“The hell to be endured hereafter, of which theology tells, is no worse than the hell we make for ourselves in this world by habitually fashioning our characters in the wrong way . . . We are spinning our own fates, good or evil . . .”
—The Principles of Psychology, by William James

The primary obstacle to all success is our beliefs about ourselves.  Invariably, a tremendous amount of deprogramming is required to free us from the identity, people and life have imprinted on us. We must purge our minds of all the unhelpful, success hindering ideas and the “shoulds” that we never willingly chose.

It takes contemplation and clarity to recognize beliefs that really don’t belong to us.  Spending time in quiet meditation can help considerably.  The point of awareness is the point of power. There is no greater goal than to think our own thoughts and be who we choose to be.

Once discovered deeply ingrained, unwanted beliefs don’t just slip away. We must work them out one step at a time.  By taking possession of and responsibility for our minds we can reprogram the thought patterns that rule our behaviors, actions and lives.

For me, hard logic works best.  I bootstrap new and desired beliefs to already existing beliefs.  Once my brain gets on board, I feel a solid confidence that buoys me up when old thoughts emerge.  For example:

If I wanted to change the bliss blocking belief, “I don’t deserve career success or wealth.” I would start with an idea that I do believe.

“All people are born equal, no one is better or more deserving of anything than anyone else.”

With that as a premise, I’d ask if Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Wayne Dyer or [insert name of anyone you admire here] was born better or more deserving than anyone else.  Of course they weren’t.

I deserve everything they do.  I deserve to discover my gift and to work hard pursuing it.  I deserve to do it my way and to know that life will conspire to help me as I help myself.  I deserve to know that no doors are closed to me and all I need to do is fix my belief and take daily action toward my goals.

This tool works on virtually any type of belief from relationships to health.  It can even help one open up to a miracle mindset . . . “If a miracle has EVER occurred, one can happen now.”

You (and the Divine within), are the only real power in your life.  Take the reigns.