This past week I was up at my favorite coffee house taking a bit of a break and grabbing a cup of coffee. One of my favorite regulars was there, a 77- year-old artist who has worlds of experience and amazing spirit. To make a long story short, we got to talking about all the diverse things he has done in his life. Let me tell you, his experience is astounding… he has taken on projects in different fields that many would shy away from because of the sheer magnitude.

From his stories about his experiences one thing was perfectly clear…he never worried about how  (or if ) he was going to get a job done. He would tell you that the reason was because he believed, he believed in himself and his ability to make things happen. Listening to him was awe-inspiring!

Earlier in the week a dear friend and fellow coach shared some amazing insight regarding beliefs, as we were discussing limiting beliefs. To paraphrase what she shared…beliefs all have a pay off attached to them, and that pay off can be either negative or positive. If they did not have a pay off, we would not hang on to them.

The two discussions encouraged me to take a look at my own beliefs, especially the limiting ones. They made me realize just how powerful beliefs are and what a large role they play in what we do.

So for this week, my wish for you is to take a look at your beliefs, especially the ones that may be limiting, (i.e. the “I could never do that, because I do not have…” beliefs). To help you do so, on a piece of paper draw a line down the middle and at the top of one column write, “Positive Beliefs” and for the other column write, “Negative/Limiting Beliefs”. Then begin to list all the beliefs that serve you positively and all the beliefs that may hold you back. Just free write and do not edit yourself. There is NO right or wrong in this exercise.

After listing all your beliefs take a look at the positive beliefs. How do those make you feel when reading them? Do they make you feel empowered? Proud?

Now take a look at the negative/limiting beliefs. How do those beliefs make you feel? Do you feel scared? Frustrated? Ashamed?

Then take out another piece of paper and pick one or two limiting beliefs and re-write them with a positive slant, one that evokes the feelings you experienced when you read your positive belief list. Once you have done that, think of no less than three actions that you can do that will help you to fully utilize and validate that new belief. (Thank you, Cassi  for the powerful suggestion.)

Give it a whirl. You have nothing to lose (with the exception of some limiting beliefs ::::grin::::) and everything to gain.

Until next time, please be well…

Pam