I heard this recently: “Beliefs are opinions you develop loyalty to.”
It struck a chord.
As a coach, I spend a lot of time helping people dig into their beliefs. The things they tell themselves about who they are, what they can or can’t do, and what’s possible for them.
These beliefs usually come from experience, often a bad one, and over time they harden into something that feels like fact.
Some beliefs are helpful.
Others stop us in our tracks.
And here’s the thing – our beliefs shape how we think, how we feel, and how we act.
If you believe you’re not good enough, or not capable, or that something’s “just not you” – you’ll find evidence to back that up. You’ll hold yourself back without even realising it.
Take this one: “I’m no good at maths.” That was mine.
I picked it up as a teenager. I hated maths at school, failed my O Level and ended up with a CSE 3 (equivalent to failing a GCSE today). That label stuck. I avoided anything to do with numbers. When I had to explain data or work with figures, I’d get it wrong, and it became a self-fulfilling prophecy.
It all came to a head when I was working in a college where every member of staff had to pass a Level 2 maths qualification. I was terrified. The belief I’d carried for decades made me dread every assessment. (I did eventually pass, but the stress level was not worth it!)
It was only when I took on a leadership role and had to read and understand financial accounts that things started to shift. I couldn’t avoid it – so I learnt. Slowly, that old belief began to lose its grip as I realised I could do this type of “math”.
Now I say: “I’m good at the maths I need.” It feels better. More accurate. More useful.
So here’s the thing: That belief you’ve been carrying – is it true? Is it still true? How long have you been loyal to it?
Try asking yourself:
- When did I first pick up this belief?
- What evidence do I have for it?
- What’s the impact of holding onto it?
- What might I believe instead?
If you want to move forward, some beliefs need to be left behind.
What’s one you’re ready to let go of?
If you’ve spotted a belief that’s holding you back and you’re ready to challenge it, get in touch. I work with people who want to move forward – and that often starts with letting go of what’s no longer true.
