What is a belief anyway?  One definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary is the following:

“a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing”.

In other words, a belief is a feeling of certainty about the meaning of something.  Beliefs can either be limiting or empowering.  To be empowering, a belief must be closely aligned with our underlying values – the things in life that really matter most to us.

Many of our beliefs (and values) often quietly evolve from the many influences in our life.  What we think and feel has an enormous impact on who and what we become.  Our beliefs and values drive that process.  Sadly, many of us never take the time to really become conscious to what our beliefs and values are. If we did, we might well find that many of our beliefs and values are not serving us well.  The good news is that we can intentionally choose our beliefs and values if we decide to.

I came across a wonderful organization today called mondonation based in my hometown of Vancouver, Canada.  mondonation’s focus is about getting us to take a moment to determine at least one of the most important beliefs that we hold, and really owning it by printing it on a t-shirt to wear for others to notice.  As they state on their web site,

 ”mondonation is an experiment built around the idea that if we all share our beliefs on a daily basis, by wearing them on our bodies, they will grow in strength. This will begin to affect the people who wear their beliefs and also everyone they come into contact with…

“The things we think and say are as important as the food we eat.”

the bottom line is when enough people focus their energy in a positive direction, amazing things will happen. The things we think and say are as important as the food we eat.”

This in itself would be cool enough, but what I love most is what happens before and after! 

• Another one of their stated goals is “to produce our products in a developing country where we can ensure the employees are paid a fair wage, have access to medical care, and can provide other benefits like holiday time and educational opportunities“. 
• In addition, mondonation donates a portion of the purchase price to one of the designated charities on their web site – which YOU as the buyer get to pick! 

I love all aspects of their model because they each make a positive contribution in the world and help to build stronger communities.

When ordering my t-shirt, I chose the following belief to print “I believe that a hero is someone who does what he or she can“.  To me, this is such an empowering belief for three reasons. 

1. It allows space for every single person to be a hero, regardless of their means or circumstances. 
2. We become heroes when and only when we achieve (realize) what we are capable of doing (potential).  Talk is cheap as they say.  And what we are actually capable of doing is usually far, far greater than what we ever imagine initially.
3. It is silent about the context in which you “can”.  Therefore, it includes doing what you can in every context and situation, and particularly in the communities that you touch.

So my question to you my friend – what is the belief that you choose to own publically as a leader in community?  I encourage you to feel it, then claim it! 

Make it official and post your belief below…

Technorati Tags: beliefs, community, heroes, inspire, leader, Leadership, values