I used to think hard work and sacrifice preceded all success…
Then I discovered the truth.
There’s something that comes before hard work and eliminates sacrifice.
This special “something” isn’t just present for a few successes or an occasional championship, but every single time someone reached for the sky in celebration of achievement this something was there, well before.
Your success in sports, fitness and LIFE is dependent upon it.
Just what is it?
Belief.
Anything you’ve achieved in your life, any success you’ve celebrated, any finish line you’ve crossed was first an idea in your mind that you believed you could, or better yet, would do.
Just the same, when you think of the major disappointments or failures in your life you can often point to the same; belief.
you can't do a thing, you're right.” ~Henry Ford
Your mind is an amazing manifesting machine—if you believe it, you can achieve it. Conversely, if you don’t believe it will be, the mind will see that you “succeed” in that belief as well.
It’s not picky, that’s why you have to be.
As the noted philosopher Ken Wilber says, “your perception creates your reality.” That is to say, what you expect to see in the world is what you will make of it.
How to Create Belief
When I decided to ride the 120 mile Triple Bypass I had little more than a vague idea really know what I was committing to.
I tossed my hat over the fence just so I would follow it over.
In fact, prior to training for this ride I’d probably not ridden a total of 120 miles on a road bike in my adult life. Thus, I had sparse evidence to believe I was even capable of completing the ride.
What I did have was a belief that I can push myself physically, based on history of resolve and determination.
[TIP: When faced with a challenge, a strong first move is to reflect on your current strengths that will support your success. Rather than focus on what you don’t know or what you’re uncertain of, focus on the known. It doesn’t matter if it was 10, 20, 30 years ago, it was still you and it’s your experience.]
Now, with a few points of Strength on my side, I began training for the ride a few months out and promptly erased any confidence I brought with me. The reality of riding just 20 miles up the hills around my house quickly humbled me.
That’s when I realized that I would need to collect “Proof Points,” specific milestones, that would serve as evidence to support my expanding belief.
I began simply…
If I could ride 20 miles, could I do it faster in 4 days, then faster 4 days after that? Could I keep up with one of my stronger riding buddies for some portion of a long climb?
It wasn’t until a few weeks before the ride when I rode 90 miles climbing 9000 feet that I truly believed I could do it.
build depends on the challenge and your situation.
Only you can know what is needed.
In addition to preparing my body, I also gathered considerable data about the route from veterans of the ride. Through their experience I was able to begin painting a picture of how my body, mind and spirit would respond.
At some point in any considerable challenge your belief will either break you or sustain you. These “Proof Points” are evidence you rely when your belief is shaky or worse.
Success Lesson Summary:
Belief doesn’t just change because you made a wish–it’s built on a foundation of reality not a smoke and mirrors fantasy.
Here’s a simple strategy I’ve used over and over to build rock-solid belief where once there was only hope.
Creating belief begins with building a body of undeniable evidence—Proof Points that drive out doubt and provide a foundation for your belief to hold on to.
Proof Points are markers of ability that are evidence that you can do that thing which you are striving for. You may need a couple, you may need a couple dozen, depending on the distance to your goal.
[TIP: For an example of daily proof points for a challenge, see the 7-Daily Strength practices in my Strength for LIFE Transformation program.]
Other support can be found in the necessary tools and equipment for success. For me, a new bike provided a performance boost. For a Transformation challenge it may be as simple as a gym membership, proper nutrition support or a personal trainer.
And finally, seek out mentors who have ventured before you and returned to tell about it. Not only can they give you confidence in your journey but a positive affirmation in your readiness and ability.
To Your Life @ Full Strength….
| About the Author | |
| Author, innovator and expert in Life Performance for two decades, Shawn Phillips is as respected for his physique as his wisdom. Working with his brother Bill (of Body for LIFE fame) he helped create the performance nutrition giant, EAS. For a "how to" guide to a Lifestyle of Fitness Freedom, check out Shawn's most recently instant best-selling book from Bantam BooksStrength for LIFE, called by Next-Level in Transformational Fitness, Here. |
10. August 2009 at 10:04 am
Share your story… How have you created rock-solid belief?
Can you think of a time when your belief wavered and it cost you?
10. August 2009 at 11:00 am
Our faith is always being tested. It’s apart of life. It’s up to us to “stay the course” and weather all kinds of storms, for hopes that there will be light up the road and sunnier days
The Midnight Cardio Guy
10. August 2009 at 8:24 pm
My faith is unfortunately starting to fade ….
And its exacerbated by recent events in the gym ……. the gym being a place I could “lift my spirits up” when I was experiencing unwanted events in other areas of my life.
First, it was rotator cuff surgery in march …….. now I seriously damaged my right medial meniscus while doing sitting calf raises at ordinary weight loads.
I have been lifting since I was 35 and am now 60. I am seriously reflecting on whether my body can stand the stresses anymore.
I’m not sure how “belief” figures into this equation.
11. August 2009 at 4:56 pm
Rick:
Sorry to hear about your challenges. And I relate… fact is the less young we get the more we will have to overcome and be “wary of.”
No one said it was going to be fun… and then the other options look worse… you could not lift or worse, not be. Not sure which of those would be worse.
Certainly I have known times of frustration, when hope is challenged and the future does not look bright. They are times and will pass but injuries are saying something. It could be about the way one has taken care of themselves in the past or the style of attack now… or, or…
As for belief, you used the word “faith.” Maybe this is a better description for the challenges your feeling. A faith that you will prevail, that you will get stronger, again… and that you will find fitness that keeps you strong and vibrant without putting you down. Faith that there’s a reason for everything and perhaps the challenges are making you stronger now… for things to come.
It’s always a challenge to know what the message/lesson is in the present… perspective will provide that answer…
Keep your head up!
In Strength,
Shawn