The Power of Belief: Who do you believe you are?
If I asked you to describe yourself, what self-image would you paint? Another way to put it is this: Who do you believe you are?
Your self-image is exactly what the term says – a mosaic of ideas you hold about your own self. In short – how you view your own personality, capabilities, skills, body, mind and personal potential.
But while most agree it’s important to have a good self-image, very few people seem to know how to acquire one – or even how they got the self-image they now have.
The History of Your Self Image
You began to form your self image and sense of “worth” as a very young child. The important people in your life sent you constant messages about yourself. Over the years these messages were collected in your impressionable subconscious mind – and have creating today’s “self image.”
Then over the years “belief” moved in and set those messages into mental cement. The result is that today you BELIEVE you actually ARE your subconscious collection of other people’s impressions of you. This process has continues to this day – and tends to reinforce what you already believe about your self.
Think About That for a Moment
And the really interesting thing about “beliefs” is this: They are usually NOT open to question or reason. We just *believe* them to be so.
So if you believe you lack self-confidence, are a poor public speaker, do not know how to lead others, will never be successful, cannot create a good relationship, and so on – guess what. You will defend that belief, even to yourself!
This occurs because intense emotions always come along with beliefs. And this emotional “cement” causes your brain to resist any attempt to question your beliefs with “reason.”
Plus in the meantime your subconscious mind, which has a photographic memory of every event of your life, will make SURE your actions reflect your beliefs.
How to Overhaul Your Self-Image
Your self image determines what you will (and will not) achieve in your life. Are you who you want to be? Are you living the life you want to live? If the answer is no – it’s time for a complete overhaul of your self image. Anything else will just be a band-aid that will simply create more of the same.
After over 35 years in the field of psychology, there is one thing I can absolutely guarantee to you. That one this is this: YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE! Your self image does not mirror who you really are today.
You are NOT that collection of painful or limiting memories.
You are not that kid who was always told to speak only when spoken to. You are not that “clumsy” girl who fell a lot only because she needed corrective glasses. You are not “stupid” because you had more interest in drawing than reading and math. You are not “a failure” because your first lemonade stand (or MLM business) was a total bust.
You are none of those things. You are not your past history. So stop *believing* that old stuff – and stop acting as though it were true. Here’s a reminder of what you REALLY are:
1. You are Totally Unique
There is literally no one else like you. No one else thinks like you, has your ideas, or does things the way you do things. No one else has your unique set of talents and abilities. Your brain is as unique as your fingerprints. No one has your mind and memories. No one! You are NOT “ordinary.” Actually no one is! Stand up and carry yourself with dignity, because this IS your life. You and only you live in your – and it is your unique right to decide how to best do that.
2. Your “Limits” are Not Real
It is today an accepted truth that we really create our own reality. You have a choice to simply *react* to what is happening to and around you – or you can choose to respond. There is a huge difference between reacting and responding. Reacting is an automatic knee-jerk response to life – while responding involves making a conscious choice.
3. You Have Unlimited Personal Power
Here’s something else I can guarantee: Most of those old limiting beliefs about your self will NOT hold up under conscious examination. And once you begin to challenge this old stuff, you will discover that what you thought were your “limits” do not actually exist.
The greatest personal power you have is the power to choose your own thoughts.
Read that sentence again!
The late Earl Nightingale said: “You become what you think.” The truth of this is so powerful it is almost overwhelming. You and you alone decide what you will think — and what you will believe your limits and potentials are. And you and you alone will decide what to do with this awesome power.
The fact is: YOU can recreate your self, and build and strengthen virtually any aspect of your being or area of your life. Just choose to consciously BUILD YOUR OWN BELIEFS and take action! I’ve personally been down in the trenches too – and can guarantee the way out is simply a decision! Just do it!
Dr Jill Ammon-Wexler is a doctor of psychology and international success mentor. A pioneer brainwave researcher, she is the developer of the S.N.A.P. (Substitute Neural Association Programming) method of personal empowerment. Pioneer Brain/Mind Researcher – 2006 All Rights Reserved