Psychology Today: How to Hold Your Beliefs in a Healthy Way

In the latest blog post for Psychology Today, Dr. Cortland Dahl shows us how to hold our beliefs in a healthy way.

In the latest blog post for Psychology Today, Dr. Cortland Dahl shows us how to hold our beliefs in a healthy way.

Our beliefs give our lives purpose, meaning, and direction, but, unfortunately, they can also be a source of alienation and division, both in our personal lives and even more so in the broader society. This begs the question: How do we get the benefits of a healthy set of beliefs without the nasty hangover of social disharmony? When we find ourselves in a heated debate, how can we stay true to our values and views without becoming dogmatic and close-minded?

At the HMI and CHM, we focus our research on understanding the psychological qualities that help us to flourish in moments like these. Flourishing looks different in different circumstances. It might look like focus and creativity at work or resilience when you’re facing a major life challenge. When you’re sharing a cup of coffee with a friend and find yourself being pulled into an argument, it might look completely different. Flourishing might look like the ability to consider multiple points of view or stay true to your values while still being an empathetic listener.

KEY POINTS

  • The skills of awareness, connection, insight, and purpose can help bring meaning and direction to our lives.
  • When you’re in a disagreement, try to see the world from the other person’s perspective.
  • Approach your beliefs with humility, acknowledging that our understanding of the world is always evolving.
Read the Article

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