Don't Be A Blind Believer

Don't Be A Blind Believer

“You gotta stay one step ahead of the competition.”
I heard this on a news broadcast in reference to the fight against crime.

Have you ever asked “why” to this saying? It is a very common saying we have here in America. But why do we say it? Why do we sit by, passively accepting this saying? These statements can be called blind beliefs.

What if you heard people say, “You gotta stay one step behind your competition.” Or, “You should stay 27 steps ahead of the competition.” Or even better yet, “Lets walk together with our competitors.” Would you laugh? Brush it off in disbelief? How would that change your perspective? It certainly changes mine.

Now, although this is an interesting topic to ponder, the underlying issue is our amazing ability to blindly accept most of what we hear.

“Slow and steady wins the race.”

What other sayings are coming to your mind?
Do you accept them? Allow yourself to change them to better fit your life

Once you begin to question your blind beliefs, you add power to your life. You have the ability to control every detail of your belief system. You may not have had parents who encouraged and rewarded this way of thinking, but there is no real reason that you cannot begin to ask “why” to things in your life today. Why do you believe this? Why do you believe that? Why do you blindly believe?

Try these two exercises to evaluate and change your blind beliefs...

1.For every saying you hear or that passes through your mind, write it down. Then, write the opposite of it. Then, say it to yourself – out loud. Notice what happens to your mood. Did you chuckle? “Slow and steady wins the race” = “Fast and wobbly wins the race.” Or, “Slow and steady lose the race.” I'm not saying you have to believe the newly written saying, just notice how you feel after you say it – out loud. You may even try saying the newly written saying to a friend, in conversation...let me know how it goes!
2.Take one hour of one day this week, and ask yourself “Why?” at the end of each thought. This one may be a little more challenging, but just as broadening. It will help you hold yourself accountable to your thoughts – which is who you are. Just see what happens...a shift in thinking? A sense of disheveled identity? A confirmation of integrity?

Remember, you can choose what you believe. All your beliefs are woven together to create a beautiful living canvas...make it what you want!