Limiting beliefs are called beliefs for a reason… it may or may not be true. You need to recognize that those negative thoughts might simply be founded on falsities. It is likely to be untrue, not a fact.
#3. Challenge your limiting belief & embrace a positive one.
Now that you’ve acknowledge your thoughts as just beliefs rather than a fact, it’s time to challenge them by raising questions. You can use the following questions to guide you:
Is this really true? Is there any supporting evidence? Was I always like that? How many times did I feel this way? Do other people notice it too? Was it all circumstantial? Is this belief helping me achieve my goals?
These questions are made to help you widen your perspective on the subject. When you criticize your own beliefs and contradict them, you may come to realize that it’s not really true.
After challenging your beliefs, it’s time to embrace affirmations. The transition phase will not be easy, but totally possible. List down all the negative thoughts you have and turn them into positive ones:
I am inadequate = I am enough
I am insecure = I am perfect just the way I am
I overthink = I believe in God’s plan
I can’t do it = I can, and I will
I am too weak to exercise = I am strong
I alone = I am loved
#4. Put your affirmations into practice.
The process of changing your belief system doesn’t end with just creating new affirmations. Take action and start doing things that support your belief. If you believe you are too weak to exercise, tell yourself you are strong. Then today, try doing a 15-minute walking exercise and take it from there.
Conditioning yourself to your affirmations is creating the reality you want for yourself. Visualize what you want to achieve and make it happen. You can look at yourself in the mirror and recite your affirmations. Or if you’re feeling creative, you can try meditative art and design a masterpiece out of your positive thoughts.
No matter what method you choose, remember that consistency and believing in yourself are vital. So what are you waiting for? Turn your limiting beliefs to affirmations NOW.
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