It’s a new quarter and that means we have a new theme at JennQuest. This quarter, our theme is “Empower Your Beliefs." Our focus this quarter is to help each reader refocus their beliefs so that they are Empowering. We’ve discussed beliefs and mindset in previous blogs.
The importance of Empowering Your Beliefs is best described in this quote by Mahatma Gandhi:
Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.
Our beliefs drive every result or outcome. If we want to change the result, we need to change our beliefs. An empowering belief allows you to pursue possibilities without limits, rebound and learn from missteps, chase your dreams, prioritize what’s most important and lean into your life’s purpose.
We fuel empowering beliefs by rediscovering our passions and creativity. As a result we become more open to our potential and the opportunities around us. There’s no better time than the season of spring to fuel your empowering beliefs. Open the windows, sit and listen to nature come alive and consider these questions.
How can you awaken what brings you alive?
What brings you joy?
What beliefs have been disempowering you?
What’s holding you back?
Let’s explore 3 steps you can take to Empower Your Beliefs.
1. Dig Deep
Taking time to breathe and think is not “woo” and only for some. If you want to Empower Your Beliefs, take the time and think. Peel back the layers of all the icky stuff and dig deep into the root of your beliefs.
We’ve shared previously that everyone has in their past powerful influences that have been instrumental in the development of our belief system – both empowering and disempowering or limiting.
My personal journey includes the influences of teachers from when I was in the 1st and 2nd grade that created a limiting belief about my intelligence. Although more than 4 decades ago I will still occasionally have to stop and recognize when it’s the 1st or 2nd grader in me that is responding to a trigger.
The process of digging deep into our past experiences helps us unearth the events that have generated those disempowering beliefs. It might be time to “Marie Kondo” your belief system. If you have a belief that is holding you back – discard it and start fresh in building empowering beliefs this season.
I’m a huge proponent of professional support in this area. Digging deep is tough emotional work. Having a licensed professional such as a counselor or therapist might be warranted. For some, this process can be done in an afternoon, for others it takes years. Engage the support you need and be open to doing the work, no matter what that looks like or what time frame is needed.
2. Evaluate Your Environment
Although how our beliefs affects us ultimately comes down to the choices we make and the actions we take, we can evaluate our environment to ensure that we are setting ourselves up to be empowered.
Our environment - from the light we let shine into our spaces, the smell, the colors, and more can affect us. For me, spring is a beautiful relief from the dreariness of winter. The amount of darkness that exists in winter from limited daylight hours can affect my mood and my personal power.
Consider how you can set up a physical environment that is empowering. Maybe it includes decorations that are motivational, colors that inspire you, or more time in the sun or near windows.
Another element of our environment is the people we surround ourselves with. Jim Rohn said that, “We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with." I’ve heard other speakers apply that same principle to our income or wealth as well.
If you were to truly evaluate who surrounds you – How do you feel they help or hinder you? Do you have 1 to 2 people in that group that really raise the average for the rest? What can you do to spend more time with those that empower you to be your best version of you?
Evaluate your environment and see what you learn.
3. Small Intentional Action
Once you’ve dug deep and you’ve evaluated your environment, you are armed with an abundance of intel on what is empowering you and disempowering you. Now you have the opportunity to take some intentional action.
The danger is that we want to have a solution overnight. We have grown so accustomed in our fast service world to expect change overnight or without much effort. Quick is not the speed of this work. Real change in our beliefs takes time.
What we can do is take small intentional action. Pick no more than 3 things you learned. Looking at those 3, what’s one action you can take today that will help empower your beliefs? Repeat that small intentional action daily until it’s solidly part of your schedule or routine.
It’s not the individual act that makes the difference, it’s the cumulation of the many times you take that action that makes real change that will stick.
I feel empowered and inspired by regularly reading or listening to books. Each month we host a complimentary book club discussion and write a blog on our key takeaways. Perhaps an action for you might be to intentionally make time each day to read along with us.
Join us by reading our Book Club picks this quarter:
April - A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Work by Juliet Funt
May - Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want and Change the World by Amy Porterfield
June - Own Your Everyday: Overcome the Pressure to Prove and Show Up For What You Were Made To Do by Jordan Lee Dooley
What are your thoughts on our theme for this quarter? How do you Empower Your Beliefs? Share in the comments below by becoming a Site Member of JennQuest.
It's so crazy how those teachers/care givers in our formative years can influence your choices all these years later! For me, my 4th grade teacher was the negative influence. Even now, I can still hear her voice when I make a mistake at work. BUT my 1st, 5th, and high school German teachers were my wow factors and I still smile when I think about them. My one small act is going to be saying "no" more. I don't need to be everything for everyone. I need to be everything for a few key little people right now and saying no will empower me to do that. :)