Whether you believe you can or you believe you can’t, you’re right.

Henry Ford

Think for a sec about one of your goals. Perhaps you’re working toward a promotion. Or a trip to Antarctica.

Whatever the ambition, pause and think for a moment about the likelihood of you achieving it.

If you’re like most people, this is where that feeling of dread creeps in. Wanting and desiring is the easy part, but actually accomplishing your goal?

So.much.harder.

Today’s post is about an essential ingredient that a whole lot of us forget about when envisioning ourselves in the corner office or stepping onto the glacier.

That key ingredient is belief.

Our underlying belief systems are like software in our brains, buzzing along in our subconscious without our even being aware of it.

So if you have lists of goals and pages of notes in your dream journal but are lacking belief in your ability to see them through, you might as well flop on the couch and watch plant shadows on your living room walls.

I don’t mean that to be condescending. Rather, I mean to offer an unromantic example of how critical, how essential, how non-negotiable your belief is in relation to your goal.

Stop for a moment and look around you. What do you see?

I’m looking at a computer screen, a pair of sweatpants, and a my scratched-up smartphone.

Whatever you’re looking at, ponder the fact that all of it exists because someone first thought of it, and then believed in it enough to bring to fruition.

Beyond that, think of some of the indispensable things in your life. Maybe it’s your favorite Spotify tracks, or Sea Salt Caramel truffles. None of it would be available to you if someone didn’t first believe they could create it.

Every action is preceded by thought, and our thoughts inform by our beliefs.

Without belief, you won’t succeed in whatever it is that you’re trying to achieve.