Understanding (then Changing) Core Beliefs

Recently, Wendy, Anne and I were at the annual symposium of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. One of the speakers was Peter Lambrou PhD; he is a clinical and health Psychologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital in California. His talk focused on how one can understand better their inner beliefs, and then have better self-efficacy (belief in one's self).

He reviewed work by Dr Albert Ellis; we have three basic processes that guide our actions:

Core Beliefs - these generate automatic thoughts
Automatic thoughts which become recognized as our personal self talk, creating emotion
Emotions, which drive behaviour
Our beliefs are formulated early in childhood when we are highly susceptible to misinterpretation of our environment. Then, these emotional perceptions have lasting impact on our personal beliefs of ourselves. Once we create these beliefs, then automatic thoughts occur which manifest as our inner or spoken self talk.

To try and understand this, you might look back in your youth. Things said to you which produced sources of one's belief about self might have been statements such as: "you're stupid," "you can't do anything right," "how many times do I have to tell you...you eat too much."

Now, at a younger age we are unable to evaluate and analyse these words so we then produce 'Unproductive Self Beliefs' such as: "I'm unworthy or undeserving," "I'm unsafe from being hurt," "I'm inadequate or incapable," "I'm unlovable," "I'm weak," or "I have to do it right or I'm a failure."

Thus, your core belief is one of self-hate, being unworthy, incapable of success. We then start a cascade of self-talk using phrases such as: "I need," "I want," "I can't," "I have to," "I'm trying to." These words are disempowering, so you must catch yourself every time you start to use any negative terminology to describe yourself or actions you know you must take to improve your health.

Use phrases such as: "I create," "I choose," "I prefer," "I can," "I will," "I am." These are far more empowering.

Our thoughts will dictate how we approach food. If we allow ourselves to feel incapable, anxious, or overwhelmed, we will soothe those feelings with food. Little do you realize that your mood goes way back to issues in your past which dictate your core belief about yourself. Because you are not incapable, because you are not inadequate, because you are in control, because you are an intelligent, empathetic person, you can learn to empower the true you with appropriate empowering words. Use them, because these represent your true self.

You are no longer that young person who misinterpreted events or statements made. You are not incapable. You are powerful. Learn to change your inner talk. You can do it. You will do it.

Never give up. Your belief to succeed determines your success. Believe in yourself!

Dr. Doug