In this episode, we discuss one of the more significant barriers to purpose and reinvention, breakthrough. In the first of this two-part series, we explore breaking through old beliefs, those false negative messages we believe about ourselves. 

What Van Van and other positive young social influencers are teaching us about self-love and fostering positive self-beliefs. 

How we begin to combat imposter syndrome and why Michelle Obama’s struggle shows how difficult it is to overcome.

Question Why: Why are beliefs — especially false, negative beliefs — so hard to change?

My early childhood struggle with loving the way I looked and believing I was beautiful, despite my dark skin. 

Why this matters: 

1. The most dangerous time is not when we are around other people, but when we are long with our thoughts.
2. Old beliefs are almost always rooted in something we believe is true — even if it isn’t.
3. The worst false, negative beliefs come from those we know and trust, which makes them even more harmful, hurtful, and powerful.

Why knowing that we are worthy is a foundational belief because it is something we are intrinsically — just by being. 

Pour the glass: Acknowledge that this isn’t easy work. This involves undoing decades of programming. 

In practice. How to make this happen:

1. Positive affirmations — things that are true about you.  Recite them to counteract the false, negative beliefs.
2. Return to sender - if you get a package that was not meant for you, return it. 
3. Stop negative and false beliefs immediately —— as they come into your head. Don’t let them linger; quickly replace them with a counteracting positive truth. 

Encouraging Word:

This is a practice. Give yourself grace as you put these new principles in place in your life. But don’t let up — it takes a lot of work to unroot negative beliefs once they have taken hold. Think about who you would be and what you could do if you saw yourself as beautiful and powerful… capable and worthy. The world needs you to be that way. 

Homework: 

Put these principles into practice right now. Journal, talk to someone you trust, maybe a therapist because this is tough stuff, and if you find someone who needs this message, share it with them.

Additional resources: 

Link to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠yvettesimpson.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Link to the book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠authoryvettesimpson.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Link to my IG page @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theyvettesimpson.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  DM us your comments and show ideas @powerofypodcast

Show credits:

Producer: Nathan Ivey IG/FB @nathaniveycreative