When the 13th day of a month happens to fall on a Friday, a significant number of people get freaked out. According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, N.C. as many as 21 million people are fearful of this day and an estimated $800 million is lost in business every Friday the 13th because people won’t get on an airplane or do business they would normally do.
Like many beliefs, the fear of Friday the 13th isn’t grounded in any scientific logic. Some people are just superstitious. They suspect that if something bad is going to happen, it’s more likely to happen on a bad-luck day like Friday the 13th. And chances are then, for them, it will.
A belief is anything you accept as truth. And it’s our beliefs that shape our experience. For example, if you believe a situation will frustrate you, then most likely it will. Or, if you believe a co-worker will make you unhappy, then probably s/he will. And your frustration or unhappiness – or bad luck – will, in turn, reinforce your belief.
Beliefs, therefore, can be limiting.
Take some time occasionally to examine the beliefs you hold about yourself, your business, your job, your colleagues and your customers or clients. Write down those beliefs. Do you think any of them might be limiting you? Keep in mind that just because you believe something doesn’t mean it’s true.
No one can change your beliefs for you. And beliefs can’t be forced upon you. But we all have the energy – the ability to change our ideas about ourselves and our work situations –that allows us to grow, expand and develop fulfilling, successful professional lives. That you can believe.
Tags: beliefs, human energy, leadership development, managing yourself, personal effectiveness, positive energy, success
