It’s very well known to Therapists, Counsellors, Coaches and the personal development industry, that childhood experiences play a significant role in shaping your adult beliefs and views of the world. These early experiences have a profound impact on your cognitive, emotional, and social development, which can (and will) influence your beliefs, behaviours, outcomes and values as you grow older.
Family is often the primary source of the values and beliefs that you had as a child. Parents tend to unknowingly transmit their own beliefs and values onto children through their words, actions, and interactions. Cultural and societal environments in childhood can also have an impact on the beliefs you have as a grown-up. As children, we are always absorbing traditions and values from our surroundings, forming new beliefs into our empty belief map.
Another huge influence in shaping beliefs is through the childhood friendships and peer groups you had. We are often so keen to fit in, that we conform to the beliefs and behaviours of our peers which can carry through into adulthood. Pretty sure I only smoked at the age of 13 because everyone around me did! What did you do to confirm and fit in?
Negative or traumatic experiences can also shape beliefs in various ways. For example, a child who experienced bullying, may grow up with strong beliefs about the importance of standing up against injustice or they may develop low self-esteem and negative beliefs about themselves. I was badly bullied and it taught me to stand up for myself, whereas many clients I coach have gone through life feeling like the under dog – hence I talk about empowerment.
School has a large influence (it did in mine) and can impact a child’s values, attitudes, self worth, strength, ambition and beliefs. Relationships with parents can also influence beliefs. A child who experiences a secure attachment with their parent, may develop positive beliefs about trust and healthy relationships, while an insecure attachment may lead to beliefs centred around fear or avoidance.
Positive or negative experiences from childhood serve as a foundation for your beliefs, but it’s important to remember that you have the capacity for change and growth, and your beliefs can evolve throughout your lives based on the new experiences and insights you gain throughout.
If you know that you have some old fear based beliefs hanging around in your unconscious, wrecking your joy, success and growth, NLP coaching can help you sort this out through a variety of proven processes. Book an initial free 30 minute NLP Coaching session with me to find out more https://she-coaches.com/book-a-private-free-call/