A few brief stories about beliefs.

*These are not 'illustrations'; they are true stories.

Story One.
When I was a fat fourteen year-old I believed I could never be an athlete.
I believed nobody would ever want me on their team.
I believed I was a 'Jumbo' (because that's what I was called - even by teachers).
I believed I was an under- achiever.
I believed I was less than average.
I believed all these things because this is what my world had taught me.

I had those beliefs because that's what my conversations, observations and life-experiences had taught me.

Story Two. I have a friend who, until recently, had strong opinions about a certain group of people (a religious group). On several occasions I had heard him be openly critical and insulting. Apart from his dislike for these people, he is kind of decent, considerate and fun to be around.

About six months ago I was with him and he launched into one of his insulting monologues. "Okay, what specifically about their religion, their beliefs, their principles and their culture do you find so repugnant," I asked.
"Wadd'ya mean?"
"I mean, do you even know what their beliefs are?
Have you ever explored their religion?"
I sat him down and I explained the religion to him and he realised:

1) he was actually ignorant and discriminatory
2) he shared some common beliefs and values with the people he was criticising
3) his beliefs, thoughts and ideas were based on mis-information

Where did those beliefs come from?

His ignorant father.

Who had kindly programmed his kids to be just like him. A bigot.

Story Three
I have another (life-long) friend.
She is an incredible singer.
Better than most professionals I've ever heard.
Really.
She would love to be a professional singer but apparently, she's no good.
Just ask her.
For her entire life her parents have told her that she's a deluded dreamer and that she should focus on a sensible career with a large, credible organisation.
Preferably a bank; like dad.
She just turned thirty.
Without any doubt, she has the talent to be a professional musician.
The only problem is she doesn't believe it.
Her parents have taught her she can't do it.
She sells insurance.

Story four.
One of my trainers is an elite track and field athlete.
Very Elite.
She is in the top two in Australia for her sport.
She has represented her country at the Commonwealth games and will more than likely be picked in the Olympic team next year.
She is strong, powerful, highly skilled, amazingly athletic and it's incredible to watch her competing.
She's a great girl.
No ego.

She thinks she's crap.

What holds her back is not her ability (which is considerable) but her beliefs about her ability. She thinks she's not good enough. She has amazing talent, a freaky body and no belief in herself. Sad.

Did you know that much of our 'learning' is unconscious and that many of our beliefs limit us rather than empower us? Most of our learning comes from outside of the classroom..... and often not from good places or experiences. We have an amazing ability to take on criticism and negativity (emotionally and psychologically)and an even more amazing ability to deflect praise and approval.

"I don't believe you; you're just saying that to be nice"

Whether or not we succeed often has little to do with talent, situations, circumstances or opportunities and plenty to do with our beliefs.
Beliefs about what we can or can't do.
Beliefs about what we do or don't deserve.
Beliefs about how others see us.
Beliefs about our ability.
Beliefs about relationships.
Beliefs about other people.

We are constantly receiving, processing and interpreting information (without even thinking about it). From a young age our world is teaching us, about us.

Not pretty enough, smart enough, fast enough, academic enough, cool enough, talented enough.....

If you are totally committed to creating your best life (whatever that is for you) then now might be a great time to question some of those deep, deep, deep down beliefs you've been hanging on to for way too long. Maybe you weren't even aware... but without knowing it, you have been your biggest obstacle to success.

Find a quiet place and ask yourself a few questions.
1) What do I believe?
2) Why do I believe those things?
3) Where do my beleifs come from?
4) Do my beliefs empower me or handicap me?

And ask those questions in relation to the following:

Relationships
Family
Friends
Career
Health
Your body
Your future
Your potential
Money
Spiritual beliefs
Whatever is important to you

We handicap ourselves if we're not regularly re-assessing all, or some, of our beliefs. Don't believe something just because your dad did. Maybe your dad was wrong! Too many people struggle through life, crippled by their destructive beliefs. Self-imposed (totally unnecessary) limitations

Believe something because you've explored it, thought about it, experienced it and know it to be true.
Not because you someone told you it was so.
Ask questions.
Seek truth.
Real truth; not their version of the truth.
Listen to lots of people, believe some (you'll know who).
Discover for yourself what you believe, who you are, what you can do, be.
Don't let anyone or anything tell you what's possible for you (or not).

Trust me, they (usually) don't know. But don't believe me, find out for yourself.

What we believe determines who we become.
What do you believe?
And who will you become?

Craig Harper
http://www.craigharper.com/