refreshing our beliefs 2.11.25
Have you also been thinking about leadership a lot lately?
Like, who gets to be a leader and what their core beliefs might be?
Due to the nature of my work as a leadership and wellness coach, I think about it a lot. Given the current climate, I want to take a minute to be really clear about what I believe.
I hold a lot of beliefs, as I know you do too, but these three feel top of mind:
I believe in celebrating diversity - in all it's forms.
I believe in the importance of equity, working towards a more equitable future, and that we all have a role to play in contributing to a more equitable society.
I believe in creating inclusive spaces where every person feels safe, welcome, seen and heard.
Here's the cool thing about understanding what we believe…our beliefs impact our behaviors.
So when I believe in inclusivity, I will speak, act, and make decisions in a way that include people. It means asking questions like:
whose voices are represented in the space?
are the entry ways accessible for all bodies and abilities?
is the environment welcome for those who may have sensitivity to crowds, loud sounds, or too much stimulation?
will people of all gender expressions feel comfortable going to the bathroom and meeting their basic human needs?
as I teach a yoga class, am I offering options that are accessible to all bodies in the room?
You might pause for a moment and use the simple phrase “I believe….” or “I believe in…” to jot down some of your current beliefs, and just see what arises.
Then take one of those beliefs and dig deeper, connecting some behaviors. “If I believe X, then I will act/think/speak/consider/decide…..Y…”
This exercise - identifying a belief and then connecting behaviors to it - can be so enlightening and helpful in refreshing any belief systems that are outdated.
Sometimes this can be a harsh reality check - oooh, I've got an old belief running the show; an outdated story that is leading to some behaviors I don't love.
The good news? We can change beliefs.
Here's an example an old story I used to hold, and a new one I'm adopting with so increasing ease.
Old Belief: “I must work a certain (high) amount before I'm allowed to rest”
Likely behaviors: overworking, pushing past the point of exhaustion, ignoring the body's signals, feeling like I'm never doing enough, etc
New Belief: “Rest is the foundation of my impactful work”
Likely behaviors: sticking to an early bedtime to wake up rested, taking a mental break when I need one, tuning into my body's cues for rest and nourishment before resuming work, celebrating wins as I go to have a clear sense of accomplishment.
I invite you to take some time and consider your beliefs this week. I hope it feels meaningful to you!
What do you believe?
Reflection Questions
1. What is one belief that feels present for you this week?
2. What behaviors are connected to that belief?
3. If you connected to the most compassionate version of yourself, what is a belief that might need rewriting/refreshing?
