Align Your Beliefs with Your Goals - Insights From a Motivational Speaker

For decades, I dismissed the “positive thinking” movement as fluff. Mirror affirmations? Not for me. I always believed that action—not affirmation—was the key to progress. Words without action felt like confetti at a funeral: pretty, but useless.

And yet… I’m rethinking my thinking.

Not because I’ve suddenly bought into the hype—but because the science is catching up to the sentiment. Behavioural economics, fMRI scans, and books like Broadcasting Happiness by Michelle Gielan are making it harder to ignore. Turns out, a shift in mindset can create real, measurable changes in how effective and influential we are.

So I’ve started loosening my grip on “positive action only” and warming up to the idea of a “positive mindset.” Still not in love with the phrase—but I’m not going to let language limit my growth.

The breakthrough? Realizing that beliefs must be aligned with goals. You can do all the right things, but if deep down you don’t believe you’re worthy of the outcome, you’ll unconsciously sabotage yourself.

This hit me hard recently. For most of my 56 years, I didn’t believe I deserved a place at the front of the room. I didn’t feel worthy of standing before an audience and sharing my ideas confidently. And wouldn’t you know it—I didn’t.

Not until March 8th, 2017.

Let me take you back.

That day began with a walk and a podcast—James Altucher and Yuval Harari talking about the future of work. Something clicked. My brain lit up. I wrote for hours. A framework for a book emerged. It felt right.

Later, I coached Carolyn Vincent on her Toastmasters speech. Again, it felt right. Then came research on Matt Church’s Paid 2 Speak—I booked a spot on the spot. Vicky (my wife and business partner) gave it the thumbs-up via email. That’s how we roll.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. At 3 a.m., I had a vision—not of content or slides or strategies—but of myself. Confident. Capable. Believable. For the first time, I could see myself in front of a corporate audience and not flinch.

For the first time, I believed I was worthy of the vision I’d carried all these years.

That one belief shift changed everything.

I used to think my story wasn’t dramatic enough. I hadn’t lost a limb. I hadn’t survived a tragedy. But talking with other speakers in Philadelphia, I realised: I’ve lived stories worth sharing. I’ve faced fear. I’ve started from scratch. Again and again. And the process I’ve used to do it? That’s the gold.

So, if you’re stuck—doing the work, but getting nowhere—ask yourself: Are your beliefs aligned with your goals?

Here’s a simple framework from Regan Hillyer to get clarity:

1. Speak as if it’s already true
   Don’t say “I want to work from home.” Say, “I am working from home and it’s a blessing.” It trains your brain to believe the outcome is already yours.

2. Become the future you
   Ask: Who do I need to become to manifest this vision? How does that version of me walk, talk, act? Embody it now.

3. Uncover your resistance
   What fears or limitations are standing in your way? Shine a light on them. They lose power in the light.

4. Align beliefs to vision
   If you want to inspire others but don’t believe you’re inspiring, that misalignment will trip you up every time.

5. Take action as if it’s real
   What would the “already successful” version of you be doing right now? Pitching? Calling? Writing? Do that.

This isn’t about fake-it-till-you-make-it. It’s about aligning the inside with the outside. It’s about believing you’re capable so you can act like it—consistently, intentionally, powerfully.

Your goals aren’t just dreams. They’re destinations. But if your beliefs aren’t willing to walk the path, you’ll never get there.

Your move.