Listen and update your opinions

The Black Lives Matter campaigns are triggering many of us to think differently, and this is a positive thing.

It is important that we regularly look at our beliefs and ideals to make sure they continue to steer us in the direction we want. But it’s actually harder than it sounds. When we’re presented with new information, our mind has lots of tricks up its sleeve to resist.

We filter information based on our existing values and beliefs. So if we hear information that doesn’t ‘fit’ our idea of the world, we’re even more likely to delete, distort or generalise it away.

Above: www.ohhappydani.com

We convince ourselves that our system is safe and the threat to our understanding of the world then dissolves. But what if we do want to change our minds? 

What if we see evidence that our old beliefs need an upgrade? I’m certainly changing my view of the world as a result of the information I’ve gathered to educate myself on race. So how do we shift our perspective when we know our mind is going to fight us?

Step 1 - acknowledge your resistance. Know that your mind will come up with a load of reasons why the new information isn’t true. Be aware that this is happening.

Step 2 - consciously interrupt your autopilot that wants to ignore/ short circuit that information. Pause. Choose to accept it. Consider how accepting information vs. arguing with it will help you.

Step 3 - normalise changing your opinion as a result of new information. E.g. practice.
Put yourself in learning environments more often where you naturally have more of a growth mindset and are expecting to absorb new information.

This means we can better educate ourselves, consider different perspectives and use these insights to drive us to take different, better actions that support our communities. I’m interested to hear your examples of information you’ve rebelled against and then chosen to accept and respond to.

P.S.  When our belief system is questioned (e.g. if we thought everyone was treated equally and then see evidence that we're not), it can reject/ excuse away new information. If you want to learn, absorb new information and act differently, take these steps to start rewiring your mind in a positive way.

P.P.S.  There's 2 ways you can currently work with me: 1) a 2 hour breakthrough NLP session or 2) a 4 session coaching programme over 2 months. All phone based. When you're ready, hit reply and we'll agree which approach best serves your goal.