Some people get freaked out by Friday the 13th. Not my sister, whose June 13th birthday has fallen more than once on a Friday. She considers it a lucky day. But, 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 fly or do business they would normally do.
There are superstitious people. They believe 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, for them, it will. If you live in South America, it’s more likely that you your unlucky day will a Sunday the 7th.
A belief is anything you accept as truth. From my experiences, and those of my clients, and what I’ve learned about confirmation bias, beliefs tend to 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.
I’d like to suggest that you take time occasionally to examine your beliefs. Beliefs you hold about yourself, your business, your job, your staff, your co-workers and your clients. Write them down. Study them. Are any of your beliefs limiting you, perhaps? 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 I’ve learned that we do have the ability to change our ideas about ourselves and our work situations that allows us to grow, develop and have fulfilling, successful professional lives.
Tags: beliefs, managing yourself, success
Outstanding blog – and very true. Beliefs can be limiting or liberating. Having been an outstanding daydreamer as a child – I always felt there was nothing I couldn’t do – except sing in pitch.