Have you ever considered how your underlying beliefs about yourself and the world impact your experiences? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines belief as, “a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or something; something that is accepted, considered to be true, or held as an opinion: something that is believed.” If you dissect this, it’s hard not to look at how your beliefs about yourself and the world impact your life and experiences.

Let’s say for example, you think that “bad things will happen to me” or that “my boss doesn’t like me.” When you’re in a situation in the world or with your boss, you will begin to unknowingly filter your experience through those lenses whereby finding reasons to reinforce that your boss has it out for you and you’re going to lose your job. Immediately following these situations is a sense of anxiety, dread, depression or frustration that can become chronic and problematic in your life. On the contrary, what happens in your world if you believe that, “things always work out the way they’re supposed to for me.” You see, the impact that both of these different types of beliefs have on our worldview, mood, anxiety and relationships can be dramatic.

A part of the therapeutic relationship and work I do with clients is to help folks identify where an underlying belief may be limiting their happiness, joy, relationships or success in life. An amazing thing happens with clients when they begin to recognize that, “What I Believe, I Create.” These are powerful words and if you believe them, they can propel and support you through difficult times. If you don’t believe them, you may find yourself struggling through during difficult times.

If you want to learn more about how to identify and transform maladaptive, unproductive beliefs…maybe it’s time we connect?