(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value, or attitude.)


A belief can be like a flywheel. When we hear information that agrees with a belief, it adds energy to the flywheel. This strengthens the belief. A risk of this is the well-known confirmation bias. It constricts.

We treat information that disagrees with our beliefs as untrue. So it bounces off the flywheel without slowing it down. This risk perpetuates a belief that was once valuable but is now outdated. It, too, constricts.

The heart of the Expand vs. Constrict distinction is in your intention.

When you intend to grow and expand you treat new ideas as manna. They feed you and your interest in discovery. You want to grow more than maintain the status quo.

Your intention lets you accept new ideas. You expand. The old way limits you to old beliefs. It constricts.

Does this mean throwing out all existing beliefs? Of course not. Replacing something that works with something that sounds good is not progress.


Coaching Point: What do you do to expand your awareness?


Copyright 2024 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.