A Penny to Change Your Thoughts by Janice Taylor, Life & Wellness Coach, Cert. Hypnotist, Author, Columnist and 50-pound big-time-loser.
What is a Belief System?
A belief system is a series of ideas that your mind has organized in order to project an image of what is ‘real.’ It encompasses everything you think about yourself, others and the world-at-large. It is filled with should have’s and ought to’s.
These groups of thoughts (ideas) that we believe to be true come from and are formed through our interactions with others, such as our parents, friends, teachers, institutions, newspapers, television, etc.
Our beliefs are formed throughout our childhood, and generally acted out in adulthood without much thought or examination. These ‘systems’ are mighty powerful, and they have a profound impact on the way in which we lead our lives. Our beliefs tell us how to feel, behave, and they are the foundation from which we approach our lives,our world.
To change how we feel and how we act and react to situations, we must first understand what our core belief systems are and where they come from.
If we do not challenge our belief systems, they will remain unchanged. You may find that some of your beliefs are empowering. Great! Keep those beliefs and build on them. It’s the outdated and limiting beliefs that are in need of an overhaul!
Your belief about your ability to lose weight and keep it off strongly influences your internal dialogue, which in turn, strongly influences your choices.

Do you believe that you are in control of your weight loss? Or – Do you believe that some alien force has taken control and force fed you?
Do you believe that you can set realistic goals, measurable goals and achieve them, no matter what? Or – Do you believe that when things aren’t going your way, when you’re having a bad day, you’re just gonna’ have to eat?
Do you believe that you can lose weight and keep it off? Or – Do you believe all those photos of heavy relatives of yesterday determines your weight and size?
Do you believe that your past attempts at weight loss were learning experiences and those who are successful are often not successful the first time out? Or – Do you believe that your inability to lose and keep off those extra pounds is a sign of your being a loser (the ‘bad’ kind of loser) and that you are doomed?
Do you believe that you are really buying those cookies for the kids? (Oh, come on!)

What are your beliefs (not limited to weight loss)? What set of guiding principles do you believe to be true about yourself? Where or from whom did they come? How can you change them and yourself?
Spread the word, NOT the icing!
Janice
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