The Belief Closet: Trying On Beliefs to Find a Perfect Fit for Growth

Have you ever cleaned out your closet, only to find yourself holding onto clothes you haven’t worn in years? Maybe you tell yourself, I might wear this someday! or It’s too nice to give away!—even though deep down, you know it’s not your style and you do not want to wear it anymore.

Our beliefs are a lot like those clothes. We collect them over time, hold onto them for all kinds of reasons and sometimes forget to ask why we still have them. One of the most fascinating things I’ve learned is this: we don’t have to keep wearing beliefs that don’t suit us anymore. We can try on new ones, just like trying on a different pair of jeans, to see what fits better.

But trying on beliefs can feel weird. Let’s face it—beliefs are personal. They’re tied to how we see ourselves, others and the world. It can feel like you are betraying some important piece of yourself by letting them go. Swapping them out, even temporarily, can feel as awkward as wrestling into a skinny jean when you’re more of a relaxed-fit kind of person. 

Still, I promise you, it’s worth it. Because every now and then, you’ll find a belief that’s a game-changer—one that feels so right, it transforms how you think, feel and act.

Why Bother With New Beliefs?

I get it: sticking with what’s familiar feels safe and comfortable. Many conversations I have about beliefs often involve some form of initial, instinctual pushback. But what if holding on to certain beliefs is what’s actually holding you back? Here’s why experimenting with new ones is worth the effort:

1. Empathy Booster: Trying on a belief from someone else’s perspective is like borrowing their favorite outfit. You get a peek into their world and realize things aren’t always as they seem.
2. Creativity Igniter: New beliefs open up fresh ways of thinking. They may help you find that solution you might never have considered.
3. Action Shifter: When you think differently, you act differently. And when you act differently, new doors open.

For example, imagine you’ve always believed, I’m terrible at asking for help. If you replace that with, Asking for help is a sign of strength and I'm good at doing it, suddenly, you might find yourself delegating, collaborating or learning from others in ways that felt impossible before.

The Jeans Shopping Analogy (Because, Let’s Be Honest, It Fits)

Let’s take a moment to revisit jeans shopping. If you’re like me, it’s not your favorite activity. The lighting is terrible, the mirrors feel judgmental and half the time, I cannot figure out the sizing, so the fit is all wrong. But every once in a while, you try on a pair that surprises you. You look in the mirror and think, Wow, I didn’t know these jeans would feel this good.

Trying on new beliefs works the same way. You’ll encounter some that feel too tight, too loose or just plain wrong. But then, there’s the one belief that clicks—the one that makes you feel more like yourself than ever before. Boom, now you know there are more jeans out there that can fit you.

And just like jeans, beliefs aren’t forever. What fits you today might not fit you next year. That’s okay! The goal isn’t to find the “perfect” belief; it’s to stay curious and keep exploring.

How to Shop Your Belief Closet

If you’re ready to dive in and start experimenting, here’s a simple three-step process:

1. Identify a Belief You’re Ready to Retire: Think about a belief that’s been holding you back. Maybe it’s something like, I’m not a creative person or I have to do everything myself.
2. Choose a New Belief to Test-Drive: Pick a belief that feels like the opposite or a fresh alternative. For example, I’m not a creative person could become I m creative in my own unique way and I find solutions in unexpected places.
3. Live It for a Day: Act as if the new belief is 100% true, even if it feels a little strange at first. Pay attention to how it shifts your feelings, actions and interactions. When you truly commit to trying on the right belief, you might feel an immediate sense of relief—almost like a weight lifting off your shoulders.

The Power of Small Shifts

Here’s the thing: trying on a new belief doesn’t have to mean completely overhauling who you are. Sometimes, even the smallest shift can lead to surprising results.

I once worked with someone who believed, I can’t speak up in meetings—it’s too intimidating. We decided to tweak that belief slightly to, I can share one thought in every meeting. The result? She went from feeling invisible to becoming a trusted voice in her team.

Small shifts, big impact.

What to Do When It Feels Uncomfortable

If trying on new beliefs makes you squirm, you’re not alone. Beliefs are tied to our sense of identity, so changing them can feel vulnerable.

Here’s what helps:

• Remind Yourself It’s Just an Experiment: You’re not committing to the new belief forever and here’s the best part—no one else even needs to know. This is your private gift to yourself. Think of it like borrowing a jacket; if it doesn’t suit you, simply return it.
• Start Small: You don’t have to tackle your biggest, most deeply held beliefs right away. Start with something lighter, like shifting from Mondays are the worst to Mondays are a fresh start.
• Celebrate Curiosity Over Perfection: It’s not about getting it “right.” It’s about exploring and learning what works for you.

Ready to Try It Out?

If your beliefs were a wardrobe, what would you keep and what would you toss? Which ones feel outdated, uncomfortable or just plain wrong? And which ones are worth trying on, even if they surprise you?

Here’s my challenge to you: pick one belief today to test out. Maybe it’s something small, like, I can actually enjoy mornings, or something bigger, like, I have what it takes to build my dream life. Whatever it is, try it on. See how it feels. And don’t be afraid to surprise yourself.

Because here’s the truth: the right belief can do more than change how you think—it can change how you live.

Keep the Faith,

xo Kate Hanson