Have you considered that your core thoughts, beliefs, and world view have much to do with how you handle the stresses of life? Roman Stoic philosophers such as Epictetus believed that the ability to develop a self reflective attitude to life as well as to examine your thoughts toward events could lead you to a hardiness in dealing with the stresses, uncertainties, and challenges of life. Epictetus argued that events in themselves do not cause you to feel stressed but rather it is your thoughts about them. This actually is the foundation of modern cognitive psychology and therapy.
So when was the last time you asked yourself what are your core beliefs and worldview? What are your values regarding key areas such as work, family, love, money, spirituality, among others? How important to you is kindness, serving others, etc.? How do your answers influence your work and personal life? Psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Beck, the father of modern cognitive therapy, says that there is a triad of worldviews contributing to your relative optimism or pessimism as well as your resilience to stress:
- What is your view of yourself? Do you think of yourself as more good than bad, more competent than incompetent, more likeable than unlikeable? You get the idea.
- What is your view of others? Ask yourself some of the same questions but about other people.
- What is your view of the world? Is it a friendly place? Is it a fearful or dangerous place and why?
Attaining greater clarity on your view of self, the world, others, and your worldview helps you develop resilience in the face of life's challenges. This has been known by philosophers for centuries. I'm sure you've heard of Socrates imperative to "Know Thyself". This reminds us to stop and reflect on our purpose and mission in life as well as the strategies we use to attain our goals consistent with our philosophy.
Are you aware that what you think affects your brain for good or bad? As a neuropsychologist, I can tell you that self reflection stimulates areas of the frontal lobes of your brain that contribute potentially to calmness and tranquility. In fact, when you meditate, you ignite the brain's anterior cingulate cortex. This area connects to brain regions linked to emotion and decision making. In cognitive psychology, a major means to reduce stress is to use self-reflection to appraise or evaluate an event as more of a challenge than a threat to you. By doing so, you have reduced the likelihood you will feel overwhelmned and/or engage in anxious behavior.
In my own work with clients, I spend considerable time inquiring about their core values, beliefs, and goals. It is only in knowing about those three areas that I have a platform on which to help them devise strategies to assist themselves. If they complain of feeling depressed and frustrated, value family over work, yet spend all their time at work and not with family, then reflection on values priorities is key. I have had much success in coaching clients with such an approach.
So what are the key values, goals, and beliefs you hold? If you are not sure, then when might be the right time to examine these? How about now?
Dr. Paul Longobardi
If you need help doing this, contact me through my website at www.successandmindset.com as well as find more information on these issues.