Beliefs = Formulas

Greetings:

BELIEFS = FORMULAS

We can change our beliefs or formulas we have created in our mind.

I know just enough algebra and geometry to be dangerous! When I learned how to count and learned numbers, it thought that was math. When I learned letters and words I thought that was reading and writing. (When did a = 2 and x = 8?) Who knew until algebra that the two are combined in order to make sense and balance in an equation? Actually that is the way the brain operates and makes sense of sensory based information that it receives – through formulas. Sensory based information equals something. These formulas become our belief system. As with algebra, the brain formulas need to balance. If the brain is out of balance or has made an incorrect calculation with the formulas, the person is limited or stuck. Formulas constitute beliefs, thinking patterns, problem solving skills, attitudes, and values.

In algebra, when a formula is given both sides may need to be adjusted in order to achieve the correct balance. The brain formulas are much the same. Behavior can be adjusted and shifted, or thinking (believing) patterns can be adjusted and shifted. One of the problems with behavioral modification is that it addresses one side of the formula only – the behavior. When a person is ready to make a change, both sides of their formula must be considered. It is easiest to make a change of the behavior; however often times the behavior is simply the symptom or manifestation of the belief that is driving the behavior. When considering the neurological levels [Environment – Behavior – Capability – Belief – Identity – Spirituality], behavior modification works on the lowest two areas. Most stuck state behaviors are really run at the belief, identity and spiritual levels. This is where the formula comes into play in making adjustment and changes. Richard Bandler suggest “Using Your Brain for a Change.” One of the powerful skills in Neuro Linguistics Programming is that of changing the brain and the thinking patterns and formulas to accelerate and facilitate change.

A strategy is a sequence of internal and external representations that lead to a particular outcome. The way in which we divide experience into “separate” strategies or formulas is to some extent arbitrary. Our thinking patterns affect our behavior. We have formulas that create our beliefs and attitudes which then run our behavior. Assisting a person to identify her/his formulas will assist in identifying limiting beliefs.

Identify a problem state or a situation in which a person would like to have more choices. Put the problem of stuck state into just one word – love, relationship, anger, fear, expectation, procrastination, work, parenting, etc. Share the algebra metaphor as stated above – both sides of the equation must be equal in order to balance. Changes can be made on one or both sides of the equation to facilitate change. Identify what the belief is about that problem in the equation – the formula. Example: love = fear, betrayal, hurt, etc. Identify what else the problem could equal. Example: love = company, fun, accomplishment. Continue changing the formula until the desired response/outcome is reached. Think of places and times where a new formula would be beneficial to assist in having more choices.

Changing formulas can actually be fun and energizing

Make a Great Day

Dr. Susan