Join clinical psychologist Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, who specializes in helping individuals reshape long-held beliefs. She discusses the powerful role of affirmations in transforming self-perception and how to leverage confirmation bias effectively. Natalie offers a structured approach for turning intentions into actionable steps to promote real change. Discover how realistic affirmations can foster authentic growth and embrace the journey of becoming the person you aspire to be!
Confirmation bias influences self-perception, making it crucial to actively challenge negative beliefs through realistic affirmations and supportive actions.
To foster personal growth, individuals should frame affirmations that acknowledge current limits while outlining specific steps toward their desired identity.
Deep dives
Understanding Confirmation Bias in Self-Perception
Confirmation bias plays a significant role in shaping self-perception, as individuals tend to interpret experiences in a way that reinforces their existing beliefs. This bias means that when someone believes they are unworthy or incapable, they predominantly focus on past experiences that support these negative views, ignoring instances that suggest otherwise. For example, someone might recall all the times they failed to prioritize self-care while overlooking moments when they did commit to positive actions. This psychological tendency can perpetuate negative self-beliefs unless actively challenged and reframed through affirmations.
The Process of Changing Self-Beliefs
To effectively change ingrained beliefs, it is essential to frame affirmations that are realistic and resonate with personal goals. Starting from a place of honesty allows individuals to assert, 'I want to be' instead of 'I am,' which acknowledges the current reality while aspiring for growth. For instance, someone might express the desire to be a person who practices self-care regularly, laying out specific actions to support this new identity, such as scheduling yoga classes or social walks. By taking meaningful actions that align with these affirmations, individuals create a foundation of experiences that reinforce their evolving self-beliefs.
The Importance of Realism and Persistence in Affirmations
Affirmations should be grounded in realism to avoid potential negative consequences, such as believing in safety when in unsafe situations. Success with affirmations often correlates with an individual's motivation and the emotional rewards they experience from their efforts, reinforcing positive behavior changes. Consistency in applying affirmations and engaging in supportive actions is crucial for long-term transformation, as behavior changes are not typically immediate. Ultimately, individuals need to believe that their affirmations are making a difference in their lives to maintain their commitment to personal growth.
Humans have a tendency to interpret information and experiences in ways that support our existing beliefs. Host Cristina Quinn returns to clinical psychologist Natalie Dattilo-Ryan to understand how you can change long-held beliefs by using confirmation bias in your favor. Datillo-Ryan explains how to identify a belief about the type of person you want to be and then figure out steps you can take to support that goal.
For more on how to make affirmations work for you, read this from The Post’s Allyson Chiu.