In the continuing Masterclass series, Philip Atkinson examines how our personal beliefs impact on our achievements. He demonstrates how we can replace self-limiting beliefs with empowering beliefs, and shift our perception and performance to new heights.

Eliminate Self Limiting Beliefs

"Whether you think you or think you can't, you are right!" This phrase is attributed to Henry Ford builder of the Motor Industry. How does this translate to personal success? If you believe you have the capacity to overcome obstacles, you probably will. If you see obstacles as insurmountable you will perhaps not even try. Your beliefs cause things to happen or not.

Recently, I was talking with a freelance trainer about attracting and prospecting for new business. His view was that " prospecting for new business is hard especially as we are moving deeper into a recession. No one is spending money on training staff." I, however have a different perception. I find that in a recession, companies need to invest in their people so that they can perform more effectively. Our beliefs sometimes tell us what the outcome will be - and they can be totally self limiting or self empowering. Our beliefs colour our world - "is the glass half full or half empty?"

Understanding precisely how beliefs drive behaviour and performance is critical in mastering personal performance. You may want to examine your own beliefs. One way of doing this is to listen to what you actually say. Our words reflect our conscious and unconscious thoughts. Most of the time we do not sift and analyse our language precisely, we just let it flow. However, by analysing language patterns, we can learn to understand the "drivers" that influence our own commitment towards achievement and a host of other goals. For instance, have you ever caught yourself saying "I'll never be able to ......... (complete the sentence). In these instances you have already made up your mind! So, listen to what you say - focus on your'self talk'

An alternative and reliable technique is to work through the "empowering beliefs process" noted below.

• Make a list of your fundamental beliefs about your capabilities in your work and your life. Compile two lists illustrating: (a.) your strengths and (b.) your weaknesses.
• Looking at your beliefs about your strengths. Think of instances that support your positive beliefs and feel good about them. Reflect on your successes.
• Now, look at the self-limiting 'beliefs' that stop you improving your personal performance. Imagine, seriously, what life would be like if these did not exist.
• Now, take one self-limiting belief. Scan your memory for events when this belief was not supported by reality. Now, think of what would happen if you could relegate this belief to the "Museum of self limiting beliefs". Build up evidence to negate this belief.
• What positive beliefs do you need to create for yourself to replace the self-limiting belief? Write them down now and think of times when these were true for you. Imagine that you have these beliefs right now. What can you now achieve?