Saturday, June 2, 2007

Beliefs and Values

Beliefs are our perception of the universe and our place in it. It is our pair of glasses that we don to view events and things and determines what we pay attention to or ignore and they are totally subjective.

To put it another way it is our choice of beliefs that makes sense of our universe to us by explaining our experiences and what we see and know. If we choose to see the universe as a dark and hostile place; then, it is. We are always looking out for and protecting our self-interests.

This is a primary focus of a lot of self-help programs to putting you on track for your "quality" life that you deserve and can have with their program. Change your beliefs (perceptions); especially limiting ones, and you are on your way. Is it that simple?

We have two people who are offered a chance to accept a new job that will give them more opportunity, more money, and more things but it will mean almost no time for their family.

How did they make the choice? One person accepts and one person declines. Does the one declining have some limiting belief holding them back? Not necessarily.

One person defined the value of the new job as providing for the family in an economic sense and a necessary sacrifice in spending time with the family. The other declined by defining the value for the family as being involved and spending quality time with them.

Our beliefs affect how we see things but it is our values that choose for us.

9 conversations:

Anonymous said...

It's so funny that you mention this, Peter. I am considering taking a job in the academic realm, and walking away from the corporate world. It will be a lateral move in terms of salary right now, but will not offer anywhere near the same fiduciary benefits down the road. The only reason I am hesitant is that I'm not sure I can afford to make the change financially. ...but, honestly, how can I not make the move - when I consider the things that I most value in life. Just a glimpse into my thought processes these days... :)

Peter Haslam said...

it is funny as todays post is about choices. I would be interested in your comments on it hollygl

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

not so fast there my friend. go read today's post about daughter number one and you might see that both can be attained, just takes more hard work!

smiles, bee

Sandee said...

Correct our values always makes our choices for us. It guides us into the right choices I believe. They fit what we are. Yep, that's what I believe.

Peter Haslam said...

Somehow I knew you would agree with this Sandee

Peter Haslam said...

Thank you Bee for your comment. Your post does point out that your daughter and her husband have worked out a way to accomplish both

Jennifer Jones said...

Hi Peter...

What strikes me from your thoughts is that because we may make a particular choice based on our values and beliefs, doesn't mean it is the right choice for others who may have different values and beliefs...

The whole thing about judging.. ya know?

Thanks for this Peter...

Jen

Peter Haslam said...

good contribution to the conversation jennifer. It also references that everything is subjective when looking at decisions that affect values

Anonymous said...

Beliefs and Values is such a vast, interesting and powerful topic. I wrote several articles about beliefs and values on my blog. If you have time check them out. I love discussing these things.