“You become what you believe. Not what you hope, wish or want. You become what you are really convinced of deep down.”

This quote means that your beliefs shape your identity and determine the person you become. What you truly believe in, on a deep and intrinsic level, will shape your actions and decisions, and ultimately impact the person you become. It suggests that it's not enough to simply hope, wish, or want something; true change comes from a deep-seated conviction and belief.

Internal beliefs are personal and subjective convictions that shape one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They are often unconscious and learned through experiences and cultural influences. Here are a few examples of internal beliefs:

1. I am not worthy of love and respect.

2. I am not capable of succeeding in life.

3. Money can't buy happiness.

4. I am not good enough.

5. I am in control of my own happiness.

6. Life is full of hardships, but it is also full of joys.

7. People can't be trusted.

8. I deserve to be treated with kindness and dignity.

9. I am responsible for my own success.

10. Everything happens for a reason.

These beliefs can have a significant impact on one's mental and emotional well-being, and can influence decisions, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. It's important to be aware of and challenge limiting beliefs, and work to replace them with more empowering ones.

Some tips to help you identify your beliefs:

1. Reflect on your values: What do you value most in life? What do you believe is right or wrong?

2. Examine your thoughts and behaviors: How do you think and act in different situations? What patterns do you notice?

3. Consider your experiences: What experiences have shaped your beliefs and values?

4. Seek feedback: Ask those closest to you what they think your beliefs are.

5. Read, learn and challenge yourself: Exposure to new ideas and perspectives can help you identify and challenge your beliefs.

Remember that your beliefs may evolve over time, and it's okay to question them and make changes. The goal is to be aware of what you believe and why, so that you can live in alignment with your values.

Models and frameworks

There are several models and frameworks that can help you identify and understand your beliefs:

1. CBT (Cognitive-behavioral therapy): CBT is a form of psychotherapy that aims to change negative patterns of thought and behavior. It can help individuals identify and challenge limiting beliefs that are holding them back.

2. REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy): REBT is a form of cognitive therapy that focuses on changing irrational beliefs to more rational and adaptive ones.

3. Mindfulness-based approaches: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and beliefs. By being present and non-judgmental, individuals can learn to identify and challenge limiting beliefs.

4. The belief ladder: This model provides a framework for identifying and challenging limiting beliefs by considering the evidence for and against them.

5. The Johari Window: This model is a tool for understanding self-awareness and can help individuals identify and understand their beliefs, emotions, and behaviors.

These models and frameworks can be useful tools in exploring and understanding your beliefs. It's important to find what works best for you and to seek support from a trusted therapist or counselor if needed.

How to apply this in your life

Assignment: Exploring Your Beliefs

Introduction: Our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world around us shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In this assignment, you will have the opportunity to explore your beliefs and consider how they impact your life.

Instructions:

1. Make a list: Make a list of your beliefs about yourself, others, and the world. Try to be as specific as possible. For example, "I am not good enough" or "People can't be trusted."

2. Categorize: Once you have your list, categorize your beliefs into two categories: limiting beliefs and empowering beliefs. Limiting beliefs are those that hold you back or limit your potential, while empowering beliefs are those that inspire and motivate you.

3. Reflect: Reflect on your beliefs and consider the evidence for and against each one. Challenge limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering ones.

4. Write a belief statement: Write a statement of your most empowering belief. This statement should be something you can read and remind yourself of daily.

5. Share and discuss: Share your belief statement with a partner or in a small group and discuss the impact that your beliefs have on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Conclusion: This assignment is designed to help you become more aware of your beliefs and how they shape your perceptions of yourself and the world around you. By categorizing your beliefs and challenging limiting beliefs, you can begin to replace them with more empowering ones.

Reflecting on Your Thoughts and Emotions

1. What's been occupying your mind lately? Are there any specific questions or thoughts that have been weighing on you?

2. How do these thoughts affect you and what do you believe to be the root cause of them?

3. What emotions have been dominating your experience recently and what impact do they have on you?

4. Who or what guides and controls your life? Who holds the most influence over your thoughts and behavior?

5. Do you make decisions based on assumptions, hearsay, or a combination of careful analysis, thinking, and facts?

Examining Your Relationship with Money

1. When you think of money, what words come to mind and what associations do you have with it?

2. What is your ideal monthly net spending budget?

3. How much money would it take for you to feel financially independent?

4. What would you do if you were gifted 2 million dollars (net) today?

Finding Your Path to Self-Improvement

1. Imagine the best version of yourself. Write down what changes you want to make about yourself and your life. What are the feelings you're struggling with? Are there any behaviors you want to change?

2a. Identifying areas of self-improvement and your living situation. What do you hope to gain from these changes and what sacrifices will you have to make in order to achieve your goals?

2b. Reflecting on your behavior and what changes you want to make.

3. Understanding the source of your limitations. Why haven't you made these changes yet, even though you know what you want to change and have the motivation to do so?

4. Considering the potential negative consequences of inaction. How will your life be impacted if you don't make changes now? What will your life look like in a month, a year, or five years from now if you don't take action now?

5. Focusing on the positive outcomes. What will be the benefits of making these changes, both emotionally and in terms of your life goals?

Remember, you are only limited by your own thoughts. Embrace change and make the most of your opportunities!

WHAT'S ON YOUR BUCKETLIST? What would you do if time and money were no object, if everything was possible, if no one would get in your way and you wouldn't have to take anything and anyone into account? How would your life would look like if there were no limitations that you have now prevent you from filling in that most ideal life as such? Give your imagination all the freedom. What would you do... If money was no object? If you couldn't fail? If you redo your life from now on could furnish?

ASSIGNMENT 16

1. Where do you want to go? What are your goals? What do you want to achieve?

2. What needs to happen to create your most ideal life?

3. What's stopping you from living your best life?

4. When is it OK? When are you happy and satisfied?