THE BELIEF

MODIFICATION
PROCESS

NLP MASTER

PRACTITIONER

CERTIFICATE
 THE BELIEF MODIFICATION PROCESS

1 CURRENT BELIEF 1

OPEN OPEN
2 TO DOUBT TO BELIEVE
2

3 USED TO READY TO 3
BELIEVE BELIEVE

4 TRUST 4

People often consider that the process of modifying their beliefs will be
challenging and demanding. And yet, people spontaneously and very naturally
change many beliefs during their lifetime.

This is the process of maturation and personal growth - growing out of the childlike
beliefs (or opinions) that we developed in our youth. Changing beliefs is a natural
process. There used to be a time that you would bet your life on the existence of
Santa Claus. But then you had some doubts. Was it really Santa Claus who brought
the presents?

And then the time came that you knew he didn't. It was the elves who did the hard
work. And so, what you used to believe was not true anymore. And then there are
also things you would like to believe. You make yourself open to believing until you
believe it. In fact, when you seek the evidence of a new belief and persevere, you
will find it. Period.
 THE BELIEF MODIFICATION PROCESS

Using this natural course, it was a psychologist named Robert Dilts who developed
the belief change cycle, an exercise to change what you believe.

'Metaphorically speaking', a new belief is similar to a seed that gets planted in the
Springtime. Throughout the months that follow, the seed matures, takes root in the
surrounding soils and eventually becomes firmly planted.

In the Autumn, the belief starts to become outdated and irrelevant, its initial purpose
has been served, and it is therefore no longer needed. The fruits of the belief,
however, (the positive intentions and goals behind it) are retained, harvested, and
separated from those parts that are no longer required by the beholder.

When Winter eventually comes, the parts of the original belief which are no longer
needed are then dismissed, forgotten and fade away into insignificance, thus
allowing the cycle to repeat all over again.

As we prepare for the different stages of our lives or careers, for instance, we 'want
to believe' that we will be able to manage them successfully and resourcefully. As
we enter that stage of life and learn the lessons that we need to learn, we become
'open to believing' that we may, in fact, have all of the capabilities and resources
that we need to be as successful as we hope for in any area of our life or career.

As our abilities become validated, we develop confidence in our ability to move

from where we are, our present state, to where we want to be, our desired state. As
we pass beyond this stage of life, we can look back and see that what used to be
relevant and valid for us is no longer the case.

It's at this stage in the cycle that we can identify how what we 'used to believe', did
serve us throughout the past season of our life, but if we are to progress further, we
will be required to develop further our understanding of self and what we're
capable of. This can only ever happen through setting and outworking goals that
stretch us.

All one needs to do is to reflect upon the cycles of change that one has already
progressed through since childhood, and the stages of adulthood so far, to identify
many examples of this ongoing cycle.
 THE BELIEF MODIFICATION PROCESS

As we continue to enter and pass through relationships, jobs, friendships,

partnerships, etc., we develop new beliefs and values which further serve us and
dismiss them again as we transition to a new segment of our life's journey.

What we 'want to believe', what we 'currently believe' and what we 'used to believe',
are how we can quickly identify the landscape of evolution in our beliefs.

A Few Idea's for Getting Started:

Here are some steps to get started identifying and changing your (or your clients)
beliefs.

1) Identify the limiting belief.

There are two ways to do this, the internal way and the external way. The external
method is to just look at your actions and results on a day to day basis; sometimes
you can get a good read on what you believe just by how you act.

The internal method is essentially paying attention to your thoughts and see what
thoughts you tend to gravitate towards. That’s one reason why keeping a journal
and meditating are such potent tools, they help you become aware of repeated
thought patterns.

2) Once you’ve identified those beliefs, start doubting!

Poke holes in them. Find situations in your life and the lives of others where those
beliefs aren’t true.

3) Start focusing on the new belief and build it up.

Find situations where the new belief is true. Make them for yourself, if they aren’t
readily apparent. Act as if it’s true, imagine what it’d be like if your new belief were
true, do whatever it takes. Eventually, your new belief will incorporate into your
belief system.

 
 THE BELIEF MODIFICATION PROCESS

The Belief Change Cycle is a simple tool that we can all utilise. It works in seduction
as well as every form of self-development. We can use it to improve our lives, as
well as the lives of others.

There’s no telling how fast you’ll find yourself incorporating your new beliefs. It may
take a while; it may happen overnight. It only depends on how radical the new belief
is, and how you start to incorporate it.

Remember, if the belief is radically different from your existing belief system, you
may have to prime your belief system for it first!

QUESTIONS FOR SELF REFLECTION:

PART 1: Think about other people you know who are caught in negative belief
cycles.

Qu1) How might you help them to break out of this negative cycle?

Qu2) What questions would you ask to raise their awareness of their limiting beliefs,
emotions and behaviours?
 THE BELIEF MODIFICATION PROCESS

PART 2: Now think about times when you get caught up in negative belief cycles.

Qu1) What lessons from the course so far could you use to help move yourself from
a negative belief cycle towards a more positive belief cycle?

Qu2) What impact might a more positive belief cycle have on your personal
relationships?