How To… Take Control of Your Beliefs

Recently I have been writing a great deal about beliefs. In fact, in “Blow Your Beliefs Out Of This World” I mentioned we’d have a look at some techniques for changing beliefs we have and don’t like or want, and turning them into empowering beliefs.

I remember a few months back when I was getting ready for a normal, standard type of day. I was eating breakfast and an announcement came on the radio stating that there was a major vehicle crash on a main road that I take each and every day and it was suggested to avoid the area.

I started to think about the different ways I could get to my destination, and to be honest, it wasn’t easy! A few ways were going to take me a long way out of the way, and others appeared to be so full of back roads that I’d probably never be able to get out the other side.

After a while, I decided upon a route that was still keeping to the main roads, but cutting across some of the busy sections via a straight backstreet or two. So, I jumped in the car and headed off. When I arrived, I was astounded! This different route took ten minutes off a forty minute trip – saving 25% of my time.

I needed to check if this was a fluke, or if it might work again, and would you believe the following days all had the same time, arriving in 30 minutes as opposed to the normal 40 minutes. Every day since when heading to this destination, I have taken the new route and it still saves me ten minutes driving – all because I was forced to look at other possible options.

A wise man once said,

A definition of insanity is undertaking the same activity and expecting a different result.

Our brain likes to make things easy for us, and one of the ways of doing this is to learn what works and then simply keep using that strategy.

However, this is what often gets us into trouble, gets us stuck in thinking only one way about something. This leads into an exercise you can do to change your actions which can lead to changing your beliefs.

Whenever you become aware of something you do, or something you think that you do not like and would like to change, there is a simple 6 step process to make this change, and make it so it will last.

1)  Define what the thinking or activity is that you want to change – write it down.
For instance, it may go something like “I know I need to drink more water, but I just am so busy, the day passes without me thinking about it.”

2)  Define what the benefit would be if you changed your belief or activity.
“Drinking more water will help me feel better and be good for my skin.”

3)  List 10 ways that you could do what you want done.
A great way to do this is in your mind to ask ten friends or family what they suggest.
– What would your sister say?
– What would your favourite teacher say?
– What would your favourite actor or actress say?
– What would one of your heroes say?

4)  Once you have your list of ten options, eliminate five that don’t feel right for you straight away – get rid of them.

5)  Now you have five alternatives in front of you. It is quite possible you will be attracted to one in particular. Do not focus on this one. Select three and write them on a separate piece of paper and then start analysing them. It may take a few minutes, or it might take a few hours (and sometimes maybe even days) but this is your opportunity to ‘design‘ your life. Take time to ensure you select the right option for you.

6)  Once you have selected the choice that sits best with you – implement it. Start doing it. You will find it will be easier to keep going with this alternate activity or thought because you have spent the time analysing your options. After a while it will become a part of you.

By simply taking the time to consciously look what other options there are available to you, you will start to live a life of direction – a life where you are in control. The brain will always work with what it knows works – it may not be the best option, but it worked for you at some point in your life so it might as well just keep using that same single process over and over and over again. But there are always better options, and taking the time to do the above activity means you will now begin designing the life you want; not just living life unconsciously.

It’s time to take control. It’s time to allow those old beliefs (most of which were created when you were a kid) to be replaced by more powerful and resourceful beliefs.

There you have it; a quick and easy activity that can change your life and doesn’t take weeks or months to do.

Let me know in the comments how this has worked for you, and please pass this on to anyone you feel could use this little activity to change the way they are living their lives.

Live with purpose – Live in control – Live Your Ultimate Life