The human 'operating system' is our set of beliefs; our thoughts and behaviors are our programs. In other words, the way we run our lives – how we organize and interpret experience -- is our operating system: the structure of how we live and what we think to be possible and impossible for us. The potential range of thoughts we have, like programs by an operating system, is controlled only by beliefs. Thoughts and behaviors that aren’t compatible with our beliefs just won’t work.
This is why there’s actually very little power in positive thinking. Going back to the computer metaphor, you can wish and will for non-matching programs to work on the wrong computer, but it’s just not going to happen. If you believe “all men are scum,” what are the odds you’ll ever be able to have a deep trusting relationship? Or if you believe “I’m a fat loser,” do you really think you’ll ever stick to a diet and exercise regimen? Of course not! Your thoughts will always coincide with your operating system: your beliefs. If you’re ‘running’ a bad set of beliefs, the best intentions, thoughts and actions will never stick because they’re a system mismatch.
As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think can or you can't, you're right.” Our beliefs can be the most empowering or most limiting force in our lives. The key to change isn’t forcing ourselves to do or think differently, but instead changing beliefs.
So think about some of the things you tried to change but couldn’t over the past few months or years. What underlying belief was there that sabotaged you? That you’ll always fail, that people aren’t to be trusted, that life will always let you down? Maybe it’s none of these examples, but what is it?
There are three steps to changing beliefs, and they are…all in my next article!
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