Borrowed belief is when someone sees your potential before you can see it yourself ~ and their belief becomes a bridge until yours catches up.
Here are 4 simple ways to borrow belief…
Hey y’all, welcome to More Lovin, the podcast that brings more laughter, light, and love into everyday life. I’m your host LeAnn Austin, and together we’ll rediscover the beauty of connection to your body, your mind, your spirit, and the people you love.
Today’s episode #207: Belief You Can Borrow
I was talking to a client recently about confidence, and doubt, and those moments when you want to believe in yourself, but the belief just isn’t there yet.
And she said something so simple but so powerful. She said: “Right now I’m borrowing your belief in me.”
Wow ~ that was so tender to my heart! Because borrowed belief is one of the most impactful, underrated gifts we can give or receive.
Borrowed belief is when someone sees possibility in you before you can see it in yourself. It’s when their confidence becomes a bridge until your own catches up.
And let me say this clearly, borrowing belief does not mean you’re weak. It means you are human.
We all go through seasons where our belief wobbles ~ new chapters, healing seasons, scary decisions, identity shifts. And in those moments, borrowed belief can be the thing that keeps us moving instead of quitting.
So what really is borrowed belief?
Borrow belief sounds like: I see something in you. You are further along than you think. Even if you don’t believe it today, I do.
Sometimes it comes from a coach, a friend, a spouse, a parent, a mentor.
Sometimes it comes from God, when we lean into faith before confidence.
Borrowed belief is temporary scaffolding. It’s not meant to replace your belief forever, just to hold you steady while you build your own.
So how does borrowed belief evolve?
Here’s the beautiful part ~ borrowed belief doesn’t stay borrowed. It evolves.
At first it sounds like: They believe in me. Then it becomes. Maybe they’re right. Then one day you catch yourself saying, I think I can. And eventually, I know who I am and I can do this.
Borrow belief turns into self-trust through repetition, support, and action. And the goal isn’t to depend on others forever. It’s to practice believing until belief becomes embodied in ourselves.
So how can we practice borrow belief? Well, here are four ways to borrow belief.
First, choose your belief leaders wisely. Not everyone gets influence over your inner voice. Borrow belief from people who are grounded, loving, and aligned with who you are becoming, not who you used to be.
Second, say it out loud. There’s power in naming it. Right now, I’m borrowing belief. That creates safety instead of shame.
For example, for me, I’m learning to become a group fitness instructor. I’ve never done it before, but I have instructors that I love and they believe in me and they’re helping me figure it out.
Third, combine your borrowed belief with action. It’s the tiny little steps showing up, trying again, practicing consistency. Those turn belief into lived experiences.
So think about it, what belief are you borrowing and what is one tiny step that will get you closer to believing that you can do it yourself?
And then lastly, the fourth thing, become a belief leader for others. When you speak belief into someone else, you reinforce it in yourself too. This is how communities connect and grow stronger, one voice of confidence at a time.
Let a family member or friend know that you believe in them and you’re cheering them on as they’re learning to believe in themselves and make it happen.
You could say things like: I believe in you while you’re learning, or it’s okay if you don’t feel confident yet, or let’s practice together.
Borrowed belief teaches safety, emotional resilience and growth mindset without the pressure to be perfect.
Now one more final thought. If you are in a season where belief feels shaky, let me offer you this.
You are not behind. You are not broken. You might just be in a moment where belief is being shared.
Borrow it, practice it, let it evolve within you.
And one day you’ll look back and realize you are now the one lending belief to someone else. Hmm, something to think about.
Here’s to believing together and choosing a little More Lovin. Have a good one y’all.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab your free Lovin Check-In. It’s a quick, fun way to connect with your body, mind, and spirit, and a little boost of More Lovin and energy anytime you need it. Get your Lovin Check-In HERE
Thanks for tuning in. If you are ready to take what we talk about here and make it personal, let’s work together one-on-one. I’ll help you calm your nervous system, strengthen your relationships, and create more lovin, laughter and calm in your life. You can find all the details at leannaustin.com
Until next time. Keep choosing fun, connection, and a whole lot More Lovin. Have a good one y’all.