Belief in oneself is a powerful yet often underappreciated component of achieving not just financial success but also true joy.
Introduction
Belief in oneself is a powerful yet often underappreciated component of achieving not just financial success but also true joy. Let’s explore how understanding and believing in yourself can transform your life, drawing from personal experiences, psychological insights, and practical advice.
Embracing Self-Belief
The journey of self-belief begins with a simple yet profound exercise: identifying and letting go of the mental and emotional anchors holding you back. At a governance event in Austin, Texas, participants, including myself, gathered around a fire pit to write down these anchors on sticky notes. When it was my turn, I acknowledged that my biggest hurdle was my own self-doubt. By committing to believe in myself and my analytical abilities, I vowed to allow instead of force outcomes.
This exercise, while seemingly simple, was transformative. It highlighted the importance of self-awareness and the power of intention in shaping our reality.
The Role of Wearable Technology
In my quest for self-improvement, I discovered the value of wearable technology. Devices like the Whoop band and Oura Ring helped me monitor my stress levels and overall well-being, providing tangible data that illuminated the toll of my anxieties. While Apple Watches were useful during intense work periods, they didn’t track stress, a critical aspect of maintaining mental health.
Understanding your body’s responses to stress and making informed decisions based on this data is crucial. These insights can lead to healthier habits and a more balanced life, aligning with the goal of achieving joy through self-awareness and self-care.
The Quest for Joy
Many of us aspire to be millionaires, believing that financial success will bring happiness. However, true joy comes from understanding and accepting who we are. Despite attending numerous meetups, buying courses, and joining masterminds, I often felt a void. It wasn’t until I deeply understood myself that I began to fill that void with genuine contentment.
Paul Graham’s “Investor’s Guide to Joy” aggregates wisdom from various sources, suggesting that joy comes from within. When you are content with who you are, no external achievement can disrupt your inner peace.
Understanding Yourself
The journey to self-belief and joy involves a deep understanding of oneself. This includes asking fundamental questions: Who are you? What do you stand for? What are your values?
During my undergraduate studies at Colorado State University, I encountered several personality assessments that helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses. Tests like Myers-Briggs, Strengths Finder 2.0, DISC, Enneagram, Crystallizer Assessment in Rocket Fuel, and the 5 Love Languages provided valuable insights into my personality and how I operate in teams.
These tools should be used as heuristics, guiding your decisions and actions. They can reveal aspects of your personality that you might not be aware of, helping you leverage your strengths and manage your weaknesses.
Embracing Your Uniqueness
One of the most impactful realizations was accepting my uniqueness. Dr. Seuss’s words, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You,” resonated deeply with me. Engaging in self-love exercises, receiving affirmations from others, and recognizing my worth were pivotal in building my self-belief.
Understanding that I was created with unique gifts and purpose was empowering. This belief was reinforced by my mother’s prayers and the challenging journey my parents underwent to have me. Believing in a higher power or a universal energy that connects us all can provide a profound sense of purpose and direction.
The Subconscious Mind
Our subconscious beliefs significantly influence our ability to achieve our goals. If there is a subconscious belief linking your desires to pain, you won’t let yourself achieve them. The first step to eliminating harmful subconscious beliefs is becoming aware of them.
Connecting with Higher Power
Whether you call it God, the Universe, or Source Energy, developing a relationship with this limitless power is essential. It’s about recognizing that there is a greater force at play, guiding and supporting us in our journey.
The Ego and Self-Perception
The ego, or the shadow self, often tries to sabotage our efforts by creating emotional and physical roadblocks. Overcoming this requires a positive self-perception. Seeing yourself through the eyes of someone who admires you can help you recognize your potential and talents.
Quantum Physics and Self-Understanding
Quantum physics, which studies matter at the atomic and subatomic level, teaches us that everything is connected. Our actions now can influence both our past and future. This concept reinforces the idea that understanding and believing in ourselves can significantly impact our reality.
The Power of the Mind
Our minds are incredibly powerful. Through neuroplasticity, our brains can change in response to new experiences and stimuli. By understanding how our conscious and subconscious minds work, we can harness this power to create the life we desire.
Conclusion
Believing in yourself is the first step towards achieving true joy and success. It requires understanding your unique strengths and weaknesses, embracing your individuality, and developing a relationship with a higher power. By aligning your thoughts, feelings, and actions, you can manifest the life you desire and experience the joy that comes from within.
Stay tuned for our next blog, where we delve deeper into the subconscious mind and its role in achieving our goals. We will explore practical steps to identify and eliminate harmful subconscious beliefs, paving the way for a more fulfilling life.
