This example may be dated, but it is "on the mark". (pardon the pun).

Have you heard the story of the four-minute mile? Before 1954 it was impossible for a human being to run a mile in under four minutes; at least that was the universal “belief”. No one believed a human being could break the four-minute mile barrier until Roger Banister proved it wrong in 1954. Within one year, 37 runners broke the belief barrier. And the year after that, 300 other runners did the same thing.

(Banister was credited with the record, but if you read the linked article, it was really a team effort – as it is with most successful endeavors. “No man is an island”. )

Or, let’s say the success of your Transcription business depends on your skill and accuracy using a keyboard. And what if you had the opportunity to increase your operator efficiency by over 40%?

Most of us have used a computer keyboard or a typewriter. Did you ever wondered why the alphabets on the keyboard are organized in the particular order in which they are? You might have thought it is to increase the typing speed. Most people never question it. However, the fact is that this system, known as “QWERTY”, was developed to reduce the typing speed at a time when typewriter parts would jam if the operator typed too fast.

In 1930, Dr. August Dvorak, an American from Seattle undertook a study of efficiency in the office. He later patented the keyboard layout he called the “American Simplified Keyboard (ASK)” after about ten years of work. That keyboard is now known as "the Dvorak”. It has been shown to increase typing accuracy and efficiency as much as 40%. Why has it not caught on? Change. The belief that it is better in the long run to stay with the system you know, regardless of the benefits available from the new system.

These two cases show the power of our beliefs and how it limits our ability to change and grow. There is no other more powerful directing force in human behavior than belief. Your beliefs will empower you to take action or disempower you into a state of fear and reluctance to change. A belief delivers a direct, albeit subconscious command to your nervous system. I'm sure you've heard about the placebo effect; people who are told a drug will have a certain effect will many times experience that effect even when given a pill without those properties. This is because it is their belief that they are being given the "real deal" and their body responds accordingly.

It is also your belief that determines how much of your potential you are able to tap at any given time, so you better examine your beliefs in detail. For example, do you believe that you can succeed in whatever you do? Do you believe you are bad in mathematics and therefore are bad in managing your business finances? Do you believe that other people don't like you and therefore you’re not good at sales? Do you believe life is full of problems? And what are your beliefs about people? Are they basically good or …not?

No belief is right or wrong. It is either empowering or limiting. A belief is nothing but the generalization of your past experiences. As a kid if a dog bit you, you might grow up believing that all dogs are dangerous. You might avoid visiting friends who have dogs in their home, which might affect the relationships you chose to have, which might affect the opportunities you have, etc. etc. To change a behavior pattern, identify your beliefs associated with it. Change those beliefs and a new paradigm is created. Change your beliefs – change your choices – change your life.

I ran across the following, making a point about the importance of being aware of your beliefs and expectations in life.

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"She met him in a singles' bar and they talked for a while. He offered her a drink and she enjoyed his company. Then he offered to drop her back home. While driving back, she realized that they were moving through narrow and strange roads. 'Oh God where is he taking me?' she thought but did not have the guts to ask. She cursed her decision to get into his car. All of a sudden she saw him taking a turn back into the highway just near her house. Smiling, he said: 'I took a short cut'."

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Was this ending what you expected half way through the story? Be aware of your beliefs. More specifically, know which ones are empowering and which ones you need to change.

And remember - You have to Be BOLD! It all starts with a vision.

In April, Bold Business Boot Camps, a day-long planning and implementation workshop for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Invest a day and develop a 1-page plan for the next 12-months and your best year yet in business ..and in life. For more information visit www.BoldVisionConsulting.com or send an email to info@BoldVisionConsulting.com.

In late May Bold Vision Business Intensive teleclasses will be launched. The Business Intensive program is a series of 8 60-minute teleclasses that meet once a month on the phone. Participants can sign up for a single class ($39) or for all 8 and receive a 25% discount ($234). Materials and a recording of the calls are included. For more information send an email to info@boldvisionconsulting.com.

Coming in June, BoldVision will begin offering the 12-week course “Attract Clients by Becoming Recognized as an Expert in Your Field” for self employed service professionals. For more information email info@boldvisionconsulting.com.

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