Business By Hormozi #114: If You Cannot Explain Why You Believe What You Believe, Then It Isn’t Your Belief, It’s Someone Else’s

The Power of Self-Reflection

James had always believed that his business success would be defined by how many customers he could reach. It was a common belief among his peers, and for years, he focused solely on acquiring as many clients as possible. However, deep down, he couldn't fully articulate why he thought this was the ultimate goal.

One day, after a particularly tough period in his business, James had a conversation with a mentor that would change everything. His mentor asked him a simple question:

"Can you explain why you believe that your business success is tied only to acquiring more customers?"

James realized that he couldn’t give a clear answer. He had been following the belief because it was a widely accepted notion in the industry, not because it truly resonated with him.

This realization led to a profound shift in James’s approach to his business. If he couldn’t explain why he believed something, it wasn’t truly his belief—it was someone else’s.

Beliefs Shape Our Actions

Beliefs are powerful. They influence the way we make decisions, take action, and ultimately shape our futures. However, beliefs aren’t always self-formed—they are often passed down or adopted based on societal pressures, peer influence, or what we hear in the media.

In James's case, his belief about business success wasn’t his own—it was a belief he had absorbed from the business world around him. His goal was set based on what others believed, not what he truly valued or desired.

When we follow beliefs without fully understanding or questioning them, we can end up running on autopilot, aiming for goals that don’t align with our true desires. James realized that he needed to reconnect with what truly mattered to him.

Reexamining Your Beliefs

To truly understand whether a belief is yours, you need to ask yourself the tough questions:

• Why do I believe this?

• How does this belief align with my personal values?

• What would happen if I questioned this belief?

James took the time to answer these questions. He realized that his belief about success—acquiring as many customers as possible—wasn’t necessarily wrong, but it wasn’t the belief that was driving him anymore. Instead, he found that his passion lay in building deep, meaningful relationships with a smaller group of loyal customers who genuinely resonated with his products.

By questioning his beliefs, James was able to rediscover his true goals and redefine what success looked like for him.

The Importance of Ownership

Owning your beliefs means understanding why you believe what you do and taking responsibility for your choices. It’s about questioning assumptions, seeking clarity, and ensuring that your decisions align with your values.

When you can clearly explain why you believe something, it becomes a guiding force in your life. You act with purpose, conviction, and authenticity.

For James, owning his new belief meant taking a more strategic approach to his business, focusing on customer retention and satisfaction rather than chasing endless growth. He knew that by focusing on his true belief, he would create more sustainable success.

Conclusion

Beliefs are the foundation of the decisions we make and the actions we take. If you cannot explain why you believe what you believe, then it’s time to ask yourself whether that belief is truly yours or just a belief you’ve inherited.

Take the time to examine your beliefs—question them, challenge them, and make sure they align with your values and goals. Once you do, you’ll be empowered to take actions that are authentic, intentional, and aligned with your true desires.