Beliefs – their role in resilience. In this second article on resilience we will have a look at the role of the beliefs we hold about ourselves. Why not subscribe to ensure you catch the rest of this series.
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Creating Powerful Beliefs
Resilient people hold positive beliefs about themselves, empowering them, and letting them thrive. They believe in themselves, their ability, and their internal resources. They don’t believe in “luck” , but in their own ability to thrive.
Everyone has thousands of beliefs, about themselves, other people, politics, religion, the world, etc. We take most of our beliefs for granted and rarely consider whether or not they are helpful.
When we view events, and the world around us, we do so through the lenses of our beliefs. In other words, our view is not reality but interpretation! This can be very limiting when we have a negative thinking style and view everything through ‘negative lenses’. We fail to see/hear positives because our negative lens filters them out.
“A belief is a thought you just keep thinking” (The Thrive Programme)
If you have a belief in luck, why put in any effort. If you believe that you can’t achieve, there seems little point in even trying. – Beliefs have an enormous impact!
But what about Thrivers?
Positive, powerful beliefs are vital if you want to thrive. They make you stronger, more confident, and more resilient.
The Thrive Programme looks at three powerful areas (The Thrive Factor):
Locus of Control: The belief that you feel in control of your own destiny
Self Esteem: the belief that you feel confident with who you are
Social Anxiety: the belief that you feel socially confident
There’s that word again, beliefs.
Our locus of control is on a scale from internal to external. If we feel controlled by fate, deities, other people etc., our locus of control is external. Taking responsibility, and giving yourself the credit produces and internal locus.
An external locus of control will make you feel weak, undermining your self esteem. Self esteem is just another belief. It is what we currently believe about ourselves and we can improve it.
Imagine for a moment. You have an external locus and low self esteem – hardly surprising then that your social anxiety is high. You are judging yourself very harshly, due to your limiting beliefs, and you are expecting others to do the same.
Can I change?
The big question, then, is whether you can change the beliefs you hold. The answer is, of course, “yes you can”. Firstly you need to want to change and, secondly, you need to make the effort. Changing your beliefs is pretty simple but it does need persistent and continuous effort. Your current beliefs have developed throughout your life so they have become your default mindset – they are habitual.
If you want to feel more powerful, in control, less stressed, happier and resilient, the first step will be creating a more internal locus of control. This forms the foundation stone for higher self esteem and combined these will lead to lower social anxiety. It’s as easy as that – and, just like a good recipe, combine the correct ingredients and the result is inevitable. These are all essential steps in The Thrive Programme.
The Thrive Programme
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right” – Henry Ford
Such thoughts are the basis of our beliefs. Henry Ford recognised the critical role of our beliefs to our sucess and happiness. The Thrive Programme addresses these issues and teaches you how to develop an internal locus of control, boost your self esteem and become socially confident. This, and much more, can be achieved in as little as six weeks and it will lead you to a thriving life.
Contact me now to find out more and to arrange a free, no obligation, chat.
Next week we will look at the power of positivity so subscribe now to ensure you don’t miss is.
Ian Crosswell
I’m Ian and I’m a qualified Thrive Programme Consultant. Using the professionally developed Thrive Programme – a proven, evidence based, positive psychology training programme – I work with people from all walks of life, providing the insights and skills they need to change their lives for the better.