Your beliefs have a huge influence on your results. This is because we choose our actions based on our beliefs. The simple chain reaction goes like this:
Belief -> Action -> Results
If you want to change your results, you might first have to change your beliefs.
Vicious cycle:
Belief: “I’m too old to improve at chess.”
Action: Playing mindless games without proper training.
Result: Not improving for 10+ years.
The longer this goes, the more “evidence” you collect that your belief is right. But it works the other way around as well.
Positive cycle:
Belief: “I can still improve at chess; it just requires focused work.”
Action: Training chess consistently with proper focus. Analyzing the games you play.
Result: You improve your skills and win 150 rating points.
In both cases, your actions stem from your beliefs and create results that support your initial belief. Or, in the words of Confucius:
“The man who says he can and the man who says he cannot… are both correct.”
My question to you is: What self-limiting belief should you let go of right now? My most harmful belief was, “A Swiss kid can never compete internationally.” I let go of it, won three medals at the European Youth Championships, and placed fifth in the World U18 championship.
So, everyone can become a World Champion?
C’mon, this again? Just believe something reasonable.
Belief: “I can fly!!!”
Action: Jumping from a mountain.
Result: Dead.
Beliefs can’t defy the physics or make you a lottery winner. But they will help you take actions that either help you get better – or stagnate. What beliefs do you choose?
Keep improving,
Noël
PS: This article was initially sent out to my Newsletter list. If you want to get chess improvement advice for free in your inbox, join 17,000+ chess improvers by signing up for Friday Grandmaster Insights here.
Whenever you’re ready, here is how I can help you:
- Want to know How to train chess well? Check out Next Level Training – The Chess Training Blueprint for Adult Improvers. This course taught 800+ students the How of Chess Training. Create your high-quality chess plan and learn how to study each part of Chess, from tactics to openings & endgames. Click here to learn more.
- Rated below 1200 Chess.com? Need to refresh your fundamentals? Check out my course, Beginner Chess Mastery. You’ll learn all the fundamentals, from strategy to how to get the most out of your pieces, tactics, and endgames. You even get a full opening repertoire for free. Click here to learn more.
