"نحن ما نعتقد أننا عليه"

What you think about yourself shapes your entire life. If you believe you’re capable, you’ll act in ways that prove it. If you think you’re a failure, well, you’re going to make that true too.

This idea isn't new. It’s been around for ages, passed down through generations because it’s at the core of how our minds work. Think of the stories we tell ourselves daily. They’re powerful. Take, for instance, Henry Ford's famous line, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right.” This isn't just some motivational mumbo jumbo. It’s psychology 101. Your self-perception dictates your actions and reactions.

Let’s jump back to the mid-20th century. Picture a young musician named Elvis Presley. Before he became the King of Rock 'n' Roll, he was just a shy boy from Tupelo, Mississippi. He didn’t see himself as a star. In fact, after one performance, he was told he should go back to driving a truck. But something shifted. He started believing in his talent and his ability to make it big. That shift in belief? It changed everything. Can you imagine if Elvis had let that negative feedback define him? We’d never have had “Jailhouse Rock” or “Hound Dog.”

Now, let’s get practical. Imagine you’re gunning for a promotion at work. If you think, “I’m never going to get it,” your lack of confidence will reflect in your performance. You might not volunteer for projects, or worse, you’ll miss deadlines and mess up your presentations. But if you believe, “I’ve got a shot at this,” you’ll start acting in ways that align with that belief. You’ll step up, take initiatives, and deliver your best work.

So how do you make this wisdom work for you? Start small. Change one belief about yourself that’s holding you back. Maybe you think you’re terrible at public speaking. Challenge that belief. Take a course, join a club, practice in front of friends. Bit by bit, as you build evidence against that harmful belief, your confidence will grow.

Let’s set a scene. Picture Sarah, a graphic designer who’s always felt she’s just average. She watches her peers get promotions and accolades while she stays stuck in the same role. One day, she decides to change her narrative. She starts telling herself, “I’m a talented designer.” It’s awkward at first, feels like a lie. But she persists. She starts attending workshops, getting feedback, and taking on challenging projects. A year later, Sarah’s not just more confident—she’s also the go-to designer in her company for big projects. That shift in self-belief? It opened doors she hadn’t even considered knocking on.

So, next time you catch yourself thinking you’re not good enough, smart enough, or brave enough, stop. Challenge that thought. Remember, the stories we tell ourselves can either cage us in or set us free. And the best part? You’re the author. Write yourself a story where you triumph.