by Jesse James

Created on: October 13, 2009   Last Updated: October 17, 2009

The term "belief" according to Webster's Dictionary is "conviction or acceptance that certain things are real or true". That makes it a pretty powerful word. Imagine that someone believes you have the ability to accomplish your task at hand. They accept the fact you will complete it as true. No doubt or uncertainty, just a factual statement that it will happen.

There is no argument that the beliefs we and others hold shape our every day experiences. Unfortunately, many of these beliefs are actually limiting our potential. The worst part is that they are not even actually our own beliefs. They have been handed down from generation to generation and are just as we know it, a 'fact of life'. We believe that humans can not fly. Why? Mostly because no one has done it. However, people also used to believe that the world was flat, only because no one had gone far enough to figure otherwise. Once they realized that ships would not fall off the edge, they stopped believing it was flat. So, who is to say we can't fly?

Look at yourself and what you believe. How many of these beliefs were actually formed by you, and not outside sources? Not too many, most likely. Do you believe that you will never be a good student or successful businessman? Now, think about it. Is this belief based on teachers or bosses telling you of your lack in abilities? It's likely the case, and now you have defined what you are capable of based on someone else's opinion. You have taken that comment, and allowed it turn to belief about yourself, and create limitation to your potential.

Now, imagine for one second if you could turn that belief around. You will accept it is a truth that you are smart and successful. That's a powerful statement. When you start to believe in yourself, others will too. It seems that in general, our society does not like to prove a belief wrong. So, if you believe you can do it, so will others in order to follow the belief. Try changing one negative belief about yourself to a positive one. Truly believe it. No doubt comes to your mind when you think of this belief. Slowly watch as your life starts to form around this belief.

When it comes down to it, we really do not know much truth about the world around us. Therefore, we don't know what we are actually capable of. We are not nearly as limited as we believe to be. Create your own beliefs and expand your experiences immensely. You do have the option to be whomever you want in this lifetime - just believe in yourself.

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