We do what we do because we believe what we believe.
We all believe things we can’t prove. Beliefs are a loaded topic. Many of us can get hot when we discover that another person believes the opposite of what we are convinced of. Please read gently. My goal and hope is to benefit or bless you and others who perceive the world differently.
There are three ways beliefs affect the way we think and act.
Our Beliefs Filter Our Perceptions
Beliefs are a lens we use to interpret the world around us. They can lead us to prioritize information that confirms our beliefs and dismiss or downplay information that contradicts them. This is so common we have a name for it—confirmation bias.
For example, if you believe that one political party is inherently corrupt, you are more likely to remember news stories that reinforce your belief. Social media create echo chambers where our beliefs are constantly reinforced, so it is challenging to objectively evaluate new information or consider alternative perspectives.
Here’s how the process works in the brain, according to a journal paper by a group of Indian scientists.
“The sensory inputs we receive from the environment undergo a filtering process as they travel across one or more synapses, ultimately reaching the area of higher processing, like the frontal lobes. There, the sensory information enters our conscious awareness. What portion of this sensory information enters is determined by our beliefs.”
Our Beliefs Drive Our Behavior
There is a strong link between beliefs and actions. Our beliefs guide our decision-making processes, influence our goals, and shape our behavior.
Here’s an example you’re probably familiar with. There are two fundamental beliefs about how to succeed. Some people believe that success is a matter of luck. Others believe that success comes from working hard, setting goals, et cetera. Which group is more likely to plan their day, show up early, and stay until the work is done?
Our Beliefs Can Limit Our Ability To Trust
Trust is essential in life and business. Things go better with trust. Consider these examples of how your beliefs can affect whom you trust and how much you trust them.
Many believe things like, “People always let you down” or “I can’t trust anyone.” Some believe that “If I let myself be vulnerable, I will get hurt.” Others have what psychologists call “high general trust.” They believe that most people are trustworthy. If you believe others are untrustworthy, you may act in ways that push people away, but if you believe most people can be trusted, you’re more likely to establish a trusting relationship from the beginning.
Daily, we make important decisions without perfect information. We don’t know what we don’t know. We must fall back on our beliefs, knowing that they filter our perceptions, drive our behavior, and can limit our ability to trust.
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What’s your experience? Can you recall a time when your beliefs worked against you?