Actionable Tips and Strategies for Coaches Over 50

Plus 4 ways solopreneurs can tap into this power so profound, it has scientists baffled.

I remember the first time I came across a statement that hinted at this power. It skated across my mind, never really sinking in.

I was struggling to launch my business as a solopreneur. I was questioning what I believed was possible.

[Spoiler Alert: This is a little long, but something happens as you read through to the end, so stick with it.]

Yet, what I believed and the whole idea of belief would cross my path again and again.

Norman Vincent Peale, author of "The Power of Positive Thinking," said, "Change your thoughts and you change your world."

Oprah Winfrey has said, "The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude."

Henry Ford is often credited with saying: "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right."

These statements all pointed to something that I was having a hard time wrapping my head around:

Your belief affects outcomes and shapes your reality.

Really?

How?

And can I use it in my business?

Stick with me, because we're about to go down a rabbit hole of sorts. We'll start with some examples of how belief has influenced perception and health. Then, we'll explore psychology, physiology, and even quantum physics.

(Why? If belief can affect your health, where else in your life can it have such a massive impact?)

We'll link these complex ideas to everyday life. Most importantly, I'll show you how to use them to grow your business.

By the end of this article, you will be able to harness the most powerful force in the universe (in any area of your life).

Let’s start with a simple example of perception

The Invisible Gorilla

[Spoiler Alert] If you haven't seen this video, skip ahead to "Health Beliefs and Changing Health Outcomes." Or go watch the famous gorilla video (a simple YouTube search will find it).

Have you ever heard of the famous "Gorilla Experiment"? In this study, participants watched a video of people passing a basketball. They had to count the number of passes. Midway through the video, a person in a gorilla suit walks across the screen, stops, beats their chest, and then walks off.

Amazingly, about half of the viewers didn't notice the gorilla at all! (I was one of those people.)

This experiment illustrates a phenomenon called "inattentional blindness." When we focus on one thing, we can miss obvious events right in front of us. In this case, the person in the gorilla suit. It shows how our expectations shape our perception of reality.

Our expectations can literally blind us to what's right in front of us.

It reminds me of when I had been ‘asking’ to find a way to get my business off the ground. I needed help as a single mom, working more than full-time. I was really struggling.

A woman came into my print services department needing help with a brochure. The brochure was for a nonprofit that gave grants to women in need.

I was focusing on the ‘hard’ part of life and fully expected that I needed to struggle, suffer, and be miserable. I was so focused, in fact, that I'm pretty sure I had ‘inattentional blindness’. The opportunity was right in front of me (the grant program), but I could not see it.

When I finished helping the woman with the brochure, she thanked me and walked away. A minute later, she came back and said, “You know… we have all this money to give away and no one to give it to.”

I applied that evening. Two weeks later, I received a grant that I used to start my business (It was a side gig at the time, but it was a start!)

If you’re super focused on one thing, have a specific expectation, or simply don’t believe that something else is possible, you can influence what you experience.

In business, this might manifest as overlooking opportunities because they don't fit your preconceived notions of what success should look like.

Or you don’t believe that a high level of success is possible if there’s only you running the show. You may have a belief that a high level of success requires things you don’t have.

What if you were to believe something different?

Health Beliefs and Changing Health Outcomes

Let's move from perception to physical outcomes. A fascinating study in the National Library of Medicine covers this. Researchers developed the Healthcare Beliefs Scale (HBS). It assesses elderly patients' beliefs about health efforts. It also measures their mood and self-reported health.

The findings were striking. Patients' health beliefs predicted their outcomes. Those who believed they could improve their health reported better health and mood. Conversely, those with negative beliefs about their health efforts reported poorer outcomes.

So if I believe the 3 brownies I ate late last night won’t cause any ill effects, will that be true?

I confess, I’m not allowing myself to believe it’s THAT simple. (Yet.)

It doesn’t seem to be as simple to make a belief statement like, “I believe these 3 brownies will nourish me and make me healthy.”

Belief is a deep, absolute personal truth. It’s unwavering. We develop them throughout our lives. Both positive and negative. Yet a new belief can be formed with daily attention and intention. Use evidence, mantras, meditation, and emotions to create a new, positive belief.

Let’s get back to the study.

This study provided a concrete link between belief and real-world results. Positive thinking is good and it matters, but as I was saying, belief goes deeper. It’s what we feel to be certain. Absolute. Unerring. And apparently, that shapes our actions and, ultimately, our outcomes.

Belief can set expectations and create “inattentional blindness," leading you astray. Or it can lead you to your desired outcome.

The Placebo Effect is Belief in Action

Perhaps the most well-known example of belief affecting physical reality is the placebo effect. In some medical trials, some patients receive placebos (inactive substances) instead of real drugs.

Remarkably, many 'placebo' patients improve. They believe they're receiving effective treatment.

What’s crazy is the placebo effect can be powerful enough to rival actual medications in some cases. It's so significant that all new drugs must prove they are more effective than a placebo to receive approval!

The placebo effect demonstrates that your beliefs can create measurable physical changes in your body. If belief can influence our physiology to this extent, what else can it do?!

We’re quick to accept the placebo effect and even miracles because we can ‘see’ it. We can measure it when a person is ill, but after taking a 'fake' medication, becomes well.

But, we rarely consider that if it can happen in a medical case, it can also happen in other areas of life. A profound and mind-blowing change can occur in relationships, careers, wealth, and business success.

Pill for more money, anyone?

Business success is not the same as physical healing. However, anyone, anywhere can use the mechanism that enabled the healing. It's called belief.

Belief is there for the taking. It’s available to everyone. And it’s magical (when used responsibly).

Stay with me. We’ve not reached the end of the rabbit hole yet. Keep these examples in mind. They show how belief can shape our perceptions, reality, and outcomes.

Let's explore some cases where belief may have helped heal severe illnesses. These examples challenge our ideas of what's possible.

Morris E. Goodman: "The Miracle Man"

In 1981, Morris E. Goodman survived a plane crash that left him with catastrophic injuries. He crushed his spine. His diaphragm was so damaged he couldn't breathe without a ventilator. Doctors believed he would be a quadriplegic for life, unable to breathe independently, much less walk or talk.

But Goodman had other ideas. Despite his bleak prognosis, he was determined to recover. He used visualization techniques and positive thinking to aid his healing process.

He would "see" himself breathing, moving his fingers, and walking out of the hospital without any help.

Against all odds, Goodman began to show signs of improvement. Over time, he regained the ability to breathe on his own, then to speak, and eventually to walk. His recovery was so remarkable that he became known as "The Miracle Man."

Goodman credits his recovery to his mind and his belief in his ability to heal. His case demonstrates how belief can potentially overcome severe physical limitations.

Anita Moorjani's Near-Death Experience

Anita Moorjani's story is equally astounding. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Moorjani fell into a coma in 2006. Doctors believed she had only hours to live, as her organs were shutting down.

During this time, Moorjani had what she describes as a near-death experience. She gained deep insights about her life and health. They changed her beliefs.

Upon regaining consciousness, something remarkable happened: her tumors began to shrink rapidly. Within weeks, her medical team was amazed to declare her cancer-free.

Moorjani credits her recovery to a fundamental shift in her mindset. She believes that self-love and letting go of fear were key to her healing. Her experience suggests that a deep change in beliefs can trigger a big change in health.

These cases, while extraordinary, are not isolated incidents. They're examples of a phenomenon we see every day in less dramatic ways. So much so, you don't notice them. But it's happening: your beliefs are shaping your reality. They challenge us to rethink what's possible.

What can we achieve if we believe?

Had enough? Do you believe that what you believe shapes your reality and your experiences yet?

There’s more…

The Psychology and Physiology of Belief

The jaw-dropping medical cases I’ve shared might seem like outliers, too extraordinary to be relevant to our daily lives.

However, science is starting to uncover how our beliefs affect reality. It begins with our psychology and extends to our physiology.

The relevance of all this to your everyday life should be unfolding right about now.

Our beliefs act as powerful filters through which we interpret the world around us. I’d like to say it’s a poetic idea, but I can’t. It's a psychological reality that shapes our experiences in profound ways.

Consider a study conducted by researchers at Stanford University.

They gave participants a milkshake. They told half it was a high-calorie "indulgent" shake. They told the other half it was a low-calorie "sensible" shake. In reality, everyone received the same milkshake.

The results were striking. Those who thought they had the "indulgent" shake had different hormonal responses than those who thought they had the "sensible" shake. Their levels of ghrelin, a hunger-regulating hormone, dropped much more steeply simply because they believed they had consumed something more filling.

(That’s it! As soon as I’m done writing this, I’m going to the store for more brownie mix.)

This study shows that our beliefs affect both our experiences and our bodies.

In business, this means your beliefs may shape your business reality. Your views on your abilities as a solopreneur, your market, and your chances of success could be causing you to get exactly what you believe. These effects are real!

The Biochemistry of Belief: How Thoughts Become Physical Reality

Belief affects more than our perceptions. It can change our biochemistry. Dr. Candace Pert, a neuroscientist and pharmacologist, discovered that neuropeptides, molecules that transmit emotions throughout the body, have receptors on every cell in our bodies.

This means that our thoughts and emotions aren't just confined to our brains. They have a physical impact on every cell in our body. When we have a thought or belief, it triggers the release of specific neuropeptides, which then influence our entire physiology.

For instance, stress, often from our beliefs about a situation, makes our bodies release cortisol.

Conversely, positive beliefs and emotions trigger the release of beneficial hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which can boost immune function, reduce pain, and promote healing.

Did you know that as soon as you start experiencing symptoms of stress, and cortisol starts to rise, your brain intervenes and gives you a window of time to do something about it?

If you can talk yourself down and maybe not eat the brownies, you can stop the stress response. If you do nothing, the response resumes and rapidly escalates.

In business, this means your beliefs about your work, potential, and challenges aren't just abstract ideas. They're changing your body. It affects your next thought and action. They ‘re creating a filter that lets you see certain things and not others.

Beliefs determine your trajectory.

The Neuroplasticity of Belief

Recent advances in neuroscience have shown that our brains are far more malleable than we once thought. This concept, known as neuroplasticity, suggests that our thoughts and beliefs can actually change the structure and function of our brains.

A landmark study by Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz demonstrated this in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Through a technique called cognitive-behavioral therapy, which involves changing thought patterns and beliefs, patients were able to significantly reduce their OCD symptoms.

Brain scans showed actual physical changes in the neural pathways associated with OCD.

Actual physical changes!

Do you see what I mean?! (Why aren’t you checking your beliefs about every aspect of your life and business yet??)

This research suggests that by consciously changing our beliefs and thought patterns, we can rewire our brains in ways that support our goals and aspirations.

So you can leverage the power of belief to change what you experience, to create physical changes, and what you see as available to you.

It’s time for a very brief dip in the quantum physics pool to further expand our understanding of how belief influences reality.

The least I can do is make you paranoid about your beliefs 🙂

How Reality Responds to Observation

One of the most perplexing discoveries in quantum physics is the Observer Effect. In the famous double-slit experiment, scientists found that observing particles changes their behavior. When not observed, electrons behave like waves, passing through both slits simultaneously. However, when observed, they behave like particles, going through only one slit at a time.

This suggests that, at the quantum level, reality is not fixed. It responds to observation. In other words, conscious observation seems to affect what takes shape.

I’m sure this experiment is not new to you. It’s been cited over and over again (till it just sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher in my head, “Wah, wha whah what wha…). But it's still an ah-ha moment that we shouldn’t forget.

Dr. Joe Dispenza said, "Most people don't know, however, that the Observer Effect experiment has been conducted hundreds of times to disprove it. They haven't."

The act of observing (or bringing your awareness to something) influences the outcome.

This discovery challenges our view of reality. It is not separate from our consciousness. It suggests a deeper link between our minds and the physical world than we thought. (Yes, I’m saying this over and over again for a reason.)

I’ll pause for the inevitable brain cramp now.

The Interconnected Universe

Just a little more, I promise.

Building on the Observer Effect, some interpretations of quantum physics suggest that consciousness and the quantum field are interconnected. The idea is that our thoughts and beliefs might influence the energy fields that constitute reality.

Dr. John Hagelin, a renowned quantum physicist, draws parallels between the unified field of quantum physics and the field of consciousness described in ancient Vedic texts. He suggests that, at the most fundamental level, consciousness and matter are not separate but are different aspects of the same underlying field.

While these ideas are still theoretical and debated in the scientific community, they offer an intriguing perspective on how our consciousness (awareness) and, by extension, our beliefs, might be more intimately connected with physical reality than we think.

Okay, one more complex topic and I promise, I’ll bring this back full circle to you and your business (or any area of your life).

Biocentrism: Life Creates Reality

Dr. Robert Lanza proposes the theory of biocentrism in his book "The Grand Biocentric Design."

The theory suggests that life and consciousness are fundamental to the universe and that our consciousness plays a crucial role in shaping reality.

According to biocentrism:

Space and time are not hard, cold objects. They are tools our mind uses to weave information into a coherent experience.
The behavior of subatomic particles, indeed all particles and objects, is inextricably linked to the presence of an observer.
Without consciousness, matter dwells in an undetermined state of probability.

Biocentrism is a controversial and not widely accepted theory in science. But it offers a thought-provoking view on how consciousness creates our reality.

All this leads me to believe… consciousness = awareness = perspective = belief = experience.

Let’s say that Charlie Brown became conscious. In that upgrade, he became aware of everything and everyone around him, including himself. So, naturally, he becomes aware of Lucy’s opinion of him (aka his inner critic): completely and utterly stupid.

She points it out every chance she gets. She even backs it up with examples and logic. Slowly, but steadily, Charlie begins to form a perspective about himself. He is influenced by everything Lucy says to him, regardless of any truth. His perspective forms a belief. And his belief results in repeated failures in his life, proof that he is, in fact stupid.

There’s a lot to be said about who and what you let influence your thoughts, am I right?

Finally, Bridging Belief and Everyday Life

I have ONE MORE profound revelation for you. And then, all the brownies you can eat.

It’s the least I can do for you for having stayed with me this long.

These quantum ideas may seem abstract. But, they invite us to see a more fluid and connected view of our lives and experiences. Our beliefs, observations, expectations, and assumptions shape our experiences.

Just as Morris believed he would heal and be able to walk and talk again, you can believe that the success you desire will happen.

You have to practice believing. This means uncovering the beliefs that don’t serve you and finding truths that support a more helpful belief. And putting in the work to change your brain.

Be aware of how you think. Be aware of the assumptions you make. Be aware of your expectations.

Do you believe that building your business to the level of success you desire is just outright difficult, grueling, and maybe not possible? Are you experiencing this?

What you experience supports your beliefs, and your beliefs form your experiences. It’s a feedback loop.

And only you can disrupt it to change it.

We’re climbing out of the rabbit hole. Let’s take a breather and look at some concrete, everyday examples of how belief shapes reality, particularly in the context of business success.

One of the most iconic examples of belief transforming reality is the story of the Wright brothers.

In the early 20th century, the idea of human flight was considered by many to be an impossible dream. The prevailing belief was that if God had meant for humans to fly, He would have given us wings.

But Wilbur and Orville Wright held a different belief. They were convinced that human flight was not only possible but achievable through their efforts. This belief drove them to persist through failures, setbacks, and the skeptics.

On December 17, 1903, their belief took flight. They achieved the first, controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft. Their belief in flight, and their hard work, changed history.

For years, it was thought impossible to run a mile in under four minutes. Medical experts of the time believed that the human body simply wasn't capable of such a feat.

Then, on May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister broke this barrier, running a mile in 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds. What's particularly fascinating is what happened after Bannister's achievement. Within just 46 days, Australian runner John Landy also broke the four-minute barrier. In the next few years, dozens of runners did the impossible.

This rapid shift wasn't due to sudden improvements in human physiology or training techniques.

The primary change was in belief.

Once runners saw that it was possible to break the four-minute barrier, they believed they could do it too. And they did.

Your beliefs can create limitations or help you break through them.

As if all these revelations weren't enough, now you have proof that when your beliefs change, so can the world’s.

In your business journey, consider what "four-minute miles" you might be facing. Are there goals you've dismissed as impossible? How might changing your beliefs open up new possibilities?

How might your business change the world just by YOU changing your beliefs?

Okay, take a deep breath in, to the count of 3, then breathe out to the count of 6.

Here are five key strategies to leverage the power of belief in your business and life:

1. Become Your Own Biggest Fan

If you’re a solopreneur, your self-belief is your most valuable asset. Remember, imposter syndrome affects 84% of entrepreneurs (TINY pulse survey, 2020). Don't let yourself be part of that statistic because you may very well experience it.

Keep a "wins" journal to track your accomplishments, no matter how small. This creates tangible evidence of your progress and capabilities.
Challenge negative self-talk with evidence-based rebuttals. When you catch yourself doubting, ask, "What evidence do I have that supports the opposite?"
Seek mentorship from leaders who understand the power of belief. Their belief in you can help reinforce your self-belief.

2. Create a Belief-Powered Vision

As Napoleon Hill said, "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." Your business vision is not just a goal, it's a blueprint for what's possible.

Define your ultimate business goal. Make it ambitious, yet believable.
Break it down into measurable milestones. Each achieved milestone reinforces your belief in the vision.
When you reach the first goal, celebrate it because your brain will naturally move the goalpost. Don't let your brain deprive you of positive emotions. This creates a deeper, more motivating belief.

3. Transform Belief into Aligned Action

Strong beliefs drive consistent, purposeful action. However, common obstacles like fear of failure, overwhelm, and perfectionism can get in the way.

These obstacles can keep you stuck in the feedback loop. (Remember: Experiences support beliefs, beliefs create experiences, experiences support beliefs, beliefs create experiences, experiences… you get the idea.)

Create a daily or monthly action plan aligned with your newly emerging beliefs. Small, consistent steps compound over time.
Practice visualizing your success. Remember, in quantum physics, observation influences reality. "Observe" your success in your mind's eye.
Reframe challenges as opportunities to prove the power of your beliefs. This resilience is the key to long-term success.

4. Amplify Your Beliefs’ Ripple Effect

Your belief doesn't just affect you – it ripples out to influence your entire world (and every person in it).

Approach networking with confidence, knowing your belief is contagious. Your conviction can attract opportunities, clients, and valuable connections.
Your unwavering belief can transform your business and maybe even your industry. Every innovation starts with someone believing in a new possibility.
MOST IMPORTANT: Your beliefs are the nexus. You are the nexus.

Belief just might be the most powerful force in the universe. I hope you use it intentionally.

If you’d like to be supported in creating all the success you desire in your life and business, sign up for my newsletter, Done with Doubt.

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This Might Just Be the Most Powerful Force in the Universe. And No One Ever Thinks to Use It to Grow their Business.

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Michelle Sera