Life coach and author Marie Forleo champions the magic of belief in her book Everything is Figureoutable:

“Beliefs are the hidden scripts that run our lives. They determine where we go and how we get there.”

In our June blog, we explored how an organisation’s values, or belief systems, shape its destiny. On an individual level, the same holds true. Our beliefs drive our behaviour and influence our results. So, if you’ve set any New Year’s resolutions with the hope of real change, start by asking: Do I truly believe I can succeed?

Beliefs: The roots of behaviour

We form our beliefs through five main influences:

• Environment: Our upbringing, family, school, and social setting
• Experience: What we’ve lived through and how we interpret it
• Evidence: Information we’ve accepted as truth from authority figures
• Examples: Role models who inspire us
• Envisioning: Mental images and goals we focus on

But as Forleo reminds us, a belief is simply “a thought that you’ve decided is significant and true.” That’s powerful because it means we can choose our beliefs. And if a belief causes pain, limitation or self-doubt, we can unlearn it and replace it with one that empowers us.

“All beliefs are a choice – and choices can be changed.”

Rewiring the brain with emotional intelligence

Whether you’re focused on self-awareness and emotional intelligence, or aiming to improve resilience and stress management, belief change is foundational. Beliefs fuel behaviour. They shape how we react, how we lead, and how we connect with others.

In emotional intelligence training, for example, building self-awareness starts with recognising the beliefs behind our actions. When we understand our emotional triggers and reframe limiting beliefs, we unlock greater control and clarity – vital skills for both life and leadership.

And science backs this up. Our brains are plastic, meaning they can adapt and you can rewire your brain. When we adopt new beliefs and reinforce them through practice, we begin to behave differently — with less effort and more consistency.

Belief in action: “Everything is figureoutable”

Marie Forleo encourages us to adopt a single core belief: Everything is figureoutable. She learned this phrase from her mother and has used it to fuel her own success. It’s more than a mantra, it’s a mindset that sparks creativity, confidence, and perseverance.

Forleo suggests repeating this phrase daily, both out loud and silently. It might feel awkward at first, especially if you’re sceptical. But research in psychometric profiling for employees and leadership personality development shows that affirmations can reinforce positive self-perception, particularly when used alongside tools like the Big Five personality traits assessment.

“The most powerful words in the universe are the words you say to yourself.”

So, if you want to lead yourself or others more effectively, whether that’s through EQ in leadership, enhancing team personality dynamics, or improving workplace communication, start with belief. Repeat the words. Rewire your brain and your thinking. And watch how your behaviour starts to shift.

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