A Lesson at the Deli Counter

I overheard a conversation between two employees at the deli counter at my local grocery store recently. The younger of the two women was talking about how people can't be trusted any more. "It's not like it used to be," she said (though she seemed hardly over 25), "People will say or do anything - you can't trust anyone."

"That's why I have just a small circle of friends, and beyond that, I'd just as soon be a hermit."

Her older colleague, listened carefully, then tried to end the conversation by saying, "That may be true, but that isn't going to stop me from talking to people."

I've had a hard time getting this conversation out of my mind.

The belief that "people can't be trusted anymore" is altering woman #1's life. It will impact her ability to be successful at work, build satisfying relationships, and navigate life easily. Her statement about being a hermit shows the depth of her belief.

It isn't my goal in this short post to convince you that her belief is incorrect, but rather to have you reflect on the power our beliefs have on our performance and results.

What beliefs are aiding or hindering your personal and professional progress? Have you consciously chose those beliefs or are they operating as filters in your life without adequate examination?

These are questions worth considering.

No one can do this for you, you must consider them yourself.