The Idea of Belief
Jan 13, 2021
The Power of Belief: How Beliefs Shape Our Reality
What is Belief?
Belief, as Matt explains, is a story we consistently tell ourselves without ever challenging its validity. Unlike universal laws such as gravity that apply to everyone, beliefs are subjective and vary from person to person. They are mental constructs that shape our personal reality. For instance, your childhood belief in Santa Claus illustrates how our perceptions change over time based on the stories we tell ourselves.
Belief vs. Reality: A Cognitive Bias
One critical insight Matt shares is that our beliefs shape what we see in the world, not the other way around. This phenomenon is known as cognitive bias. When we hold certain beliefs, we unconsciously look for evidence to confirm those beliefs, even if it skews our perception of reality. This is particularly evident in polarizing domains like politics, where discussions often become heated not because of a lack of facts but because conflicting beliefs are at play.
Why Beliefs Are Hard to Change
Most people think they are logical and open-minded, yet find it difficult to change their beliefs. This resistance is primarily because our beliefs are deeply embedded in our subconscious. They drive our emotions and actions, often without us being fully aware of it. For instance, entering a political conversation thinking you are open to change, when in reality, you only aim to convince the other person to adopt your viewpoint.
The Influence of Faith
Matt also touches on how spiritual beliefs can shape our perceptions. For example, people of faith will interpret life events through their spiritual lens, while non-believers will have a completely different perspective on the same events. This shows how belief systems can significantly alter our interpretation of reality.
Impact on Mental Health
Belief systems play a crucial role in mental health, especially concerning OCD, anxiety, and psychological stress. Many people approach their recovery with the underlying belief that it is impossible to fully recover. Such a belief inevitably impacts their efforts and outcomes. A shift in this foundational belief can pave the way for significant psychological improvements.
Beliefs and Life Outcomes
"Your life is a reflection of your internal beliefs," Matt notes. From financial success to personal relationships, your underlying stories drive your behaviors and thus your outcomes. Changing these stories can create remarkable changes in your life.
Practical Steps to Shift Beliefs
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Self-Examination: Identify and challenge the unconscious beliefs you hold. Ask yourself why you believe what you do and whether these beliefs serve you positively.
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Embrace Contradictory Views: Engaging with people who hold different beliefs can provide valuable insights and highlight your own cognitive biases.
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Focus on Internal Change: Instead of trying to change others' beliefs, work on transforming your own. This internal shift will naturally reflect in the external world.
Conclusion
Understanding and challenging your beliefs is a powerful tool for personal growth and mental well-being. At Restored Minds, we offer various resources to help you on this transformative journey. From free webinars to personalized coaching, we're here to support you.
