5 Things Successful Women do Differently: #1 – They believe!
5 Things Successful Women Do Differently: #1 – They Believe!
Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share with you the five things that successful women do differently. These are the same five things I shared with my niece during a recent conversation about success. When she asked me how to be successful, I told her that the key is to follow a proven formula. Success leaves clues, and the first clue is belief.
The First Thing Successful Women Do Differently: They Believe!
Have you ever dreamed of doing something but then thought, “I can’t do it,” “I’m not good at that,” “Other people are better than me,” “I don’t have what it takes,” or “I’m going to fail for sure”? Where do you think these thoughts come from? They stem from our habitual thoughts—our beliefs.
The Story of the Chained Elephant
There was once a young elephant in a circus, chained to a pole. As a calf, he tried repeatedly to break free, but he wasn’t strong enough. Over time, this little elephant grew into a gigantic, powerful animal, capable of ripping that pole out of the ground with ease. But he didn’t even try. One tragic day, the circus caught fire, and the elephant perished because he remained chained.
Why? Because he was held back by a self-limiting belief that told him he couldn’t break free, even though he was more than capable. His belief became his reality.
Do you see how powerful beliefs are? Our beliefs can either set us free or keep us chained forever. They are the invisible forces that shape our lives, and like the elephant, they can either empower us or cage us.
The Power of Belief: The Four-Minute Mile Miracle
Before May 6, 1954, it was widely believed that no human could run a mile in under four minutes. Experts claimed it was physically impossible and even warned that attempting it could be fatal. For decades, this belief held athletes back.
But on May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister did the impossible—he ran the first sub-four-minute mile. By breaking that record, he didn’t just shatter a time barrier; he shattered a mental barrier in the minds of athletes around the world. Suddenly, what had been impossible was now possible.
Within months, other runners began achieving the same feat, and today, running a four-minute mile is considered an attainable goal even for high school athletes. The only thing that changed was the belief that it could be done.
Four Benefits of Belief
- Belief Creates Vision
Successful women see their goals clearly. They visualize the work, the practice, the performance, and the achievement. They block out distractions, ignore doubters, and refuse to let critics cloud their minds. This clarity gives them the mental edge to win in their minds before they win in reality. Example: Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes of all time, often speaks about the power of visualization. She doesn’t just see herself winning; she sees herself preparing, training, and executing every move on the court before the match even begins. Quote: “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe.” — Oprah Winfrey - Belief Creates Strength of Will
Strength of will isn’t just about the commitment to start—it’s about the perseverance to keep going. It’s the repeated commitment to stay on course, even when things get tough. Successful women understand that setbacks are part of the journey and don’t let them derail their progress. Story: J.K. Rowling faced countless rejections before “Harry Potter” was finally published. She believed in her story and her ability to succeed, and this belief kept her writing through every “no” she received. Quote: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” — Maya Angelou - Belief Creates Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. It empowers successful women to navigate challenges and setbacks with grace and determination. Belief gives them the strength to respond with tenacity and keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacle. Example: Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Meta (formerly Facebook), faced profound personal loss when her husband passed away unexpectedly. Through her belief in herself and her resilience, she channeled her grief into writing “Option B,” helping countless others find strength in the face of adversity. Quote: “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott - Belief Ignites and Activates
Belief unleashes successful women’s full potential. It’s the catalyst that activates their talents and abilities, allowing them to perform at their highest level. With belief, they move with purpose, confidence, and a laser focus on their goals. Story: Estee Lauder started her cosmetics empire with a belief that every woman deserved to feel beautiful. She began by selling products in salons, often giving away free samples to build her brand. Today, her company is a global powerhouse, all because she believed in her vision and refused to give up. Quote: “She believed she could, so she did.” — R.S. Grey
In Conclusion…
When you believe in yourself, you unlock the door to endless possibilities. Your belief shapes your reality, and if you believe you can achieve something, you will find the strength, resilience, and will to make it happen. Success starts within; when you adopt the mindset of a successful person, your results will soon follow.
Next week, we will talk about habit #2 – Do It Afraid!
As you enjoy these articles, please share them with your friends. Leave a comment below and let us know how belief has impacted your life!
Call to Action
If you’re ready to take the next step on your journey to success, join the Optometry Divas community at optometrydivas.com/join. Connect with like-minded women, gain access to valuable resources, and surround yourself with a supportive network that will empower you to believe in your dreams and achieve your goals.
Together, let’s rise, believe, and succeed!
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