Why do you believe in your beliefs?
Joseph O'Connor
Founder, Neuroscience Coaching Centre - Taking Coaches to the Next Level
Ask anyone that question in a discussion and they would probably answer, ‘Because they’re
true!’
Why else?
Of course we could get picky and ask, ‘Why do you believe they’re true?’
You would probably get an answer based on facts and opinions they have read or heard
about, experiences they have had and how they feel about the issue.
Anyone in an argument, negotiation, coaching or therapy session is going to be talking
about beliefs – they are what make us do what we do.
They are the only things we can influence.
So it’s kind of important we understand them.
Ever tried arguing someone out of a belief?
Works about 0.01% of the time.
So why is it the first (and sometimes the only) approach we take?
There was a fascinating article in the Neuroscience News Newsletter last week
New Model for Predicting Belief Change - Neuroscience News
It had two conclusions.
1. Someone who is uncertain of their belief is more likely to change in response to new
information.
2. The change can go either way – they are quite likely to become more certain of their idea
with the new information.
Makes sense. People may double down on their idea in an argument.
Here’s the takeaway – we argue for our ideas because they are ours. They’re personal.
It may look like the argument is all about the facts out there and whether they support you
or not, but really, it’s about whether you are right in believing. That’s emotional, not logical.
So how do we form our beliefs and mental models?
And how do we change them?
Here’s the good news - join a free webinar Wednesday 7 th September
‘How not to believe six impossible things before breakfast’
More to follow…
Cheers
Joseph
Highly recommended.