Revise Your Beliefs

"You don't have to be hemmed in by limiting beliefs. You can exchange them for liberating truths. I'd like to suggest a simple six-step process to help you do that.

First, recognize the limiting belief. If a belief reflects black-and-white thinking, it might be a limiting belief. Same thing if it's personalizing, catastrophizing, or universalizing. Whatever the content of the belief, no matter how true it seems, it's important to recognize that it's just an opinion about reality - and there's a good shot it's wrong.

Second, record the belief. Let's be honest. It could be anything. We all have our own challenges.

Third, review the belief. Start by evaluating whether the belief is empowering. Try to look at it objectively. Is it enabling you to accomplish the outcomes you want, or is it preventing you from doing so?

Fourth, reject or reframe the belief. If a limiting belief is false, you can simply reject it.

Reframing is a bit more involved. Many limiting beliefs have a kernel of truth in them. That's what makes them convincing. But they're not the whole truth. If a limiting belief is true or partly true, you don't have to settle for it. You can always recast the story.

Fifth, revise the belief. This is where it gets interesting. I'm not talking about simple affirmations, though those can be helpful and have their place. I'm talking about reorienting your thinking around a new and liberating truth.

Sixth and finally, reorient yourself to the new belief. Start living from the perspective of this new, liberating truth. You might not fully buy into it. That's fine. Try it on. It may feel awkward at first, like putting on a coat that's too big. But if you keep telling yourself the truth, it will eventually fit, and you'll get more comfortable with it (p. 74-79)."

Please share how you have revised your beliefs.

From: Hyatt, M. (2018). Your best year ever: a 5-step plan for achieving your most important goals. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.