Belief is a powerful force that shapes our lives, but not all belief is created equal.

There are two distinct levels of belief, each with its own characteristics and impact on our lives. Let's explore these two levels and discover how the deeper, more resilient form of belief can change everything.

Surface Belief: The Encouragement We Hear

We've all heard the words of encouragement from coaches, teachers, therapists, and parents:

"Believe in yourself."

It's a mantra that's meant to inspire confidence and motivate us to face challenges.

But what happens when the going gets tough?

This surface level of belief is often fragile. It's the kind of belief that can anchor us temporarily but tends to crumble when exhaustion sets in, doubt creeps up, and insecurity penetrates our resolve. It's a belief that's dependent on external validation and can be easily shaken by failure or criticism.

Deep Belief: Born in Resilience

Then there's the belief that's born in resilience.

This is a belief that comes from working through layers of pain, fatigue, and reason. It's a belief that ignores the ever-present temptation to quit, pushing us to dig deeper until we strike a source of fuel we didn't even know existed.

This level of belief is not just a fleeting emotion or an intellectual concept.

It's a profound conviction that eliminates all doubt, making us certain of our strength and the fact that we will prevail, so long as we keep moving forward.

How to Cultivate Deep Belief

1. Embrace the Struggle: Understand that growth comes from facing challenges and working through them. Embrace the pain and fatigue as part of the journey.
2. Ignore the Temptation to Quit: Recognize that the temptation to quit is a natural reaction to difficulty, but don't let it define you. Push through it.
3. Find Your Inner Fuel: Dig deep within yourself to find the source of strength and resilience that can fuel your belief. It's there, waiting to be discovered.
4. Trust the Process: Believe that you will prevail, not because someone else told you so, but because you know it to be true. Trust in your abilities and the process of growth.

The Power of Resilient Belief

The level of belief that can defy expectations and change everything is not something that can be given to you by others. It must bubble up from within, born from resilience and a deep understanding of your own strength.

This belief is not just about achieving goals or overcoming obstacles; it's about transforming who you are and how you approach life. It's a belief that empowers you to face challenges with confidence, knowing that you have the inner strength to prevail.

So next time you hear the words "Believe in yourself," remember that there's more to belief than just surface confidence. Dig deeper, embrace the struggle, and discover the resilient belief that can truly change everything.

Reflection:

1. What is Your Source of Inner Fuel? Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge and found the strength to persevere. What was the source of that inner fuel? How can you tap into that resilience again in the future?
2. How Do You Respond to Doubt and Temptation to Quit? Think about moments when doubt and the temptation to quit have crept into your mind. How did you respond? What strategies can you develop to push through those feelings and cultivate a deeper belief in yourself?
3. What Does Resilient Belief Mean to You? Consider the difference between surface belief and resilient belief. How have you experienced these two levels of belief in your own life? What steps can you take to cultivate a more profound, resilient belief that aligns with your goals and values?