The Power of Beliefs

The Power of Beliefs: How Strengthening Seven Core Beliefs Predicts Greater Success and a Better Life

Shawn Achor

“Beliefs are so powerful because they dictate our efforts and actions.”

— Shawn Achor

"You know what I want to mess around with? The belief that I matter regardless of what I do or don't achieve, or the belief that we all deserve to be loved. " Ted Lasso

Do our beliefs control our lives? Of course they do—but can we trust them?

Our perception of reality and what we consider possible are shaped by those very beliefs. Change them, and we change our destiny. But how do we know which beliefs to hold onto and which to discard?

Inertia makes change difficult, leading many of us to rely on default beliefs handed down by parents and preceding generations. We layer on a few more from personal experience, then absorb the rest from teachers, churches, podcasts, and online influencers. But at our core, which beliefs make the biggest difference in our lives?

When people talk about beliefs, they usually mean religious or political views. Arguments over government, media, finances, or sports teams often feel like hills worth dying on. Yet, these are not core beliefs. What, then, are core beliefs, and how do we nurture them?

These questions are central to The Power of Beliefs by Shawn Achor, an educator and author best known for his work in positive psychology. His 2010 bestseller, The Happiness Advantage, argued that cultivating happiness leads to success—whereas relentlessly pursuing success only traps us on a never-ending treadmill.

The concept of positive thinking is not new; thinkers and authors have advocated it for decades. While there is truth to the approach, shifting one's mindset in an age of pervasive loneliness and information overload is no small feat. However, Achor argues it is entirely achievable with deliberate effort. In his book, he identifies seven essential core beliefs that must be nurtured and protected:

1. My behavior matters. The true opposite of happiness is apathy—simply giving up. Having hope that our actions matter to ourselves, our families, and the world is the crucial first step away from hopelessness.

2. I am grateful. People who practice gratitude experience life very differently from those who dwell on complaints. Many of us struggle with FOMO (the fear of missing out), which blinds us to what we already have and fuels constant craving. To counter this, remember that nothing and no one is without flaws—and whatever you missed was likely not as perfect as it seemed.

3. I matter. For those who feel unimportant, life can feel like an endless series of disappointments. Few can live up to society's unrealistic expectations, making it easy to believe others matter more. Yet every human being needs a sense of connection to know they hold value.

4. I have something to give. Giving enriches the giver as much as the recipient. However, those in survival mode—short on time, money, or patience—are more likely to pass up opportunities to give. Small gestures of time or attention carry immense weight, and we should never allow busyness to strip us of this practice.

5. I am not alone. Endless studies highlight the physical and mental health benefits of deep social connections. Modern digital habits often make genuine relationships harder to maintain, leaving people feeling isolated even in a crowded room. We need meaningful connection to counter the loneliness of isolation.

6. This work is meaningful. While roughly 60 to 80 percent of workers feel their work holds some meaning, only about 20 percent report a strong sense of purpose. Because people devote so much of their lives to working, they need a deep conviction that their efforts matter and make things better. Seeing the tangible impact of that work is essential.

7. There is something greater than me. Humility is a vital, often overlooked virtue. Accepting that we do not know everything takes the pressure off and lets us stop pretending. It is okay to ask questions without immediate answers. Life gains deeper meaning when we anchor ourselves to something larger—be it faith, love, shared humanity, or the goal of leaving the world better than we found it.

   
   

Changing stubborn, lifelong beliefs is a monumental task, but The Power of Beliefs offers a practical roadmap. In the final third of the book, Achor outlines psychological strategies and actionable habits to help readers confront limiting beliefs and cultivate a more constructive mindset.

Psychologists often distinguish between two types of happiness: hedonic and eudaimonic. Hedonic happiness is short-term pleasure derived from quick dopamine hits—like food, indulgence, or temporary thrills. These reactions fade quickly, often leaving us craving the next fix. Eudaimonic happiness, by contrast, comes from within. It is rooted in meaning, personal growth, and purpose. Because it is built through sustained effort over time, it is far more resilient and enduring.

The seven core beliefs detailed by Achor serve as the foundation for long-lasting eudaimonic happiness. Reaching this state does not require wealth, power, or status; it simply takes the courage and humility to open ourselves up to new possibilities.

Below is one of the best speeches given about the power of beliefs, from the fictional character, Ted Lasso. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6w6TZn4pus

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