In this engaging conversation, Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa, an expert in mindset change and personal development, dives into the origins of beliefs and how they shape our identities. She emphasizes the necessity of critically reflecting on our convictions for personal authenticity. The discussion covers the power of beliefs in contexts like religion and entrepreneurship, and explores mental health insights relating to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Listeners are encouraged to challenge their beliefs to foster growth and transformation.
Beliefs act as anchors in our lives, guiding our decision-making, yet can be hazardous when accepted blindly without critical examination.
Challenging and questioning one's beliefs fosters personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself, promoting greater empathy for differing perspectives.
Deep dives
The Nature of Beliefs
Beliefs serve as anchors that help guide individuals in their lives, creating a framework for decision-making and understanding the world. However, relying too heavily on these beliefs can lead to danger, especially when they are embraced blindly or without critical questioning. The speaker reflects on personal experiences, explaining how many beliefs were instilled in him during a staunch religious upbringing, where questioning was often deemed blasphemous. This past experience has shaped his current view, which prioritizes examining and understanding beliefs rather than simply accepting them as absolutes.
Questioning Personal Beliefs
A strong emphasis is placed on the importance of questioning one's own beliefs to ensure they are truly held and not just adopted from external influences. The speaker encourages the evaluation of whether beliefs would still be upheld if respected individuals in one’s life abandoned them for opposing views. This introspective practice can reveal whether beliefs are authentic and personally owned or merely inherited from societal or familial pressures. Challenging deeply held beliefs can lead to growth and a better understanding of oneself, fostering a healthier mindset.
Belief Testing and Openness
The speaker advocates for the idea of testing beliefs similar to how products are put through rigorous evaluations to ensure their effectiveness. He shares how a past experience of idolizing entrepreneurship led him to equate self-employment with personal worth, which he later recognized as an unhealthy attachment. By welcoming the examination and critique of his beliefs, he forms a more confident and resilient outlook on life. Learning to consider opposing perspectives is not only a means of strengthening one’s beliefs but also promotes empathy and understanding for differing viewpoints.
In my talk a few episodes ago with Alexis Fernandez-Prieksa on changing our mindset we discussed the issue of our beliefs, which is a big topic for me. On one hand, we want things to believe in, as it helps guide and anchor our lives. But on the other hand, I feel beliefs can be incredibly dangerous when we aren’t fully clear and aware of why we have them, why, and if we hold on to them blindly. This isn’t a discourse on religion or theology, but a look at considering our mindset.
Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/kevin
Go to shipstation.com and use code KEVIN to sign up for your FREE 60-day trial.