All Psyched Up: Beliefs influence behaviours
By DR. LINDA HANCOCK on October 30, 2021.
Most of us have heard the story of Chicken Little. An acorn fell on his head and without any research he assumed that the sky was falling. As a result, he decided to go and tell the King. During his travels he met Ducky Lucky, Henny Penny and Goosey Lucy who were all easily convinced to go with him. None of them did research or even questioned Chicken Little before jumping onto the idea that they should accompany Chicken Little in his quest. So often in life, I have noticed that people just believe what they are told and then take action that leads to negative consequences. They don’t consider the fact that they might have been given information that isn’t accurate. What do you believe? Are you taking action based on beliefs that are false? Are you suffering consequences because of this? Here are some of the consequences that I have witnessed in people who hold false beliefs: • Worry – When you believe that negative things are going to happen without solid evidence, you can easily slip into a state of anxiety. Even if it is not rational, you hear yourself saying “But what if…” and arguing that you might be right. Your conversation is filled with what you don’t want instead of what you have or truly do want. Your thoughts are focused on the possibility that you will suffer something that might not even be possible or rational. The result is loss of sleep and days that are filled with fear. • Depression – Low mood is often the result of thinking about things in the past that you cannot change. You might feel shame for something that you said or did and the interesting thing is that you might be the only one who even remembers this! Yet you hold onto the idea that you were wrong and believe that you should have done things differently. Not forgiving yourself and letting go means that you daily punish yourself and block blessings. • Over-inflated responsibility – Each of us has free will as well as power and control over our own life. Some people, however, have been guilted or forced into looking after others when they should be doing things for themselves. The belief is “I am not valuable or lovable unless I do what others tell me to do.” The result: You focus on others and neglect the things you need to do for yourself. • Helplessness – If you believe the world is in such chaos that you (and the rest of us) are doomed, you might give up all efforts to make a difference. Those with a “victim’s mentality,” tend to adopt passivity and negativity. They then often wonder why others avoid them. Since the pandemic began, I have often thought that the biggest enemy we have been facing is fear. People fear for their health, careers, relationships, finances or future. Those who forget that our world has survived environmental, political, racial, financial and conflictual problems in the past, easily slide into the idea that today is the worst it has ever been, and the future is bleak. On the other hand, those who believe we need to live one day at a time and trust that good will overcome evil, tend to enjoy better mental health. I’m not talking about being naïve though. We need to be awake enough to know what is going on in the world but manage the information so that we do not become toxic or ill. Are you living like Chicken Little who: • Assumed a false idea was true without research • Impulsively ran off while leaving his life and daily tasks behind • Trusted the King to be able to stop the sky from falling further • Convinced his friends who trusted him to believe a falsehood • Became well known for his foolishness? Or are you someone who lives each day focusing on the tasks before you and caring for friends and family with love? Are you trusting that the world will dig for truth and find creative solutions to resolve our problems? And do you face tomorrow with hope and faith strongly believing that we will be stronger because of the struggle? I think the answer starts with examining the beliefs that are driving your behaviours. Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice. Visit http://www.LindaHancock.com or email her at office@drlindahancock.com. 22-21
