Reflecting on Beliefs and Schemas
Review a belief by checking whether it remains accurate, what it helps you do, and what it prevents you from considering. Record the evidence and revisit the belief when circumstances or information change.
THE IDEA
Choose a belief that influences a recurring decision. Ask:
• “Is this belief still accurate?”
• “Am I being limited in any way by this belief?”
• “Does this belief strengthen me as a person or not?”
Keep accuracy separate from comfort: a belief can feel helpful and still be mistaken, or be uncomfortable and well supported. Write down what evidence would support or challenge it.
For example, you may regard a favorite fast-food meal as a treat because it is enjoyable and convenient. Consider when that description fits, how you feel afterward, and whether the habit supports your priorities. A specific choice need not settle whether an entire category of food counts as self-care.
Record your reflections in a journal and review them later. Note what changed in the evidence or circumstances, and whether the belief still fits. Learning a familiar way to do something does not establish that it is the only useful approach.
When to use it
Evaluating personal habits like diet or spending to see if underlying beliefs are helpful or harmful.
Challenging assumptions about one's abilities or potential that may stem from past experiences.
Reassessing relationship expectations or career choices by examining the beliefs that guide them.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Fast Food as Self-Care
Believing that eating fast food is a form of treating yourself well. The reflection exercise prompts you to question whether it is truly valid self-care, how you feel after, and what it contributes to your life.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Is this belief still accurate?
Am I being limited in any way by this belief?
Does this belief strengthen me as a person or not?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)