Build a Sharp Toolkit of Beliefs
Why You Want a Toolkit, Not a Manifesto
Beliefs, in their essence, are malleable—each one acting as a unique lens through which we perceive and interpret the world.
Our natural inclination is to identify patterns that reinforce our pre-existing beliefs. The more entrenched these beliefs become, the more they obscure any information that might challenge them.
The initial step in addressing this is to acknowledge that our worldview is inherently shaped by our beliefs. This step is profoundly challenging, requiring a division between the self that generates thoughts and the self that observes them.
Next, it's crucial to recognize that beliefs are like clothing; they can be donned or discarded at will. We possess the agency to retain what benefits us and shed what doesn't.
Just as a new outfit can alter our emotional state, adopting a new belief can alter our perspective on life. Beliefs, when chosen wisely, become tools suited to the different phases of our journey.
However, we often conflate beliefs with absolute truth. Yet, more frequently, they become rigid constraints that hinder our growth, causing us to ossify rather than evolve.
Remember you can always new outfits for a spin around town and just notice how they make you feel.