How Repeated Lies Become Beliefs
Have you ever found yourself believing something about yourself or the world that you know isn’t true? Maybe it's a thought like “I’m not smart enough” or “I’ll never be successful,” even though there's no real evidence to back it up. These beliefs creep in, shaping our self-perception and limiting our potential.
The Power of Repetition: The Illusory Truth Effect
There’s a psychological phenomenon known as the Illusory Truth Effect, which is the tendency to believe false information simply because we've heard it repeated. This can happen even when we know the information is inaccurate.
When you constantly tell yourself, “I’m not good enough,” you begin to believe it. Not because it’s true, but because it’s familiar.
Think about how many times you’ve heard certain lies about yourself:
"You're not smart enough."
"You're too old to start something new."
"You're not talented enough to succeed."
These thoughts aren't based on reality, but after enough repetition, they become part of our belief system. We start to act on them, turning thoughts into actions, and eventually, these actions become habits.
Breaking Free from the Cycle
One of the most dangerous aspects of repeated lies is how easily they trap us in a cycle of self-doubt. The more we repeat negative thoughts, the more they shape our reality. It becomes a loop of believing we’re incapable, avoiding risks, and never growing beyond our comfort zone.
But here’s the thing: you can break this cycle. It starts with challenging these deeply ingrained thoughts.
Challenge Your Thoughts: When negative beliefs pop up, question their validity. Ask yourself, “Is this thought based on fact or just something I’ve been telling myself?”
Talk to Yourself, Don’t Listen to Yourself: Your brain often tries to protect you from failure or rejection by sending negative messages. Instead of listening to those fears, start talking back. Remind yourself that you are capable.
Trust Your Own Knowledge: You know yourself better than anyone else. When faced with doubt, trust what you know to be true, not the stories others have told you or the lies you've repeated.
Trusting Yourself: The Key to Overcoming Self-Doubt
Imagine what your life could look like if you started trusting yourself instead of doubting yourself. You’d take more risks, push yourself harder, and surprise yourself with what you’re truly capable of achieving.
You are enough. You’ve always been enough. The lies we tell ourselves are just that—lies. They don't define you.
I’ve been there myself, stuck in the loop of self-doubt, thinking I wasn’t enough. But once I started challenging my beliefs and trusting myself, I began to show up differently in the world. You can do the same.
