The Power of Belief

By Jennifer Kelleher

Believing in yourself is not just a cliché or motivational slogan, it’s a scientifically supported key to success. Confidence in your abilities can influence the actions you take, the risks you’re willing to embrace, and how you bounce back from setbacks. But belief in oneself rarely grows in a vacuum. The support and faith of those closest to us– especially when shown through consistent emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual backing– can be the catalyst that transforms a dream into a lived reality.

Research in psychology has consistently shown that self-efficacy (your belief in your ability to accomplish specific tasks) strongly correlates with performance, motivation, and resilience. According to the renowned psychologist Albert Bandura, self-efficacy affects the choices people make, the effort they put forth, and their perseverance when faced with challenges. In other words, if you believe you can do something, you’re far more likely to succeed at it simply because you try harder and don’t give up as easily. Neuroscience backs this up too. When you believe in yourself, your brain actually functions differently. Positive beliefs activate the prefrontal cortex and release dopamine, both of which are associated with planning, motivation, and reward. You become more solution-focused and better able to take aligned action when you feel capable.

While inner belief is foundational, the people around you can dramatically influence how much of that belief takes root. Humans are social beings, hardwired to seek approval and belonging. Our self-concept (how we see ourselves) is formed not only by how we perceive ourselves, but also by how we believe others perceive us.

Studies from the American Psychological Association show that social support improves mental health, increases emotional resilience, and even enhances physical health outcomes. When someone you love shows that they truly and fully believe in you– not just through words, but through action– it affirms your worth in a deeply powerful way. It tells your nervous system, “You are safe. You are seen. You are capable.”

When someone important to you believes in your dreams with no resistance, their support becomes a tailwind. Their trust allows you to trust yourself more deeply. And their ability to show up in tangible ways (by listening, problem-solving, encouraging or investing time or energy) becomes a wellspring of courage.

This kind of belief doesn’t mean blind agreement. On the contrary, the best support often comes with thoughtful questions. Not to challenge your dream, but to understand it. These questions are asked with respect for your inner knowing, as a way to help you refine your vision, not derail it. When someone you love jumps on the train of your dreams without hesitation, trusting your path simply because you do, it fills your tank with energy and confidence that’s hard to replicate.

Physical support can look like helping you prepare for an event, building something with you, or even watching your child while you chase a goal. Emotional support is the shoulder to cry on, the late-night pep talk, the encouragement in the quiet moments of doubt. Intellectual support might mean brainstorming with you, offering advice when asked, or helping you see your blind spots. And spiritual support might simply be praying for you, sending you good energy, or holding the vision with you. When these forms of support align, they create a safety net strong enough to catch your fears and a launchpad sturdy enough to elevate your dreams.

Believing in yourself is essential to achieving your dreams, but having someone you love believe in you can be the thing that finally makes those dreams real. It’s not just nice to have; it’s powerful, transformative, and often the missing piece. So if you’re lucky enough to have that kind of support, cherish it. And if you’re in a position to offer it to someone else, don’t underestimate how much your belief in them could change their life!

Join us at Ocean Bliss Yoga for classes and workshops that will help to keep you balanced and feeling amazing all season long. Find our schedule at oceanblissyoga.net. We will also be offering donation-based community classes throughout the summer with our newly certified in house OBY yoga teachers!! Questions? Call 917-318-1168.