Beliefs – How They Shape Your Life and How You Can Change Them

We all have them – conscious and unconscious beliefs about how the world is and who we are. These so-called Beliefs determine what we consider possible – and what is not. In this podcast episode, we talk Stefan Landsiedel and Marian Zeferer about the power of our thoughts, how they guide our behavior, and how you can replace old, limiting patterns with new, empowering beliefs.

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What are beliefs?

A belief is an inner conviction about yourself, other people, or the world. It acts like a filter through which you interpret experiences. Stefan describes beliefs as "approaches to reality", which we adopt from upbringing, experiences, and environment. Examples:

• "I am not good enough."
• "Success must be hard-earned."
• "I have no luck in relationships."
• "If I try hard enough, I can achieve anything."

So there are limiting and empowering beliefs. Both shape reality – meaning they determine how you act and what you perceive. The belief "I can't do this" often ensures that you don't even try. The belief "I always find a way" opens up possibilities for action.

How to recognize your beliefs

Many beliefs operate unconsciously – they are like background programs. To recognize them, it helps to ask yourself:

• What do I think about myself when something doesn't work out?
• What phrases did I often hear as a child?
• What excuses do I regularly use?
• What would I do if I couldn't fail?

Often, the last question reveals unconscious limits particularly quickly: "Why don't I do this?" The answer almost always contains a hidden belief.

Behavior vs. Belief – The Difference

A common mistake is to confuse behavioral patterns with beliefs. NLP distinguishes between different levels of learning – for example, according to the model of the Dilts Pyramid:

Behavior lies on a different level

If you eat too much in the evening, that is a behavior. You can often change that through practice and routine. But if you believe, "I have no discipline," then that concerns your identity level – and there, mere behavioral change is no longer sufficient. You need a change in thinking about yourself.

How you can change beliefs

There are many NLP techniques to resolve old belief patterns. The following steps help you initiate first changes even without deep NLP knowledge:

1. Observe your inner voice

How do you talk to yourself? If you hear phrases like "I can't do this" or "I'll never make it," imagine this voice speaking with the voice of Mickey Mouse or with helium in its throat. You will notice how the phrase immediately feels ridiculous – and thus loses its power.

2. Replace negative with supportive formulations

Instead of "I am not good enough" → "I am growing more into my potential every day." Instead of "I have no luck" → "I create opportunities and seize them." Such phrases work when you feel them, speaking them out loud with an upright posture, clear voice, and inner images that inspire you.

3. Reframing – creating new meanings

Change your perspective on events. Example: Instead of "I have failed" → "I found a way that didn't work – and got closer to my goal." This way, you actively rewrite your life story and open yourself to new possibilities.

Practical examples and methods

Marian and Stefan share many practical approaches in the conversation that you can try out directly:

Mentor Technique

Imagine you have three mentors who are successful in your field. Mentally put yourself in their role and ask: „What would this person do now?" This activates new ways of thinking that expand your previous worldview.

Movement and Music

Change your physical state to also explore emotional pathways. Dance, move, breathe deeply. When you are in a powerful state, every new belief is stronger. NLP calls this State Management.

Working with Metaphors and Images

A powerful image can permanently change your belief. Example: If you have experienced yourself as a "sheep in the herd" – ask yourself which animal you want to be instead. An eagle, a lion, a wolf? Your brain reacts strongly to symbolic images – they anchor new identities.

Setting Everyday Anchors

Reinforce your new belief with visible reminders: a symbol in your wallet, a quote on the bathroom mirror, a song you play whenever you need energy. This way, change becomes part of your everyday life.

Conclusion: New beliefs, new life

Beliefs are not "true" – they are habits of thinking. And habits can be changed. NLP provides you with tools to dissolve inner limitations and establish new, empowering beliefs. Because: When you change your beliefs, you change your life.

Start your own transformation process now and discover how powerful your thoughts really are. Test the World of NLP for four weeks for free – and experience NLP at its best.