The Practice of Examining Our Beliefs
Our underlying beliefs can keep us from growth and transformation, stuck in old habits and thoughts. Are you willing to let them go?A practice I greatly value in my life is one that I call “examining beliefs.” Engaging in the practice regularly can be transformative.Let’s say you want to do something new but feel stuck. You might be procrastinating or feel bound by an old habit. One way to break free is by discovering the thought, assumption, or belief that causes you the action (or inaction) you want to change.The belief follows the “because”: I don’t want to do this because “I’m going to do a bad job.”I’m dreading doing this because “it will be boring.”I don’t want to do this because “it will be hard and uncomfortable.”As you might expect, these beliefs don’t help you to achieve your goals.You might also examine beliefs that cause you to be frustrated with or resentful of someone: They shouldn’t behave that way.They don’t love or respect me.They don’t support me.These beliefs, often unfounded, can cause you to feel unhappy with other people.Once you uncover the underlying belief, what do you do? Examine it and, once it’s fully understood, practice letting it go. How to Examine a BeliefIf uncovering the belief that is holding you back or making you unhappy is eluding you, have a conversation with someone who can help you see what you can’t see—a friend, coworker, or family member.Once you’ve uncovered the belief, ask yourself three questions:1. How Does the Belief Affect My Life?Get clear on what effects this belief has on you. Does your belief inspire action and support your intentions, or does it cause avoidance, the finding of faults, or frustration? If you think something will be boring, you are more likely to see it, and experience it, through the lens of your belief.2. Is the Belief Based on Truth?Think about it—and if your answer is, “Yes, it’s true,” then ask, “Am I absolutely sure it’s true?” The idea is to question the absolute truth of the belief. If we can find a possibility that it’s not true, we can begin to consider letting it go.3. How Would Life Be Different Without the Belief?Imagine what it would feel like if you didn’t have this belief. Can you imagine it? If so, what you’re experiencing is a moment of freedom.4. Do I Want to Let It Go?Once you’ve examined your belief, consider whether you are willing to let it go. The Practice of Letting Go1. Notice when you are being influenced by the belief. Is it operating on you? If you’re frustrated with someone or avoiding something—it is. Notice that it’s happening.Related Stories10/28/20242. Ask yourself what it would be like without the belief. Imagine you could wave your hand and “poof!” the belief would disappear. Imagine you are free right now. You might already feel more peaceful and liberated.3. Take action. Harness that feeling of freedom and integrate it into the “something new” you want for yourself.As a regular practice, examining and releasing old beliefs can transform your life.
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Our underlying beliefs can keep us from growth and transformation, stuck in old habits and thoughts. Are you willing to let them go?
A practice I greatly value in my life is one that I call “examining beliefs.” Engaging in the practice regularly can be transformative.
Let’s say you want to do something new but feel stuck. You might be procrastinating or feel bound by an old habit. One way to break free is by discovering the thought, assumption, or belief that causes you the action (or inaction) you want to change.
The belief follows the “because”:
- I don’t want to do this because “I’m going to do a bad job.”
- I’m dreading doing this because “it will be boring.”
- I don’t want to do this because “it will be hard and uncomfortable.”
You might also examine beliefs that cause you to be frustrated with or resentful of someone:
- They shouldn’t behave that way.
- They don’t love or respect me.
- They don’t support me.
Once you uncover the underlying belief, what do you do? Examine it and, once it’s fully understood, practice letting it go.
.
How to Examine a Belief
If uncovering the belief that is holding you back or making you unhappy is eluding you, have a conversation with someone who can help you see what you can’t see—a friend, coworker, or family member.Once you’ve uncovered the belief, ask yourself three questions:
1. How Does the Belief Affect My Life?
Get clear on what effects this belief has on you. Does your belief inspire action and support your intentions, or does it cause avoidance, the finding of faults, or frustration? If you think something will be boring, you are more likely to see it, and experience it, through the lens of your belief.2. Is the Belief Based on Truth?
Think about it—and if your answer is, “Yes, it’s true,” then ask, “Am I absolutely sure it’s true?” The idea is to question the absolute truth of the belief. If we can find a possibility that it’s not true, we can begin to consider letting it go.3. How Would Life Be Different Without the Belief?
Imagine what it would feel like if you didn’t have this belief. Can you imagine it? If so, what you’re experiencing is a moment of freedom.4. Do I Want to Let It Go?
Once you’ve examined your belief, consider whether you are willing to let it go..
The Practice of Letting Go
1. Notice when you are being influenced by the belief. Is it operating on you? If you’re frustrated with someone or avoiding something—it is. Notice that it’s happening.2. Ask yourself what it would be like without the belief. Imagine you could wave your hand and “poof!” the belief would disappear. Imagine you are free right now. You might already feel more peaceful and liberated.
3. Take action. Harness that feeling of freedom and integrate it into the “something new” you want for yourself.
As a regular practice, examining and releasing old beliefs can transform your life.
.
