Rewiring our minds is often about challenging the manner in which we think about things. For example, I used to think that being a "conviction-driven" person was a great thing. Then I realized that it can also be very harmful if my so-called "convictions" are steeped in fallible thinking. I do not believe that we should swing some pendulum and not have convictions – that'd be no good either. But I do have to wonder how our convictions can lead to prejudices and judgements; how claiming convictions serves our deep need to be right. Being overly "conviction-driven" has led me down some crazy paths where, in the end, I don't listen to others and effectively judge them when they don't think exactly like I do.
Is it possible to hold fast to my beliefs and allow others to have theirs?
I realized not long ago that this is an area of growth for me. But, for the sake of awareness, I wonder how we might all grow from this? Having convictions is good. Allowing convictions to flourish into action is something my company helps people with everyday. But I have found that "conviction-drivenness" can be a pretense in our minds for no longer listening to others and/or challenging our own thinking.
Emotional intelligence is, in part, the willingness and courage to think about how we think – even if it means calling into question the things we thought we were absolutely right about.
I'll end with a little etymology. The word conviction is a latin-based word that literally means "with victory." That's great. Winning is good. Thinking about winning is fine too. But steeping my thinking in a longing to be in the winner's circle? Not so much.
Let's have convictions. Let's think with victory in mind. But let's also be aware of when our convictions are short-circuiting the process for growth and interaction with others. That's a rewiring we can use.
