The Idea of Belief

[Lance]

"No one is ready for a thing until he believes he can acquire it." 

What I take from this is that we really, deep down, have to believe in that "thing" we're going after.  If we don't, we won't put forth the same effort as if we did.  We'll be more likely to give up.  So, is that the first step in our whole process - a strong belief in our idea?  I think so.  Well, after we have the idea.  If we don't believe in it with all our heart, our chances of success are greatly diminished. 

[Jennifer]

"No one is ready for a thing until he believes he can acquire it." 

What I take from this is that we really, deep down, have to believe in that "thing" we're going after.  If we don't, we won't put forth the same effort as if we did.  We'll be more likely to give up.  So, is that the first step in our whole process - a strong belief in our idea?  I think so.  Well, after we have the idea.  If we don't believe in it with all our heart, our chances of success are greatly diminished. 

Well put Lance.  I don't know how I could say it any better than you did.  I think belief is the first step - once we have defined exactly what we want.  Now, we just have to learn how to develop that belief.  I think Mr. Hill will tell us how as we keep reading.

[jayfrawley]

This is very true. We all think we want things, but it is so fleeting. Last year I thought I wanted a BMW M3, so I said OK, all I need is 80K. Do I have it. Not even close, because even though I thought I wanted the car, I did not believe I could ever afford it, and even bigger I did not believe it made sense to spend that kind of cash on a car. So in the end I did not believe in the car at all. However I do believe I am a writer, and I believe I have something to offer people so I have no problem acquiring ways to live my belief.

[Julie]

Jay, your example is perfect.  Strong desire doesn't equal belief.

[Lance]

Jay - I agree with Julie - and your example is a great one. 

I wonder if these "external" beliefs - like the "I believe I want a BMW" - are not really beliefs, but wants or desires.  And when we look at beliefs - we have to look "internally". 

Does that make any sense?  Core beliefs...

[Jennifer]

Desire and belief are so different, aren't they.  It does seem that desires are external - although we can strengthen our desires internally, as Hill points out and gives us a formula for.  But, belief or faith that we will actually get something is totally internal.  The great thing is that, if our faith is weak, Hill teaches us how to strengthen that as well.  This is something that I must strengthen. 

[CreateaBalance]

Without belief we can't authentically sell our dreams to others. Without belief it will be difficult to move into action.

[Jennifer]

Without belief we can't authentically sell our dreams to others. Without belief it will be difficult to move into action.

Sooooo true. Have you ever noticed how someone who is passionate about something AND believes in it can't stop themselves (action) and they can "sell" their idea/product/whatever to anyone without any objection?  I think that's what we're going for.