Edition #25: Act your way into self-belief
Belief counts for more than you think.
It feels unscientific, and yet it’s real enough that every human drug trial has to account for the placebo effect. And it’s because belief is powerful enough to trigger measurable changes in our brains and bodies - even if we don’t fully understand it.
So what do we do with this knowledge?
We hack into it!
“One person with a belief is equal to ninety-nine who have only interests.”
The Problem: I know what to do. I know how to do it…so why aren’t I doing it?
The frustration of this problem is echoed in the writings across human history. Why don’t we do the things we want to do?
I know how to get fitter…but I’m not doing it
I know how to be a better partner…but I’m not doing it
I know I need more rest…but I’m not doing it
Knowledge is both necessary and powerful.
But it’s not enough.
The Solution: You need a side of belief to go with your knowledge
Do you believe you can change?
Or do you believe:
It’s too hard
It’s too late
I’m too busy
The good news is that we can create new beliefs anytime we want to, and the process is less mysterious than you think. It’s all about what you do.
Action creates evidence
Evidence creates belief
Belief creates more action
And this virtuous cycle carries on.
Don’t wait for belief to come. Insist on it.
Take one small step in the direction you want to go. Show your brain the evidence. And it will believe you.
The Application:
I was at a preparation camp in Nottwil, Switzerland ahead of the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. The facilities were amazing, but we needed a specific piece of gym equipment that was only available at a gym five miles away.
No problem. Our local friend Ebbe lent us his car. My coach tossed me the keys.
“Are you sure? Maybe you should...”
“Stef, you’ve got this.”
This is probably a good time to clarify that both of us were living in Canada and had never driven on the other side of the road.
“I don’t know. I really think you…”
“Stef, I believe in you.”
Turns out my coach was far more nervous about driving than me. So I took a deep breath, drove to the gym, smashed out the session, and drove us back.
“See Stef, I knew you could do it.”
“Thanks! I was pretty nervous. Driving on the other side of the road is weird. And I was a little worried about what would happen if we got stopped.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I don’t actually have a licence.”
“WHAT? Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you agree to drive?”
“Well, you seemed so certain I could do it. It made me certain. So I thought why not give it a go.”
It’s amazing where a little belief can take you!
What action can you take today to build the belief you want?
Edition 25 goes straight to the heart of why HMFC exists: to practice being fearless action takers!
We know that it doesn’t always work out, but it will never be because we were too afraid to try.
How do you become that sort of person?
You believe it. Which means acting as though it is true right now.
Stay bold, friends!
- Stef 💪
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