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Let’s work on the negative beliefs we identified yesterday. Choose one and spend some time thinking about how to change it, and change your life in the process.*

Old belief:

Daily actions that supported that belief?

What could you believe to be true, instead?

New belief:

New daily actions in support:

Now that you’ve given this some thought, and identified how you can change the belief, change your behavior, and change your life…commit to the new actions and put them in your calendar, so you have no excuse for not following through.

If you’re willing to share what you’ve come up with, send a note in the Comments box. I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

 

*From the Intentional Leadership booklet, by Giant Impact.

Today, let’s get specific about what you believe. Write down your top three beliefs, followed by specific actions you take daily that demonstrates your belief. Remember, this isn’t restricted to your work life, consider all facets of your life and how you embody your beliefs in your daily words and actions.

Here’s an example, if you believe staying fit and healthy is critical to success, you might demonstrate that through your eating and exercise habits.

This can be tricky though, like values, the question is – do you simply say you believe certain things, then not back it up through actions, or do you actually live your beliefs. Remember, if I asked you to review your checkbook and your calendar for the last couple of weeks, what stories would they tell about how you invest your time and resources?

Belief #1

Daily actions in support:

Belief #2

Daily actions in support:

Belief #3

Daily actions in support:

As I’m sure you will notice, we strengthen our beliefs through daily actions; just as we live our values through daily actions. If you are aware and mindful of them (both beliefs and values), decision-making will come easier, which allows you to really focus your energy on what matters most. In turn, this behavior can help you achieve your vision.

Be mindful, though, because this works in reverse if your beliefs are negative. It’s a good exercise…so as you did (above) with your positive beliefs, write down three negative beliefs you hold, and how those are demonstrated through your daily actions. Here’s an example, if I don’t believe myself to be worthy of someone’s time and attention, I will behave in such a way as to reinforce that belief to myself, while transmitting a negative frequency to that person, which will lead them to believe it, as well.

Belief #1

Daily actions in support:

Belief #2

Daily actions in support:

Belief #3

Daily actions in support:

If there’s one thing we must have learned so far through this intentional leadership journey it’s that leaders are active, not passive. They get things started; they take initiative. When others hesitate or do not know which way to go, Leaders know the way and show the way. Leaders do not succumb to doubt and fear, rather, they demonstrate courage and step forward  to move their teams/organizations ahead.

We’ve also been reminded that leadership is a process, a journey, and whatever we learn on our journey will have no lasting value until we apply it.

I encourage you to step forward today, to take initiative on something you’ve been thinking of for a while, but have hesitated on taking action. Send doubt and fear to the back of the bus, as they say, and step forward in strength, courage, boldness, and assurance that you are growing as a leader and making a difference for your team, your organization, and yourself.

If you never start, you’ll never get to where you long to be.