Which one follows the other….our Beliefs or our Actions?
Ask anyone to answer the question “Does a person’s actions follow their beliefs, or do their beliefs follow their actions?” and pretty much everyone will answer that that a person’s actions follow their beliefs. But that’s not a correct answer. In fact, just about always, our beliefs arise as a direct result of our actions. We use our beliefs to justify and support our actions as they occur, so we don’t feel guilty, embarrassed, nor foolish about the choices we make and the things we do.
Forming our beliefs that can justify our actions as they occur is also used to counter potential feelings of imposter syndrome. We adapt our beliefs to fit into that comfortable little box of fragile feelings that our actions place us in each day. But what would our life look like if all our actions were a direct result of the beliefs we’ve utilized to develop all the character traits that define who we truly are? How powerful could that life-tool be? Amazingly powerful! Why? Because it would provide our everyday life situations with consistency and predictability. So why doesn’t everyone work hard on establishing beliefs that all our actions can be based on? Is it avoidance of personal accountability?
Everyone is familiar with hearing the phrase “Ready, Aim, Fire” ever since guns were invented. It’s a 3-step process designed for success. But how often in life do we completely bypass the “Aim” part of that phrase and pull the trigger before thinking things through? It’s strange how removing the Aim portion of the 3-step process removes the self-accountability that ties our actions to our beliefs. We act first, then think about the consequences of those actions later. Has this changed over the course of time? And if so, why? Some people might say, over the course of time, it’s really become a line-blurring issue. How’d that happen?
Have you ever had to justify a “little white lie?” You know, nothing that would hurt anyone or have a negative impact on anyone else. Just a tiny little lie that made life a touch easier in that particular moment. Have you ever had to cover that little white lie with another lie in an attempt to hide the first one? It’s hard to imagine that everyone hasn’t fallen down this rabbit hole of lies at some point. It’s a perfect example of an action occurring first, followed by a shift in a person’s beliefs to support the action.
Have you ever had that pause where your belief system kicked in right before an action you were considering, that prevented you from taking the action knowing that you couldn’t find a fit for it in your belief system? You resisted the temptation to throw your belief system out the window. That took courage and added another solid block to the foundation built upon your character traits…you know…the things that define who you really are. Congratulations. While maybe a more difficult choice, the long-term benefits of standing firm in your beliefs to guide your actions offer the greatest rewards for your life over time.
Inspire yourself by seeking examples of people that held firm on their beliefs to determine their actions. Think of Presidents like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Harry (The Buck Stops Here) Truman, or Jimmy Carter. Or, historical figures like Christopher Columbus, Anne Frank, or my personal favorite: Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (look him up – his story is worth your time). Better yet, do you know anyone who’s taken on the role of caregiver? Maybe to their parents, spouse, or child with a disability. Maybe their Aunt or Uncle who never had children or their grandparents. Now, there’s one of the most beautiful examples of beliefs followed by actions.
Look…I never want to tell you what to do. I DO want to inspire you to always be the very best version of yourself. If you’ll step away from shaping your beliefs to fit your actions and embrace standing firm on your belief system directing every action you take, I promise you’ll live a more fulfilling life that’s filled with joy most every day. Then you can spread and share that joy with everyone you encounter…forever! Hey…I Believe In YOU! GiddyUp!