"I am, I can, I will, I do.
- Christine D'Ercole
Our core beliefs about ourselves shape every aspect of our lives; achievements, relationships, self-esteem and our overall well-being. Positive core beliefs can have a profound impact on our ability to thrive in all situations and so following on from last week, where we discussed challenging limiting core beliefs. This week we want to share what we believe are the 5 best ways to create and strengthen positive core beliefs about Self.
Core beliefs are deeply held assumptions about Self, others, and the world around us. They are often formed in childhood and they significantly influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This influence on our responses, in turn, dictates our experience. Our experiences can then go on to reinforce those core beliefs and so on.
Positive core beliefs afford us multiple benefits:
Self-Esteem and Confidence: Positive core beliefs foster healthy self-esteem and confidence. When we believe in our worth and capabilities, we are more likely to take on challenges, pursue our goals, and bounce back from adversity.
Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Holding positive beliefs about Self reduces the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. They drive positive thinking which encourages the body chemistry associated with pleasant emotion. This promotes positive mood which drives behaviour that are more likely to create opportunities for success.
Healthy Relationships: Positive core beliefs enhance our relationships. When we view ourselves and others positively, we are more likely to form healthy, supportive connections with others and communicate effectively.
Professional Success: Believing in our abilities and potential encourages us to seek opportunities, take calculated risks, and persist in the face of obstacles.
In fact, positive core beliefs are fundamental to our resilience and overall well-being. They influence our thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and interactions with the world around us. The good news is that whilst our core beliefs have often been with us for many years, they are not immutable. With intention and practice, we can create and reinforce positive core beliefs.
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The 5 best ways to create positive beliefs:
Affirmation
Affirmations are positive statements that we repeat to ourselves to challenge and reframe negative thoughts. They help to rewire the subconscious mind and instil positive beliefs.
Crafting Affirmations: Ask yourself “what do I want to believe?” Make your statement short, simple and positively worded. For example, "I am capable and confident," "I deserve success and happiness," or "I am worthy of love and respect."
Consistent Practice: Repeat your affirmations daily, preferably in front of a mirror. Consistency is key to reinforcing these positive messages in your mind.
Emotional Connection: Engage emotionally with your affirmations. Visualise and feel the truth of these statements as you repeat them.
Validation from Authority Figures
Hearing positive affirmations from authority figures—such as mentors, teachers, or respected colleagues—can significantly impact our self-beliefs. These individuals' validation can reinforce our worth and capabilities.
Accept Positive Feedback: It is common to ignore constructive feedback and focus on the negative. This is because negative feedback is seen by the psyche as carrying more risk and so we often place our focus there to mitigate any perceived failings. Focussing on negativity creates negative body chemistry and validation from authority figures in your life has a powerful impact on core beliefs. Set the intention to accept compliments from those that you respect and admire.
Mentorship: Establish a mentorship relationship with someone whom you hold in high esteem. A mentor's guidance and encouragement can boost your confidence and reinforce positive core beliefs.
Altered States of Awareness
Altered states of awareness, such as those achieved through meditation, hypnosis, or guided visualisation, can facilitate deep changes in our core beliefs. These states allow us to access the subconscious mind more effectively.
Meditation: Regular meditation practice can help quiet the mind, reduce stress, and create a receptive state for positive affirmations and visualisation. Guided meditations focused on self-belief can be particularly powerful.
Hypnosis: Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to access the subconscious mind. A trained hypnotherapist can help you reprogram negative beliefs and reinforce positive ones. It is possible to learn self-hypnosis and take your affirmation with you into a trance state.
Guided Visualisation: Visualisation involves creating mental images of desired outcomes. Guided visualisation exercises can help you imagine yourself embodying positive core beliefs and achieving your goals. Remember to use all five senses when engaging in this activity.
Journaling
Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Writing about your thoughts and experiences can help you identify and shift core beliefs.
Reflective Journaling: Write about your experiences, focusing on moments when you felt confident and capable. Reflect on what contributed to these feelings and how you can cultivate them further.
Gratitude Journaling: Maintain a gratitude journal to focus on the positive aspects of your life. Acknowledging your achievements and the things you are grateful for can reinforce positive beliefs about yourself.
Goal Setting and Achievement
Setting and achieving goals, no matter how small, can reinforce positive beliefs about your abilities and potential.
SMART Goals: Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. Achieving these goals provides tangible evidence of your capabilities.
Celebrate Successes: Celebrate your achievements, both big and small. Recognising your progress reinforces positive core beliefs and motivates further growth.
Remember, the journey to positive self-belief may not seem easy, but with intentional practice, it is entirely achievable. Embrace the power of positive core beliefs and unlock your true potential.
For other tools and techniques that foster self-awareness and conscious responses have a look at the other articles on the website and try our book:
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