If you believe you can or you believe you can't you're absolutely right! My modification of the famous Henry Ford quote is a timely reminder for today's environment. There is so much in front of us and swirling around us, that it's really up to us to believe in ourselves. The "stuff" that's happening is presenting each of us with an opportunity to go inside and find out what we believe and how we can use that belief to stay focused and centered on what it is we want for ourselves.

You cannot control or anticipate what's going to happen in the world, but you can take advantage of the timing to build your knowledge and success plan. More people are currently stalled and mired in the fear that the news and TV talk shows are perpetuating, why not use it to your advantage? Why not shift your focus to what you want to happen to you. It's a great time if you've ever wanted to explore writing - sign up for a free blog and let your voice be heard. If you've wanted to check out a different career, conducting research online or at the library is free. There are always volunteer opportunities in your community - which give you access to more people to learn from and partner with if the opportunity presents itself. If you're an entrepreneur, now is the time to make yourself more visible to current and potential clients and customers.

I'm sure you've heard that millionaires were made following the Great Depression. While no one will officially label this a depression, it's certainly a time of depressed passions and beliefs. Don't become one of them! Instead, become one of those "depression era millionaires" and look for the opportunities that are in front of you. You "wealth" may be increased knowledge, stronger resolve to succeed, preparation for the next step, deeper relationships or more peace and joy in your life. The point is, believe that you can shift your beliefs to make this time one for your greatest opportunities and create the life you both want and deserve.

From Limiting to Empowering Beliefs Making the shift that gives you more joy and control can be instant or it may take some reps to build the muscle. Here is an exercise to shift you, easily, from limiting to more empowering beliefs. By answering each of the questions, you can begin to shift your limited belief, which is driving your behavior, to a more empowering belief and the behavior that supports it. It's very simplistic, but incredibly powerful. Here is an example of how this works. Let's use the strong desire to complete a project successfully, while current events have distracted and made you fearful of what's next.

- Begin with identifying the limiting belief:

Why work on this project, I'm just going to be laid off soon too.

- What behavior accompanies this belief?

I do not take action on some parts of the project.

- What is the result of this belief / behavior?

I become stalled and don't move forward, calling negative attention to my work.

- What results do you want?

I want to be viewed as a valuable and high contributor to my organization.

- What behaviors support those results?

I take action because this project uses my skills and I like achieving my goals.

- What is your new empowering belief?

I am a highly skilled and capable, regardless of what's going on around me.

Can you feel/see the shift? You can use this tool with limiting beliefs that are keeping you from building the mindset muscle, which will support you most during times of transition and change.