Beliefs and the Power of Change

If you have arrived here from my YouTube channel, welcome. The questions above are from Episode 4 of From Burnout to Authentic Alignment which you can watch here.

What Are Your Beliefs?

Beliefs and change are topics I talk a lot about in therapy. Our beliefs shape the way we see the world and influence the decisions we make. Beliefs are powerful and can move us forwards towards our goals, or hold us back. But where do they come from? Why do we hold onto some beliefs and discard others? Understanding our beliefs is the first step toward making meaningful changes in our lives.

Where Our Beliefs Come From

We all have beliefs that we have picked up from our upbringing. The time and place where we were raised played a significant role in shaping our worldview. Our families—our parents, caregivers, and those we grew up with—have had the biggest influence on our beliefs. Over time, we adopt these beliefs as our own, often without questioning their validity or usefulness in our current lives.

The Sack of Beliefs

Imagine that you have a sack of beliefs—a large bag that has been passed down to you from your parents. They, in turn, received a similar sack from their parents. Over time, they looked into their sack and removed outdated beliefs, added new ones based on their experiences, and then handed the revised sack down to you.

Some of these beliefs you will carry forward, some you will let go of, and others you will modify to fit your own experiences. Eventually, you will pass a version of your sack to your children or to those around you. The question is: Which beliefs are serving you, and which ones are holding you back?

Our Beliefs can Support Change

Think of a situation in your life where you would like to create some change. It could be an area that is causing you worry or stress—something you would love to change but perhaps don’t know how.

Let’s consider two different perspectives:

A’s Beliefs:

I cannot change.
This is how I have always been.
Other people in my family are like this.
It’s too deep, too difficult.
I don’t know how or where to start.

B’s Beliefs:

I am ready for change.
I might not know how, but I know it’s time to make changes.
I can do this with help.
I can’t live like this anymore.
I will do whatever it takes to improve my situation.

A’s mindset is full of limiting or self-limiting beliefs. B’s mindset is one of determination and focus. He doesn’t necessarily have all the answers, but he believes that change is possible.

Ask Yourself the Following Questions:

What are your beliefs about the issues you are facing?
- Identify your current beliefs about the situation. Are they helping or hindering you?
Do you think you can change?
- Be honest with yourself. Explain why you believe you can or cannot change. Remember, “It’s too hard” is not a valid answer! Many people do hard things, and you have too.
Do you know anyone who has made changes in their life that inspired you?
- If yes, think about that person. If you know them personally, arrange to talk to them about their journey.
- If they are someone in the public eye, do some research online. Look for interviews or articles that explore their mindset.
- Understanding their beliefs can help you reshape your own.
What would it take for you to make that change?
- Write down any actions you need to take. Don’t worry about getting them in order—just jot down whatever comes to mind.
- Your steps might include:
  - Researching a topic
  - Talking to someone
  - Watching videos
  - Reading blogs or books
  - Listening to a podcast
  - Reflecting and exploring the topic further

Additionally, write down any thoughts that come up while doing this exercise. If any negative beliefs arise, write them down in a different color. Then, challenge them by writing a counterargument next to them.