For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible. ~Stuart Chase

Over the past couple of years, I have significantly accelerated my personal growth, first by joining the John Maxwell Team, then by investing in the Mentorship program, then by enrolling in the Deeper Path Coaching Cohort, then a number of other investments, workshops, gaining access to mentors and coaches, studying books, and other lessons that have all seemed to roll out of and into each other…and one key point keeps rolling through my mind, day in and day out, with each new challenge and opportunity, and it is this:

Belief determines your potential

It’s another one of those things that is so simple, yet so profound, and so true.

You see, when I have believed in myself, I have been successful. When I have allowed doubt and fear to take charge, I have fallen behind. I see it in others, as well. You see it daily, also; although as you read the stories in the news, magazines, and in books, or hear them on the radio, you don’t always have the benefit of hearing the words explicitly stated.

I don’t watch American Idol, but I understand that it is Simon Cowell’s habit to ask each contestant why they think they can be the next winner; what he’s looking for is the person who unhesitatingly states something along the lines of: “This is what I was born for.” “I know this is my destiny.” “Because I believe I am the best at what I do, and I’m going to win!” The people who cannot state something close to these statements of confidence usually do not do as well. I suggest that in some of these cases, there is a lack of confidence, a lack of belief, or perhaps some self-limiting beliefs in action, holding these folks back from living into their full potential.

The point is to get you thinking about how your beliefs have impacted your potential.

Get out your journal and spend some time reflecting on these questions today:

Write a brief description of a time when you believed in yourself and your potential, and stepped forward into success.

What beliefs did you hold that made it possible?

What choices did you make to achieve your potential?

What can you carry forward, from this experience, that would serve you well in other situations?