Mind, Body and Inner-self

Persistence

Begins with the will to go on regardless of the situation. (Once the fire is lit this is what keeps the flame alive.) Purpose and desire must fuel persistence. It’s saying “yes” when opposition is saying “no.” Persistence is the drive that keeps things moving. You may ask yourself, “How is our thinking molded? It is molded at birth and through our belief system.

Belief System

Belief is the most important and difficult thing to understand. I will clarify a few important factors. We all have our own definition of what belief is.

How would you define belief? Is it how one thinks? Or is it one’s feelings about things? Thorndyke & Barnhart Student Dictionary describes it as, “ Things believed; what is held to be true or real; opinion.”

So, if we examined what is held to be true or real,” does this mean that just because a person expresses an opinion, it is automatically true? If a group of people express their opinions, does this mean they are right?

You see, belief is relative to the person’s experiences, education and social conditioning. These experiences compound through time validating his/her belief on how they view things.

Believe me, there are numerous belief systems out there ranging from religions, style of living, political issues, crime, punishment, diets and life.  The belief system is a network of age, experiences, social conditioning and habits. Our belief system is the brain of all of our actions. Test this if you will.

Make a decision about something. Was it based on your belief about the subject? Or did you relate it to your experiences and education? Either one still leads to your “belief network.”

Let’s examine different groups of people.  (Caucasian, Afro‑ American, Italian, rich and poor) Every one of these groups has a belief system they follow. All who participate in them become a part of that group and belief system.

We all choose our friends and acquaintances through our belief system. Remember that old saying, “birds of a feather flock together.” Well folks, that is true.”

You may be thinking where am I going with this? The point is, if we can create a belief system we can change it too. We are what we believe and our actions demonstrate it every day.

How do we change our belief system? First, you have to want to. Second, you must have a purpose, desire and persistence to do so. Remember you’re not trying to change all of your beliefs in one day. (So don’t worry about it)

Every small change you make will lead to a greater change later on. Don’t rush, punish or blame yourself for immediate errors. (Stay on your path) Remember, purpose, desire and persistence will help you through.

Let’s begin. First ask yourself this question,” Why do I want to change this habit?” This will establish your “purpose.” Second, What do I want to achieve from this habit change?” This will give you a short- term goal. Third, “What will I get in return if I make this change?” (Of course, this will give you your benefit.)

In addition to a benefit, exchange a habit you are trying to change with a meaningful one. For example: you want to stop smoking. You quit smoking and start exercising, walking or socializing.

What you have done here is halted a pattern of an old action. The new actions take the energy and time the other habit used. You will be less likely to go back to the old habit if you stick with the new habit. You may say, “I’m comfortable and do not want to change.”