All Psyched Up: Beliefs

By Linda Hancock on January 4, 2025.

There is an interesting story about a woman who went to the butcher and asked for a ten-pound roast with two inches cut off the end of it. The butcher asked her why she wanted this and was surprised when she said, “That’s what my mother asks for when she wants beef.”

The woman became curious about the butcher’s question and subsequently asked her mother why this was her about this. She was surprised to hear the mother say, “That’s what my mother does.”

The two women then went to grandma to ask about the strange practice. Grandma stated, “My roaster is too small for a ten-pound roast.”

Often, we do things without questioning why we do them.

Reginald Bibby, author of “Fragmented Gods” studied people’s religious practices in Canada for several decades. He found out that many non-churched people, when asked about their faith, name the denomination of their parents or grandparents.

Many people vote in elections for parties that their family supports when they don’t know the issues or policies at the time.

Children might cheer for the sports team of their parents or want clothing and toys that their friends also want. They also can be strongly influenced by marketing and internet promotions.

It is important that we know what we believe and why we believe it. Are we merely taking on the opinions of other people without thought or research?

All beliefs affect and drive our actions. Those who believe in education, for example, often take courses and encourage their children to do well academically. People who are “house proud” will usually keep the lawn manicured and ensure that maintenance is done on their residences.

Unfortunately, some people are so adamant about their beliefs that think that they are the only ones who know “the truth.” Their communications with others can appear to be angry or abusive when their determination is not just to educate but also to ensure that the other person “wakes up” and agrees with them.

Think about how many relationships were harmed during the pandemic because people had opposing views about how to deal with issues. Unfortunately, some families disagreed to the point that it fractured their ability to get along with each other for months or even years.

The recent political situation in the United States is also an example of different perspectives and ideas can lead to heated discussions and relationship problems. I keep reminding those who get worked up about this that we are Canadians! There are so many things to think about in our country that perhaps it isn’t worth while to let your day be ruined by differing opinions and situations that we cannot change.

As we start a new year, I think it is important that we examine our beliefs systems. Where did we get the ideas, values and perspectives that we cling to? Are we open to new information and willing to change our opinions if appropriate? Why do we do the things we do? Are there beliefs that fuel bad choices?

Time to think about the butcher and those who just kept doing things because that is the way that others did them.

New year. New introspection.

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 in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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