Latest news with #beliefs
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
15 Weird Beliefs People Have About Themselves That Are Quietly Ruining Their Life
We all have beliefs that shape our lives, guiding our decisions and influencing how we interact with the world. Yet some of these beliefs, especially those about ourselves, can act like invisible barriers, holding us back in ways we rarely suspect. You might feel like you're doing everything right, yet wonder why you're not progressing as expected. Some hidden beliefs are likely at play, and recognizing them is the first step toward breaking free. Here are 15 such beliefs that may be secretly sabotaging your success. 1. I'll Never Be Good Enough The "I'm not good enough" belief can be paralyzing, impacting how you approach opportunities and challenges. When you internalize this, you might hesitate to pursue new ventures or even underestimate your value at work. This belief often stems from childhood experiences or past failures that have left a lasting impression. According to psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, developing a growth mindset—believing your abilities can be developed through hard work—can help counteract this self-limiting belief. By embracing the idea that you can improve, you'll find more courage to tackle new challenges. When you believe you're not good enough, it can also seep into your personal relationships. You might hold back from expressing your true feelings or needs, fearing rejection or misunderstanding. This emotional restraint can create misunderstandings, leading to strained relationships. Moreover, the cycle perpetuates as you internalize these interactions as validation of your perceived inadequacy. Challenging this belief requires conscious effort and often, a supportive social circle that reinforces your worth. 2. I Need Everything To Be Perfect Perfectionism is a double-edged sword that might push you to excel but also trap you in a cycle of unrealistic standards. When you believe you must be perfect, every mistake feels like a personal failure, and that can be exhausting. This mindset can prevent you from taking risks because you fear the chances of falling short. The pursuit of perfection often leads to procrastination, as you wait for the 'perfect' moment or plan. In reality, perfection is an illusion, and striving for it can limit your potential for growth. In your personal life, the need for perfection can drive a wedge between you and the people you love. You might hold yourself and others to impossible standards, leading to disappointment and frustration all around. This belief can also affect your mental health, causing anxiety and burnout. It's crucial to remind yourself that imperfection is part of being human and that it's okay to make mistakes. Embracing your flaws can lead to more authentic connections and a healthier self-image. 3. I Think Success Is For Other People Believing that success is for other people can be a significant roadblock in your journey toward achieving your goals. This belief often stems from comparing yourself to others who seem to have it all figured out. However, the idea that success is not meant for you can stop you from even trying, leading you to settle for mediocrity. According to a study by Dr. Albert Bandura on self-efficacy, believing in your ability to succeed plays a crucial role in how you approach goals. Developing a strong sense of self-belief can help dismantle the notion that success is out of reach for you. In a broader sense, this belief affects your willingness to seize opportunities that come your way. It can create a self-fulfilling prophecy where you don't put in the effort because you've already decided you won't succeed. This mindset also impacts your professional growth, as you might pass up promotions or new roles, convinced you're not the right fit. Challenging this belief involves recognizing and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small. By shifting your focus from others to your own journey, you can redefine what success means to you. 4. I Must Not Deserve Happiness Believing you don't deserve happiness is a powerful way to sabotage your own contentment. This belief might be rooted in guilt or past mistakes, leaving you feeling unworthy of joy or fulfillment. When you think happiness isn't meant for you, you might inadvertently push away things that could bring you joy, like meaningful relationships or rewarding work. This self-sabotage can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction, where your own actions prevent you from finding happiness. Recognizing and addressing this belief is vital for your emotional well-being. In your daily life, thinking you don't deserve happiness can manifest in various ways. You might settle for less than you deserve in relationships or avoid pursuing interests that make you happy. This belief can lead to a life filled with regret and missed opportunities. To counteract this mindset, focus on nurturing self-compassion and challenging the narrative that you're not worthy of a fulfilling life. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who reinforce your worth can also help shift this belief. 5. It's Too Late For Me Feeling like it's too late for you can be a major obstacle to personal growth and fulfillment. This belief often arises from comparing yourself to others who appear to have achieved success earlier in life. However, it's essential to remember that everyone's timeline is different, and success can come at any age. According to research by Dr. Laura Carstensen, older adults often achieve greater emotional satisfaction and life satisfaction, dispelling the myth that it's ever too late to start anew. Embracing the idea that your timing is unique can open up new possibilities. In practical terms, believing it's too late can prevent you from pursuing new dreams or making changes in your life. This mindset can make you feel stuck, leading to complacency and a reluctance to break out of your comfort zone. It can also impact your mental health, causing feelings of despair or resignation. Challenging this belief involves recognizing that life is full of opportunities for growth and that taking action at any stage is worthwhile. Surrounding yourself with stories of late bloomers can inspire you to take the leap. 6. I Have No Control Over My Life Believing that you have no control over your life can leave you feeling powerless and defeated. This mindset often develops when you encounter repeated setbacks or when you're overwhelmed by circumstances beyond your control. However, while you can't control everything, you do have power over your reactions and decisions. Shifting focus from what you can't change to what you can improve allows you to reclaim a sense of agency. This belief transformation is key to feeling more empowered and in charge of your destiny. In day-to-day life, feeling out of control can lead to a passive approach, where you wait for things to happen rather than taking initiative. This belief can also hinder your ability to set and achieve goals, as it fosters a sense of helplessness. To combat this, start by identifying small areas where you can make positive changes and build from there. Recognizing and celebrating these small wins helps build confidence and reinforces your ability to shape your life. Over time, this proactive stance can lead to significant personal and professional growth. 7. I Can't Change Now The belief that you can't change holds you back from personal development and growth. This idea often comes from past experiences where attempts to change didn't lead to immediate results. However, change is a gradual process that requires persistence and effort. According to Dr. James Prochaska's Stages of Change model, transformation is a multi-step journey that includes preparation, action, and maintenance stages. Understanding this can help you approach change with patience and resilience. This belief can affect various aspects of your life, from your career to your personal relationships. When you think change isn't possible, you might resist trying new things, fearing failure or discomfort. This resistance can prevent you from reaching your full potential or finding fulfillment in different areas of your life. Combatting this belief involves adopting a mindset of growth and learning. By focusing on the small, incremental changes you can make daily, you'll gradually build the confidence to embrace larger transformations. 8. I'm Haunted By The Past Believing your past defines you can trap you in a cycle of regret and self-doubt. This mindset often stems from past mistakes or experiences that have left a significant impact on your self-perception. Holding onto these beliefs can prevent you from moving forward and seizing new opportunities. It's essential to recognize that while your past shapes you, it doesn't dictate your future. Letting go of this belief involves acknowledging your past, learning from it, and then consciously deciding to move forward. In relationships, this belief can lead to a fear of vulnerability, as you worry that your past will cause judgment or rejection. This fear can prevent you from forming deep, meaningful connections. Additionally, in your career, clinging to past failures can stop you from taking on new challenges or pursuing different paths. To break free, focus on the lessons learned from past experiences and how they've equipped you for new opportunities. Surrounding yourself with people who accept your past but focus on your present can also help shift this belief. 9. I Have To Do Everything On My Own Thinking you have to do everything on your own can be an exhausting and limiting belief. This mindset often stems from a fear of being perceived as weak or incompetent if you ask for help. However, collaboration and seeking support are critical components of personal and professional success. By trying to shoulder everything alone, you may miss out on valuable insights and support that can propel you forward. Realizing the importance of teamwork and community can help you grow beyond your current limitations. In your personal life, believing you must handle everything yourself can lead to burnout and strained relationships. When you refuse help, you also deny others the opportunity to connect with you through shared experiences and support. This belief can also impact your career, as you might resist delegating tasks, limiting your productivity and growth. Challenging this notion involves recognizing that everyone needs help at times and that seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness. By building a network of support, you'll find more balance and success in all areas of your life. 10. I Shouldn't Make Mistakes The belief that you shouldn't make mistakes can stifle your growth and creativity. This mindset is rooted in the fear of failure and the perception that mistakes are disastrous rather than learning opportunities. When you avoid mistakes at all costs, you also avoid taking risks that could lead to significant advancements. This cautious approach can prevent you from reaching your full potential and discovering new capabilities. Instead, reframing mistakes as stepping stones can open doors to innovation and personal development. In relationships, the fear of making mistakes can lead to overthinking and hesitation to express yourself authentically. This restraint can create barriers to genuine connection and understanding. Professionally, avoiding mistakes might mean passing up opportunities to learn new skills or explore different roles. To break free from this belief, start by acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and that they are an essential part of growth. Embracing a mindset that values learning over perfection can lead to greater resilience and adaptability. 11. I Have To Please Everyone Believing you have to please everyone can be a heavy burden that affects your happiness and self-esteem. This mindset often arises from a desire for approval and fear of conflict or rejection. When you prioritize others' needs over your own, you might lose sight of your own goals and desires. This can lead to burnout and resentment, as you constantly stretch yourself thin to accommodate everyone else. Recognizing that it's impossible to please everyone allows you to focus on your own needs and boundaries. In personal relationships, trying to please everyone can result in inauthentic interactions where you hide your true feelings or opinions. This behavior can create shallow connections that lack depth and mutual understanding. Professionally, the desire to please can lead to overcommitting and taking on tasks that don't align with your career goals. Challenging this belief involves setting clear boundaries and learning to say no when necessary. By prioritizing your own needs, you can build more authentic relationships and a fulfilling career. 12. I'm Not Creative Believing you're not creative can limit your ability to innovate and solve problems in unique ways. This mindset often comes from a narrow definition of creativity as purely artistic talent, ignoring its broader applications. Creativity is about thinking outside the box and finding new approaches to challenges, something that everyone is capable of to some degree. By dismissing your creative potential, you might miss opportunities to contribute innovative ideas in your personal and professional life. Expanding your understanding of creativity can open up new avenues for growth and success. In your daily life, labeling yourself as "not creative" can prevent you from exploring new hobbies or trying different approaches to everyday tasks. This belief can also impact your career, where creative problem-solving can lead to breakthroughs and advancements. To counteract this mindset, start by exploring activities that challenge your creativity, whether it's brainstorming sessions, creative writing, or even cooking. By practicing creativity in small ways, you'll gradually build confidence in your ability to think creatively. Over time, this shift can lead to greater innovation and adaptability in all areas of your life. 13. I Can't Trust Anyone Believing you can't trust anyone can be a significant barrier to forming meaningful relationships. This mindset often stems from past betrayals or disappointments that have left emotional scars. While it's natural to be cautious, a lack of trust can lead to isolation and loneliness, preventing you from enjoying genuine connections. When you don't trust others, you might also struggle to delegate or collaborate, hindering both personal and professional growth. Learning to rebuild trust gradually can enhance your relationships and overall well-being. In your personal life, a lack of trust can lead to constant suspicion and misunderstanding, creating tension and conflict. This belief can also make it difficult to open up to others, leaving you feeling disconnected and alone. In your career, not trusting colleagues or supervisors can lead to an inability to work effectively in teams or embrace new opportunities. Challenging this belief involves taking small steps to build trust with those around you, starting with low-stakes situations. By fostering trust incrementally, you can develop stronger connections and a more supportive network. 14. I Need To Be In Control The belief that you need to be in control can be a significant source of stress and frustration. This mindset often arises from a fear of uncertainty and a desire for predictability in life. However, trying to control every aspect of your life can be exhausting and counterproductive. When you hold onto control too tightly, you might miss out on spontaneous opportunities and experiences. Learning to let go and embrace uncertainty can lead to greater resilience and adaptability. In personal relationships, the need to control can create tension and conflict, as others may feel stifled or micromanaged. This belief can also impact your career, where flexibility and adaptability are often crucial to success. To challenge this mindset, practice accepting that some things are beyond your control and focus on how you respond to situations instead. Cultivating a sense of trust in yourself and others can help you navigate uncertainty with confidence. By letting go of the need for control, you'll open yourself up to new possibilities and experiences. 15. I Have To Keep Striving At All Costs Believing that your worth is tied to your achievements can lead to a cycle of constant striving and dissatisfaction. This mindset often develops from societal pressures and the need for external validation. When you equate your self-worth with your accomplishments, any setback can feel like a personal failure. This belief can drive you to overwork yourself, neglecting your personal life and well-being in the pursuit of success. Recognizing that your value extends beyond your achievements is crucial for a balanced and fulfilling life. In personal relationships, this belief can lead you to prioritize work over meaningful connections, causing strain and distance. Professionally, tying your worth to success can lead to burnout and a lack of satisfaction, regardless of how much you achieve. Challenging this belief involves redefining what success means to you and acknowledging your inherent value as a person. By focusing on personal growth, relationships, and well-being, you'll find greater satisfaction and self-acceptance. Remember that your worth is intrinsic, not determined by external accomplishments. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
MAUREEN CALLAHAN: Time to expose the evil death cult infecting Hollywood and the left... from abortion celebration to dead Texas kids, liberals can no longer hide it
Just when you think that ultra-woke progressives can't go any lower, we have new horrors: Celebrating abortion and cheering the deaths of little girls at summer camp, swept away by floodwaters on the Fourth of July. And here's the thing — so many of them know how ugly their beliefs are. They just don't care.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
People Are Revealing The Weirdest And Silliest Things They Believed As Kids, And I Can't Stop Giggling
Kids have very active imaginations. They see the world in a totally different way! Of course, this can lead to some pretty funny mix-ups, misunderstandings, and lots of make-believe. Reddit user Night_sky2025 recently asked, "What was the weirdest thing you believed as a child?" Here are some of the wild, hilarious, and wholesome responses: 1."When I was pretty young, I learned the word 'fired' in reference to guns. I didn't know that it also referred to being terminated from a job. So it was with confused horror that I observed my mom casually inform my dad that her coworker, Jody, had apparently been shot to death at work for her subpar job performance. And it was unnerving how casually my dad reacted to it, with little more than a, 'Oh man, that's too bad.' For quite a while, I became quite invested in my mom's work performance." —Cessnateur 2."My dad was a pilot, so he was gone a lot when I was a kid. My mom often took us to Chuck E. Cheese when my dad was on a trip. I eventually noticed we only went there when Dad was gone, so I asked him why he never wanted to go with us. He told me he was the guy in the mouse costume and was always there; he just wasn't allowed to interact with us. For many years, I genuinely believed this. We laugh about it now." —Humble-Grumble 3."As a kid, I believed you were supposed to pray to God when you wanted good things to happen and pray to Satan when you wanted bad things to happen. Like, two separate customer service departments." —Bitter_Minute_6811 4."Endora from Bewitched was real and could see me through the TV, so I had to clap and act super grateful for Bewitched or she would curse me." —IntrudingAlligator 5."Someone told me Canadians eat toast upside-down because that places the toast toppings in direct contact with taste buds. Young me believed Canadians were very clever for coming up with this toast-eating method and would occasionally give it a go myself. I met a Canadian as a fully grown adult and asked him if my 'fact' was true. Understandably, he was politely mystified. " —hummingbirdpie 6."I believed that brown cows were the ones that made chocolate milk, and the black/white cows made the regular milk. Pink cows made strawberry milk, and farmers had to hide them in their barn because they were afraid someone would steal the pink cows because everyone loved strawberry milk." —Jacked-Cookies 7."That we had two stomachs: one for liquids and one for solids. When people would say, 'It went down the wrong pipe,' I assumed it was liquids vs. solids, not solids vs. gas." —SagittariusDonkey 8."I was told to leave my cuts and scrapes alone because when I went to sleep, little, tiny people would crawl into my bed and build the scabs themselves using their tools, and I'd be rude if I messed with their work by picking at it. I used to want to catch these little tiny people. To be fair, I never saw a scab develop. I'd just wake up, and it would be there, for it seemed legit. Thanks, Mom." —kowaiikaisu 9."That the new president of the US had beaten up the previous president to get the job. I spent so much of my young life hating Ronald Reagan, not for his policies, because I was unaware of them, but because I thought he had beaten up Jimmy Carter, and Jimmy Carter seemed like a nice man." —UllsStratocaster 10."So many things. One of my favorites is that my grandpa told me the neighbors behind them were building a shed for an elephant. It was big enough for one, and my grandpa worked with the circus, so it was totally plausible. It's still referred to as the 'elephant shed.'" —Wolffairy12 11."My parents told me that TV was black and white before because the world was actually black and white. Then, a colorful meteorite struck the Earth and gave color to the world. In my defense, I was very little." —speedhirmu "I convinced my little brother that old photos were from the 'black and white days.'" —iatentdead_ 12."That there could be cameras in our house filming a TV show like other families (The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family, etc.)." —Crowd-Avoider747 13."You know, in infomercials, when they say, 'But you gotta call right now to get this deal!'? I used to think they kept track of what time their commercials aired, and started a few-minute timer after they aired, and if you called after the timer ran out, you wouldn't get the deal." —YodasChick-O-Stick 14."I thought shooting stars were make-believe like unicorns and leprechauns. I was well into my 20s before I figured it out. Still never seen one though." —PossiblyN0t 15."I remember my dad telling me that part of his job was firing people. I imagined him taking them up on a hill at night, building a campfire around them, and lighting them up. I didn't understand why anyone would allow this to happen to them, even if they were bad at their job." —an_edgy_lemon 16."My parents were raised Catholic and didn't want to force it on me, so I never went to church or read the Bible or anything. Didn't want to. It seemed boring. All of my religious influence came from outside sources that I felt pretty separated from, so I kind of didn't know Jesus was a religious figure. All I knew was what I saw on TV and read brief references. Seeing different versions of Jesus was especially confusing because if he were a real guy, we wouldn't be able to redesign him, right? So for a really long time, maybe until I was 11 or 12, I fully believed Jesus was a type of character. Like a wizard or the Good King sorta deal. He was just 'That Brand of Guy.' If you will, an improv prompt, or some kind of role that needs to be filled in for a story. I still think that, but I thought everyone else thought that, too." —Stunning_Celery_6556 17."I used to believe the 'Gray Pumpkin' would come the night of Halloween to take some of the candy my brother and I collected in exchange for toys. As it turns out, this was just a fun little lie my mom told us so that I, a kid with a severe nut allergy, wouldn't feel as bad about not being able to eat like 75% of the candy I collected. Also, it was supposed to be the 'Great Pumpkin' (from Charlie Brown), but I misheard, so I always imagined a large, gray pumpkin with arms and legs sneaking into our house." —MrKahoobadoo 18."I remember thinking our eyeballs hang by hooks. I don't remember anyone telling me that; I think I just came to that conclusion myself because I couldn't understand how else they are there." —BreathOfTheWild9 19."My sister made up a pop star named Rosie. Though I had never seen her or heard her music outside of my sister singing 'Rosie songs,' I was her biggest fan and would love to ask my sister all about her. I was shocked when my sister came clean after we were almost full-blown adults, haha." —Quirky-End-7470 20."That you only had a certain amount of 'voice' allotted for your lifetime, and that's why old people's voices were very soft and shaky, because they'd used up all their voice when they were young. For a while, I was DETERMINED to have a booming voice when I was old, so I barely spoke to 'save' my voice for later." —wreathyearth 21."Have you ever gone on a highway and seen a sign that says 'speed limit enforced by aircraft'? I thought that they would just shoot you from the sky for speeding. It's not like a plane can give a ticket." —Xelopheris 22."That the opposite side of my knees were called 'leg pits.'" —ExpertOrdinary7074 23."If you play Candy Crush in the car while it is pumped with gas, the car will explode." —Huge_Friendship_6435 24."If you turn a light on in a car at night, you could get a ticket." —Low-Wrangler9740 25."That when you eat, the food would start to fill your entire body up, beginning at your feet. I thought people could cram food into themselves like you shove cotton into a stuffed animal." —Stunning_Love504 26."The left side of my body was sad because I was right-handed. So if I were eating, I'd always have the last bite on the left side of my mouth to cheer it up, etc." —Ladymomos "That 'made from scratch' meant whatever scraps were lying around." —Status_Machine4519 What's the wildest or silliest thing you believed as a kid? Tell us in the comments or share anonymously using this form.
Forbes
18-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
1 Belief System That Can Derail Relationships, By A Psychologist
New research shows that conspiracy beliefs can profoundly impact close relationships. Here's how to ... More keep your beliefs from getting in the way of meaningful connections. Most people like to believe they see things as they truly are. Yet, the pull of alternative explanations — those that invite them to question or doubt the obvious — can be hard to resist. Conspiracy theories tap into this curiosity, suggesting shadowy forces and concealed agendas behind daily events. These beliefs hint at a hidden reality where influential players manipulate the truth for personal gain. From tales of elites orchestrating world events to secretly staged historical milestones, conspiracy theories offer a mysterious, seductive lens on the world, inviting people to question and resist mainstream narratives. The appeal lies in their promise of hidden truths, granting believers a sense of exclusivity in a world that often feels beyond control. However, while these beliefs can unite like-minded individuals, they can also breed distrust and distance in personal relationships. A 2024 study in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology reveals how conspiracy beliefs influence interpersonal dynamics, uncovering a complex relationship between belief alignment and relationship satisfaction. Here are two ways in which your conspiracy beliefs can affect close relationships, according to the study. Shared beliefs lay the groundwork for trust and understanding in relationships. However, researchers of the 2024 study found that when one partner or friend subscribes to conspiracy theories and the other does not, relationship satisfaction often declines, creating a satisfaction gap. This gap is especially noticeable in close relationships, such as those with family and close friends, where shared understanding is critical to maintaining connection. This decrease in satisfaction aligns with the theory of 'shared reality,' which suggests that relationships thrive when people feel validated by those close to them. When belief in a conspiracy theory is met with skepticism, the believer may feel misunderstood, leading to emotional distance. Relationships in which only one person holds conspiracy beliefs tend to experience strain, as the lack of shared reality makes closeness and support more challenging. The 2024 study also highlights the concept of 'attitudinal distancing,' a subtle drift in emotional closeness that occurs in relationships with differing conspiracy beliefs. Conspiracy theories often encourage an 'us vs. them' mindset, which amplifies the sense of ideological separation. The more divergent the beliefs, the greater the feeling of detachment, reducing the trust that relationships rely on. This distancing weakens attitudinal closeness, or the alignment of values and viewpoints that encourage connection. For conspiracy believers, relationships with skeptics may feel frustrating or unsupportive. In contrast, non-believers may feel estranged from conspiracy-inclined friends. This divergence can erode the fundamental elements of relationships, like empathy and understanding, creating a sense of disconnection from those once considered close. In hypothetical scenarios, participants were asked to imagine how they'd feel if a friend or partner endorsed conspiracy beliefs. Those less inclined toward such beliefs anticipated a drop in satisfaction, highlighting that alignment — or lack thereof — can significantly shape relationship expectations. Even the possibility of divergent beliefs can introduce tension into otherwise stable connections. Interestingly, while conspiracy beliefs can create rifts between those with opposing views, they can also serve as a bonding agent among like-minded individuals. The study finds that relationships between two people who share similar conspiracy beliefs tend to experience greater satisfaction and closeness. In these cases, shared beliefs reinforce the perception of a shared reality, strengthening relational closeness. For conspiracy believers, finding someone who views the world similarly offers validation and support. This shared belief creates a unique safe space where ideas are accepted rather than questioned, which can be profoundly reassuring for believers. Within this dynamic, conspiracy beliefs can build trust and emotional closeness, highlighting how similar worldviews are pivotal in maintaining relational satisfaction. While differing beliefs can strain relationships, they don't necessarily have to end them. Here are a few strategies to help you keep these connections strong: Ultimately, relationships involve a delicate balance of understanding and acceptance, especially when beliefs diverge. Conspiracy theories may challenge that balance, testing trust, empathy and mutual respect. Yet, by choosing to prioritize connection over division, we can still nurture the connections that matter most. Curious if conspiracy theories have a hold over you? Take this science-backed test to find out: Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale
CTV News
13-05-2025
- CTV News
‘I feel like such an idiot': Two Ontario men lose more then $150,000 to psychics
Some people believe in the power of psychic. However, if a psychic makes unrealistic monetary demands and that should be a red flag that something is not right.
