Beliefs versus Facts

Why are so many people unhealthy, unhappy, and financially distressed?  I think because they are not aware of the distinction between beliefs and facts.

A single guy moves to Detroit.  He goes to a nightclub and asks a girl to dance.  She looks him up and down, and says, “With you?  I don’t think so.”  He beats a retreat home to nurse his wounds.  A few days later he tries another nightclub, and a different girl.  He gets rejected again.  This is all the “proof” he needs to illustrate the “fact” ladies are stuck up in Detroit.

Another guy moves to Detroit the same week.  He meets the couple in the apartment next door in the elevator, and they invite him over for dinner.  A few days later his car breaks down and a passing motorist stops to offer him assistance.  He becomes convinced of the “fact” that people in Detroit are friendly and welcoming.

So which guy knows the truth?

Well in each case, it is the truth as they know it.  But in neither case is it a fact.  Both guys have developed a belief.  One has a belief that serves him, the other does not.  Each will probably attract more of what he expects, and each will likely fall prey to confirmation bias, finding continuing “evidence” to support his belief.  Which leads us to a couple of fascinating and perhaps liberating questions…

What beliefs have you accepted as facts?  And is that serving you?

-RG