Are You a Member of the Imposters' Club?

"The world we see that seems so insane is the result of a belief system that is not working. To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds." ~William James

Those of you who know me personally are aware that I try my best to squeeze all that I can out of life. This has meant continuously tweaking my circumstances and sometimes making major changes that have not always been particularly comfortable. Every important transformation has had its start with my BELIEF that things can really be better and that in large part, improving my lot in life is within my control.

Today, I will share with you some of my personal philosophies on belief systems. As you read this, think about the dissatisfying aspects of your life (and we all have them). Do you see brighter possibilities?

Life is such a precious gift that it would be a shame not to live it to the fullest and to enjoy every moment. If you want to be happy and fulfilled, you must accept responsibility to make it happen. If you identify repeating problems or dissatisfactions, the basis is most likely a faulty belief system. For example, some people are afraid to address large audiences because they believe that they are poor public speakers. Others constantly lament that they don't have enough money or even enough time. Another core belief held by many pertains to poor body image.

In order to eliminate negative aspects of your life and to empower yourself, I suggest the following steps: 1. Take a serious look at your core beliefs. 2. Set an intention to change. 3. Release the old belief. 4. Affirm a new belief.

Core beliefs are nothing more than repetitive thoughts that have come to be automatic. They exist at the subconscious level. We each set our own limits and create our own self-doubts by accepting belief systems as the truth without questioning them. My purpose in writing this blog entry is to urge you to spring doubt upon all disempowering beliefs. Mistaken beliefs prevent us from being truly who we are.

For example, many people are a member of the "Imposters Club." A requirement for membership is the refusal to take credit for one's own accomplishments and achievements. "Imposters" (in this context) are those who are convinced that they do not deserve their successes and believe themselves to be frauds. An example would be a law student who made straight As through school and instead of accepting well deserved kudos, attributes the achievement to luck, timing or her own belief that she has deceived others into thinking she is more intelligent and competent than she really is.

The good news is that each of you is capable of conscientiously examining limiting thoughts and replacing them with beliefs that are to your benefit. You CAN move in a different direction. I grant you that updating your belief system is no easy chore, but it is well worth the effort. You will free yourself from living a life full of reaction and instead live a life replete with self-creation which is what you deserve.

Those of you who need New Jersey Continuing Legal Education ethics credits may consider attending the upcoming program "Take Charge of Your Life – Personal and Professional." I will spend time on the "inner game" and provide specific tools that you can begin to use immediately to improve any aspect of your life. Besides, you will earn two ETHICS CREDITS! E Mail me at sharptalk@me.com for more details.

Cindy