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Writer's pictureJennifer Barnes

The Power of Doing: How Action Shapes Your Beliefs.


Does taking consistent action shape your belief more than belief shape your action?


Research has shown that behavior can influence beliefs and attitudes more than simply thinking about them. This is known as the "behavioral confirmation effect," which suggests that our actions can shape our beliefs and attitudes, rather than the other way around.


Taking consistent action is a powerful way to improve our behavior and reach our goals. By consistently engaging in new, positive behaviors, we can create new neural pathways in our brains that help to reinforce these new habits and beliefs.


There is also a psychological component to the power of action. When we simply think about taking action, we are engaging in abstract, conceptual thinking that does not necessarily translate into behavior. However, when we actually take action, we are engaging in a more concrete, experiential form of learning that can have a more significant impact on our beliefs and attitudes.


Overall, taking action is a powerful way to build confidence, increase motivation, and shape our beliefs and attitudes in a positive direction. This positive feedback loop of action and confidence can help to break through negative thought patterns and self-doubt and reinforce a positive belief in our ability to achieve our goals.


While a positive belief in our ability is helpful in providing a foundation for action, it is taking action that can truly build our confidence and reinforce a belief in our ability to succeed. Therefore, it's important to focus on taking action towards our goals, even if it feels challenging or uncomfortable at first.


By building momentum through action and developing our skills and knowledge, we can build our confidence and belief in our ability to achieve our goals. For example, if someone has a limiting belief that they are not good at exercising and they find it difficult to stick to a consistent exercise routine, they may feel that their belief is holding them back. However, if they start taking small, consistent steps towards exercising, such as going for a walk every day or joining a fitness class, they may find that their belief about exercise starts to shift. As they continue to take action and experience the benefits of regular exercise, their belief in their ability to exercise and stick to a routine can grow stronger.


It is important to recognize that we are influenced by external factors, such as our social and physical environment, that can either support or hinder our progress towards our goals. For example, if our physical environment is cluttered and disorganized, it may be harder to focus and stay motivated to work on new habits. Similarly, our social environment can also have a significant impact on our behavior and beliefs. Surrounding ourselves with supportive friends and family members who encourage our new habits and believe in our ability to change can be incredibly helpful in staying motivated and committed to our goals.


By creating a supportive environment and surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we can increase our chances of long-term success with our goals.


If you are struggling to take the first step towards your goals, here are some strategies:


1. Start with small, manageable actions: Break your goals down into small, achievable steps that you can take right now. This can help you build momentum and confidence in your ability to take action, which can lead to larger changes over time.

2. Use visualization techniques: Visualize yourself taking action and achieving your goals. This can help shift your mindset from one of fear and uncertainty to one of empowerment and motivation.


3. Get support: Enlist the help of a friend, family member, or coach to provide accountability and encouragement as you take action towards your goals. Having someone in your corner can help you stay motivated and on track.

4. Focus on the process, not just the outcome: Remember that taking action towards your goals is a process, and that progress is often more important than perfection. Celebrate small wins along the way to help build confidence in your ability to take action and make positive changes.

5. Be willing to adjust your approach: If you are unsure whether you are on the right path towards your goals, be willing to adjust your approach as needed. Remember that taking action and making progress is more important than having a perfect plan from the outset.


The idea that "action shapes belief" suggests that we have more control over our beliefs and attitudes than we may realize. It's a process that takes time and practice, so be kind and patient to yourself along the way. By taking small, consistent actions towards our goals, we can gradually build confidence and shift your beliefs and attitudes in a more positive direction, which can help to create lasting change in our lives.







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