Modeling Beliefs

By David M.

The beliefs that we each have about ourselves, others and the way the world is have a major impact on the quality of our experience. Because of the 'self-fulfilling prophecy effect', beliefs influence behavior. They can support particular behavior or inhibit it.

This is why modeling beliefs is so important.

One of the simplest ways to model the beliefs of people with outstanding abilities is to ask them questions about why they do what they do. The answers they give you will be rich with insights into their beliefs and values.

There is a story of a child in Rome who spent hours watching a strange young man work intently. Finally, the boy spoke, 'Signore, why are you hitting that rock?' Michelangelo looked up from his work and answered, 'Because there is an angel inside and it wants to come out.'

Beliefs will generally take one of three main forms. They can be beliefs about what things mean. For example, if you believe that life is basically a competitive struggle and then you die, you are likely to have a very different experience of life than if you believe that it is a kind of spiritual school with many rich and fulfilling lessons to offer.

Beliefs can also be about what causes what (cause and effect). And so will give rise to the rules we choose to live by. Or again, they can be beliefs about what is important and what matters most, so giving rise to our values and criteria.

In modeling out beliefs, you want to focus on those that are most relevant to and supportive of the particular skills and competencies that you are interested in. Some good questions to elicit beliefs and metaphors are:

• Why do you do what you do?
• What does that mean to you?
• What would happen if you didn't do that?
• What is that like? What do you compare it to?
• What is empowering to you about this?

Once you have elicited the beliefs of your model you can begin to experiment with them for yourself. When you go beyond simple understanding and actually 'try on a belief' to 'see how it fits', the difference can be profound.

You do this by simply acting for a time as if the beliefs were true and noticing what changes when you do. One of Einstein's core beliefs was that the universe is a friendly place. Imagine how different the world might seem if you were to act as if that were true.

• What new actions would you take if you believe that?
• What would you do differently?
• What else would you be capable of?

If you realize that the only thing between you and what you want is a belief, you can begin to adopt a new one by simply acting as if it were true.

Put everything you have into everything you do, the choice is uniquely yours.

Entrepreneur, Visionary, Motivator, Entertainer, Agent of Change & Master Performance Coach ... he has been called all of these and more. David Martin combines over 30 years of "in the trenches" experience to bring you a no-nonsense, get to the point, create results NOW methodology that has become known as Performance Coaching Systems.

info@eperformancezone.com 800-748-6838 http://www.eperformancezone.com

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