Shahar (PPT), Burns/Beck (1999), Bandura(1977) Beliefs as Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
Beliefs shape reality We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world. - The Buddha Tian Tan, China 34 metres (112 ft) tall, weighs 250 metric tons
is the scientific study of human thought and the mental processes. Thoughts Perception Memory Consciousness Decision-making Language
Limiting Beliefs & Possibilities Roger Bannister
What are your beliefs about the Self-help movement? Whatever your mind can conceive and believe it can achieve Napoleon Hill
Beliefs as Self-fulfilling Prophecies Consistency Performance
Beliefs and Behavior Albert Bandura: Self Efficacy Beliefs in personal efficacy affect life choices, level of motivation, quality of functioning, resilience to adversity and vulnerability to stress and depression.
Beliefs and Behavior People who regard themselves as highly efficacious act, think, and feel differently from those who perceive themselves as inefficacious. They produce their own future, rather than simply foretell it. -Albert Bandura
Beliefs & Health: Placebo Effect You have an 8% chance
Happier Ch.4-5 Discuss your favorite insights from these readings
Just for laughs Shrek, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were all having lunch together. Shrek said, I have always thought that I'm the strongest man in the world, but how can I be sure? Angelina Jolie added, I'm told I'm the most gorgeous of them all, but sometimes I wonder. Brad Pitt said, I'm pretty sure I'm the sexiest man alive but I've never had it confirmed either. They all decided that the best way to find out if their beliefs were true was to ask the famed talking Mirror, Mirror on the Wall to confirm for them whether Shrek was the strongest, Angelina Jolie was the most gorgeous and Brad Pitt was the sexiest. They agreed to meet again the next day for lunch to discuss their findings. The next day Shrek walked up with a smile, Well, it's true. The mirror says that I am the strongest Man alive. Angelina Jolie beamed, well I know for sure that I'm most gorgeous of them all! Then Brad Pitt lifted his sad face and said, Who the hell is Ed Wohlmuth?
Self-Esteem Small Group Discussion O What is self-esteem? O What factors influence low or high self esteem? O How do we build self-esteem for self or others?
Nathaniel Branden on Self-Esteem The level of our self-esteem has profound consequences for every aspect of our existence: how we operate in the workplace, how we deal with people, how high we are likely to rise, how much we are likely to achieve and, in the personal realm, with whom we are likely to fall in love, how we interact with our spouse, children, and friends, what level of personal happiness we attain. Self concept is destiny.
Nathaniel Branden on Self-Esteem Building Self-Esteem The Six Pillars of Self Esteem Conscious Living(respect for facts/feedback) Self-acceptance (owning) Self-responsibility Self-assertiveness Purposefulness Integrity
Optimism and Pessimism (Seligman) Interpretation style Permanent/temporary Pervasive/specific Mental/physical health immune system resilience happiness longevity It can be learned!
Optimizing Optimism What about unrealistic beliefs? Positive thinking is not enough Positive thinking and Optimism defined differently False optimism sooner or later means disillusionment, anger and hopelessness. Abraham Maslow
On Becoming An Optimist Face it (what is) Imagine it (visualization) Cognitive tools(rational thinking) Taking action (Bandura) Self-Efficacy Hard Work Coping Success
Optimism Relating to the future Studies show that those who view the world with greater Optimism- the feeling of realization and acceptance of what is and the construction of a better situation Hope- the feeling that emerges from the optimistic lens of a better future Faith- an expression of trust-that if we do what we can, follow our conscience things will turn out as good as they can.
Knowing the Enemy: Disempowering thoughts distortions Our thoughts create our experience in our everyday lives. When we Question our perception (healthy doubt), Balance thinking and Seek information healthy thinking patterns result. If these skills are not formed well cognitive distortions take over.
Psychological Wellness All-or-Nothing thinking (Perfectionist) Mental Filter The E looks a bit crooked. Heheee! Disqualifying the positive Positive - Neutral Overgeneralization Always happens to me!! Never, never!!! Yuck good must be something negative here! Magnification or Minimization Negative
Psychological Wellness Jumping to Conclusions (Mind reading/fortune Telling) Emotional Reasoning I know what you re thinking I m telling you it will fail Personalization I feel worthless, so it must be true Should Statements Labeling It s all my fault False motivation Loser, failure, jerk