Our beliefs and expectations have a pervasive influence on behaviour. Whatever we believe to be so will tend to become so. This is known as the self-fulfilling prophecy effect. As Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or you can't you're right!"

Our beliefs about ourselves can be usefully divided into two categories. They can be empowering, or they can be limiting. For example, you may think that you are a fast learner, or that you have a learning block. Given the self-fulfilling prophecy effect, the first belief is going to be empowering, and the second, limiting.

Choose your beliefs carefully. We are often unaware of the beliefs we hold, and of the effect they have on our lives. The first stage is to notice limiting beliefs that you are still carrying with you from the past. One of the easiest ways to do this is to listen to your internal dialogue. Here are some phrases that will often indicate limiting beliefs about yourself:

I can't ... I don't ... I'm no good at ...

So take a moment to identify some of your Limiting Beliefs

The general principle is listen to your self-talk for evidence of limiting beliefs in need of updating. As you identify them, run them through this simple process for changing them:

Choose A Limiting Belief To Explore

Limiting Belief  

What's The POSITIVE INTENT?  

What's a more EMPOWERING BELIEF?  

What would you notice in your behaviour and in others if you lived this belief for a week?  

What would you notice in your behaviour and in others if you lived this belief for a month?  

What would you notice in your behaviour and in others if you lived this belief for three months?