How can I develop belief in myself?

Answer by Mike Blissett

Jean asks:
I am extremely lucky. I have a lovely life, have just moved to France for a year and am writing courses in child psychology.

My problem is I was born into a poor family and left school with no qualifications. Although I now have a degree in child psychology, am a qualified lecturer in child care I still think I am not worthy/clever/do not deserve etc.

My aim is to write a book. How can I develop belief in myself?
Mike says:
Knowing how lucky we are in life is important - so long as we don't then use the information to beat ourselves up. Very often success makes us weary, 'surely I don't deserve this/I'm not good enough/brainy enough'
(you know the story). Ouch!

I personally find writing to be one of the best therapies, and since you wish to write anyway you have a head start on most. Write down all your beliefs; 'I am ...' and off you go. Many a time I have done this and can easily fill a complete side of A4 (at least 50).

Separate the positives from the negatives, then with the negative beliefs systematically go through each and every one and disprove it to yourself. Imagine you're a lawyer; what would you say to blow this little gremlin right out of the water? For example, 'I am not clever enough' could begin by declaring, 'I have a degree, speak 2 languages, am about to write a book, I write courses in child psychology...' etc, you get the idea.

Write at least a paragraph on each, read it back, read it aloud, make what you've written emotional and strong, and then read it many times each day for a month.

Negative beliefs are just habits; habits of thought - and by systematically replacing them with positive new ones, we create new more empowering beliefs.

Go on, support yourself 100% - begin today!!