The Power of Belief

 

Recently, Harold Camping predicted the end of the world (doomsday) would occur on May 21, 2011. His followers’ reactions, as reported by the media, were varied. Some left their jobs, others went into debt to take that dream vacation. I wonder how many charged their credit cards to the limit and confessed wrongdoing to clear their conscience. After May 21st came and went, Camping said he’d miscalculated and that the new date for doomsday is October 21, 2011.

What is particularly interesting to me is that Camping had previously predicted the end of the world a number of years before, yet his followers still believed his prediction for May 21, 2011. I imagine many will also believe his prediction for October, 21, 2011.

That is the power of belief.

There are several different types of belief: rational belief, wanting to believe, needing to believe and mislearned beliefs.

I’ve never been in space and seen the earth, but I’ve learned enough in science classes that I have a rational belief that the earth is a sphere.

When I was a little boy, I absolutely wanted to believe in the existence of Santa Claus.

I remember meeting someone who told me they believed that they needed to spend their free time walking door to door, handing out religious pamphlets. They absolutely believed that if they didn’t, they would go to Hell when they died.

I helped someone overcome a mislearned belief – a fear of public speaking. Because of a bad experience when they were young, they believed that speaking in public meant humiliation. Therefore, they avoided it at all costs, which was holding them back in their career.

Which category of belief do Camping’s followers fall into? That’s a good question and I’m guessing the answer is partly wanting and mostly needing. In humanity’s search for meaning, it seems people will grab onto many things, not provable analytically, that will make them feel better.

The power of belief also comes into play in sports competition, business (especially public speaking and sales), school (exams), performing arts (stage fright), relationships, even health. For example, working with chronic pain (on and off the field), I’ve learned if someone has a powerful belief that they’ll never be able to control their pain and live a quality life, then they won’t, no matter what anyone else says or does. That’s because beliefs are personal and no one can force another person to change how they feel.

Understanding all of this can be very helpful if you have a belief that’s holding you back.

If you do, what I suggest is first writing down what that belief is. An example (for golf) might be: on the 16th hole I believe I will always hit the ball into the lake.

After you’ve written down what it is, then categorize it – wanting, needing or mislearned (rational beliefs are generally not the ones holding people back). Next, write down when it started, what was going on in your life at the time and is there an upside and a downside to that belief.

Now, write down what your life would be like if you were free of that limiting belief. What would it look like, sound like and feel like? Let yourself imagine that vividly. Many times, this process can be enough to overcome a limiting belief and get yourself back on track.

 

About David Kenward