Beliefs
The belief level is where true change happens. It is not until someone’s beliefs have been altered that their reasons shift and their behaviors follow.
The beliefs level is so important for many reasons. Chief among them is this: people’s motivation, emotions, actions and performances are based more on what they believe than on what is objectively true. Put simply, beliefs will be—and are—the ultimate impact factor of behavior. What we believe about an event, situation or person will, in the end, determine how we act and react to that event, situation or person.
What are beliefs? Beliefs are generalizations, rooted in emotions, and backed by perception and a feeling of certainty.
Again, beliefs are generalizations, rooted in emotions, and backed by perception and a feeling of certainty.
How are beliefs formed?
Beliefs are like a rope. Let me explain. Rope is formed by taking strands of spun fibers and twisting them together. The individual strands are not as strong by themselves, but twisted with other strands become strong enough to pull a boat, cars, suspend bridges, climb mountains, etc. Beliefs are like ropes; they are made up of individual strands, and over time, are multiplied, enforced and reinforced to form a belief that is as strong as a rope.
There are five primary belief strands that form ones belief rope: personal experiences, vicarious experiences, information, thoughts and interpretations. These five strands, when continuously reinforced will form a solid rope, a belief.
Think of how your past experiences often influence your current decisions and experiences. Think of how the experiences of others color your choices. Or, how information can add to reinforce what you believe or know.
Why are beliefs so powerful?
Beliefs are powerful because they allow us to more quickly make decisions and make sense out of our reality. Beliefs are powerful because they are continually strengthened by strong influences. Beliefs are powerful because they quickly guide our thoughts and actions away from perceived pain and toward perceived pleasure. Beliefs are powerful because they determine the quality of our performance.
Now that you know the behavior change iceberg, you know that beliefs impact reasons and reasons impact behaviors. If your ultimate goal is to increase the performance of others, you must understand that humans are more driven by what they believe, than by reality. Albert Bandura, renowned psychologist, said “what people think, believe and feel affects how they behave.”
The beliefs level is so important for many reasons. Chief among them is this: people’s motivation, emotions, actions and performances are based more on what they believe than on what is objectively true. Put simply, beliefs will be—and are—the ultimate impact factor of behavior. What we believe about an event, situation or person will, in the end, determine how we act and react to that event, situation or person.
What are beliefs? Beliefs are generalizations, rooted in emotions, and backed by perception and a feeling of certainty.
- Generalizations. Beliefs are a collection of generalizations that have been supported over time. Take for example, generalizations you have about people. Fill in the blanks, “Republicans are _______.” “Democrats are ______.” “CEO’s are _____.” “Managers are _______.” I bet you were able to quickly fill in the blanks. What you inserted were your beliefs. What you inserted were generalizations. Generalizations are not necessarily bad, as they help us function in society and business. They help us learn, make decisions and store information.
- Emotions. Beliefs are rooted in emotion. That is what makes them so powerful; so passion filled. Many motives and intentions are entrenched in emotion.
- Certainty: Beliefs are backed by a perception and feeling of certainty. Certainty is the level of emotional intensity that is attached. Look at the level of certainty progress in the following words: idea, opinion, belief, conviction. Clearly, you can grasp the increase of certainty within the string of words.
Again, beliefs are generalizations, rooted in emotions, and backed by perception and a feeling of certainty.
How are beliefs formed?
Beliefs are like a rope. Let me explain. Rope is formed by taking strands of spun fibers and twisting them together. The individual strands are not as strong by themselves, but twisted with other strands become strong enough to pull a boat, cars, suspend bridges, climb mountains, etc. Beliefs are like ropes; they are made up of individual strands, and over time, are multiplied, enforced and reinforced to form a belief that is as strong as a rope.
There are five primary belief strands that form ones belief rope: personal experiences, vicarious experiences, information, thoughts and interpretations. These five strands, when continuously reinforced will form a solid rope, a belief.
Think of how your past experiences often influence your current decisions and experiences. Think of how the experiences of others color your choices. Or, how information can add to reinforce what you believe or know.
Why are beliefs so powerful?
Beliefs are powerful because they allow us to more quickly make decisions and make sense out of our reality. Beliefs are powerful because they are continually strengthened by strong influences. Beliefs are powerful because they quickly guide our thoughts and actions away from perceived pain and toward perceived pleasure. Beliefs are powerful because they determine the quality of our performance.
Now that you know the behavior change iceberg, you know that beliefs impact reasons and reasons impact behaviors. If your ultimate goal is to increase the performance of others, you must understand that humans are more driven by what they believe, than by reality. Albert Bandura, renowned psychologist, said “what people think, believe and feel affects how they behave.”
