What Are Dysfunctional Beliefs?

How many of us have heard this phrase "vulnerability is weakness"? It is a typical example of dysfunctional belief. Dysfunctional beliefs are popular sayings that are often used in conversations as facts, but are rarely true. They are fused in our minds for years, sometimes since childhood. They have been acquired through interactions with our parents, school, relationships, or any life-changing events. Everyone has some forms of these beliefs that they think are true for them.

As we grow older, dysfunctional beliefs also grow stronger in our minds, and they continually guide (and most often limit) our thoughts and behaviors. That’s why it’s important to face them: Not only do dysfunctional beliefs keep us from thinking big, they also keep us from taking big steps to improve our lives. And they contribute to the impostor syndrome, which we would talk about in upcoming blogs.

For someone struggling with body esteem issues, one negative belief that is likely to cause some form of depression, anger and low self-esteem issues, is the belief that if only they can get a little bit thinner or bigger, or if only their skin becomes clear, then they'll be happy. And get that promotion at work or get that relationship they want.

Of course, this isn't true. But because of the environment they are in, or the type of childhood upbringing they had, this becomes their mantra and it becomes quite a task to let go because it is ingrained in them.

All of us have some forms of dysfunctional beliefs that are guiding our thoughts and actions. We may not even be aware of them, but these thoughts subconsciously limits what we are capable of doing.

One way of knowing what some of our dysfunctional beliefs are, is to meditate on some of the decisions we took in the past. Let's sit down and ask ourselves why we made that particular decision or choice. This exercise requires that we are completely honest with ourselves. Once we have identified our whys, let's compare them to the environment we grew up in,the childhood experiences we had and what society is telling us about ourselves. What are some of the negative things we were told or heard growing up that we have internalised and have made our mantra?

We can then begin to backtrack and actively start the process of renewing our minds. The word of God is a great place to start if you are a believer. Read books that build you up and repeat encouraging words about yourself. You are good enough. You are smart enough. You are worthy of all the good things happening in your life. You deserve genuine joy and happiness.

Kindly share with friends and family after reading. Comment and like as well. What are some of the dysfunctional beliefs in our societies about young people?

Enjoy your weekend folks!!!