Belief Structure
Beliefs can be expressed through complete sentences and are often structured in the following ways: X = Y (X corresponds to Y) or X => Y (X leads to Y).
- If a person has Love in their life, then they have not lived in vain. (Love = Not lived in vain)
- If you try hard, you can achieve Happiness in life. (Trying => Happiness)
- If I have a Good Job, I will be able to get out of a difficult situation. (Good Job => Get out of a difficult situation)
- If I were interesting enough, I would find a Beloved Husband. (Being interesting => Find a Beloved Husband)
More examples:
- I am an interesting person.
- A married person is not free.
- Love is good.
- If I do everything well, it means I am talented.
- If I work hard, I will become a wealthy person.
Internal Representation
Beliefs are most often represented internally not by words, but by feelings and images that carry their meaning. Trying to put a belief into words is simply an attempt to find the most suitable phrasing. When you try to articulate a belief, you may encounter difficulties in conveying it precisely. Very similar phrases can describe quite different beliefs. For example:
- I can change.
- I can cheat.
These two beliefs sound similar but have very different meanings.
Types of Beliefs
Robert Dilts suggests dividing beliefs into three types:
- Beliefs about Possibilities
- Beliefs about what a person can or cannot do:
- I am completely incapable of thinking quickly.
- Four to five hours of sleep per night is enough for me.
- I just can’t leave my family.
- Beliefs about Personal Identity
- Who I am, what I represent (the same applies to others):
- I am a competent specialist!
- People like me are always unlucky.
- Ivan Petrovich is a loser.
- Beliefs about Meaning (Correspondence)
- If someone is jealous, it means they love you.
- Beautiful people never find happiness in life.
- If you have hands, you can provide for your family.
Why Understand Beliefs?
When it comes to other people, understanding their beliefs helps us figure out what they need, why they react a certain way, and the reasons behind their actions. If desired (by yourself or a client), these beliefs can be changed.
For yourself, knowing your own beliefs (and how to change them) is a powerful tool for organizing your life the way you want and overcoming your own limitations.
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