Most of us carry around some faulty beliefs that don't do us any good. The wise people of the world agree that it is usually better to keep your rigid beliefs to a minimum. That is not to say you mustn't believe in anything, just that you should choose your beliefs carefully. And if you find that you have outworn some of your beliefs like an old pair of shoes or a coat that no longer fits, you can easily discard them. Your beliefs are not you, any more than your pant size is you. Throwing away those beliefs that may be working against your best interests is the key to success.So how do you differentiate between actual knowledge and your beliefs? Although sometimes challenging to do so, you can figure out the distinction between your beliefs and your knowledge with a little examination.
It is just a belief if you don't have enough facts to justify your conclusion. Voting in an election is a great example of just how many people make up their minds without really studying the facts. If you said, "I voted for Candidate X because she is a great leader," that is a belief you're stating, and not necessarily knowledge. What makes her a great leader? Can you cite some concrete examples? If you can't come up with valid proof for your statement, it's just a belief.
It is just a belief if it demeans you or others based on a judgment. Erroneous stereotypes about different groups of people fall into this category. Believing all young people are hoodlums or all older people are cantankerous are examples of throwing members of a group into the same proverbial pot.
Eliminating negative beliefs about yourself is important as well. If you say, "I'm so stupid that I can't get a better job," you are stating a belief. Maybe you had relatives tell you that you'd never amount to anything, so you believe you aren't capable of accomplishing your goals. The truth may be completely the opposite of what you believe!
It is just a belief if you aren't willing to look at both sides of an issue. Just seeing one side of the equation because it's what you want to believe is not the way to examine an issue for its truth. If you research a topic completely, you'll listen to experts on both sides, not just the one you agree with. Remain unbiased as you examine the facts on any subject. Keeping your emotions out of the mix will help you to determine whether your conclusion is based on knowledge or belief.
Now you have a few tips on getting rid of those rigid beliefs, stereotypes, and biases. If you unload a few of your inflexible beliefs, your shoulders may feel a lot lighter as a result.
© Kathy Sanborn
Life Channels Staff Writer
All Rights Reserved
