Additionally coaches can help reframe and change beliefs. Joseph O’Connor & John Seymour wrote in their book, Introducing NLP: Psychological Skills for Understanding and Influencing People
“Beliefs are an important part of our personality, yet they are expressed in extraordinarily simple terms: if I do this…then this will happen. I can…I can’t. These are translated into: I should…I must not…these words become compelling…. Language is an essential part of the process we use to understand the world and express our beliefs.
They further explain in their book that language is also a powerful tool for changing limiting beliefs into empowering beliefs. They endorse reframing as an effective way to do this. To reframe the context of an experience requires a person to open their mind to new ideas. Coaches are trained to do perform this technique.
Here is what some experts have said about our beliefs:
Belief always precedes action. James Allen
Within you right now is the power to do things you never dreamed possible. This power becomes available to you just as soon as you can change your beliefs. Maxwell Maltz
Once your thoughts reflect what you genuinely want to be, the appropriate emotions and the consequent behavior will flow automatically. Believe it and you will see it. Wayne Dyer
Whatever is impressed is expressed. Aristotle
There are other avenues that coaches can use to cultivate our world for the greater good:
- Coaches can change what others think, believe and do. They can participate in live sessions with groups of parents who meet, such as in parent and teacher association. This is an effective ways to introduce the topic and give strategies to parents who naturally want the best for their children.
- Coaches can hold free workshops in community centers. (This is a great way to connect with the community members. While performing this free service coaches can promote their own coaching business.
- Coaches can speak on radio and television talk shows and get the word out about how to form empowering beliefs in children.
- Coaches can write articles for the newspapers. Local papers always welcome positive and informative material.
The above visual is a representation of the concepts explored in my paper. It is my belief that thoughts are not formed in a vacuum. They are created and impacted by external stimuli-media, parents, school, grandparents, church, neighborhood and society in general. Thoughts are formulated and beliefs are shaped, but thoughts and beliefs are not necessary linear. A belief can be modified by an action that was influenced by a “New” thought that was positive or negative. Many times self-talk and emotions are operating under the radar. Additionally, thoughts, beliefs and actions can move along the continuum in either direction.
Increased awareness of the importance of parents, teachers and other significant adults who impact the world of children by changing the messages they send to our children must be proclaimed by those who are aware.Children must be bombarded with positive self-talk, inspiring books, and enriching life experiences and inspiring role models. Let’s start with the thought that we can change the world, beliefs and actions will follow.
References
Covey R. S. The 7Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. 2004 Free Press: New York.
O, Conner,J. & Seymour, J. Introducing NLP: Psychological Skills for Understanding and Influencing people.
Tiller, L. Self Limiting Belief, jpg. Retrived from
Tracy, B. Change Your Thinking Change Your Life: How to unlock Your Full Potential for Success and Achievement. 2004. MJF Books, New York
The 7Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. 2004 Free Press: New York.
O, Conner,J. & Seymour, J. Introducing NLP: Psychological Skills for Understanding and Influencing people.