How Do Our Beliefs Impact Our Memory?

As of late I have been wondering how the belief and value systems I have formed since age four have influenced my memory. I think our memory is one of our most remarkable faculties and yet science, research and theory still only suggest how it works. I really liked this quote...

"If any one faculty of our nature may be called more wonderful than the rest, I do think it is memory. There seems something more speakingly incomprehensible in the powers, the failures, the inequalities of memory, than in any other of our intelligences. The memory is sometimes so retentive, so serviceable, so obedient - at others, so bewildered and so weak - and at others again, so tyrannic, so beyond control! We are to be sure a miracle every way - but our powers of recollecting and forgetting, do seem particularly past finding out."
- Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814 (1961)

Do your belief systems impact how you remember past events? Does how you remember past events impact your belief systems?

-DM

Beliefs in Athletics - How Strongly Do I Believe In Me?

It was Victor Frankl who so appropriately illustrated the power of belief in his book “Man’s Search for meaning”. Frankl wrote that “The last of human freedoms - the ability to chose one's attitude in a given set of circumstances.” Athletic competition no matter how important it may seem at that time pales in comparison to the trials and terror of a Nazi concentration camp, that which Frankl was a survivor. History lessons aside, in the increasing demanding world of competitive athletics where the margin of error is so slim, this principle (one’s ability to choose his/her mindset) is a quality that should be cultivated through pre-competition training and exercised fervently during competition. Specifically stated, we have the power to choose our mental state at every single instant during competition. Many athletes have the tendency to be reactive in competition, in that they allow the external circumstances to dictate there attitude and their subsequent performance. It is often said that an athlete is only as good as his/her last play. The truth is that you are the same athlete after a good play that you are after a poor play the only thing that has changed in the two circumstances is your perspective. Let’s be clear that perception IS Reality and you have the Power to create your reality any time you want on and off the playing field. Cultivating the power of belief within your-self begins as a process of self-inquiry that centralizes around the question…”How strongly do I believe in me?”

About the author: Pete Athans is a Strength & Conditioning Coach. Check out his bio.

Reflection into Projection

I've learned that pausing everyday prepares me to live the life I want to live. Just taking a few moments of the day to stop and slow things down helps me balance my hectic schedule and become realigned with my beliefs. These tiny, yet meaningful moments, allow me to turn the reflection into projection. This exercise empowers me to become aware of my attitude and project it into gratitude.

Today, I've been reflecting on the power of listening. Not only listening to a co-worker or a friend, but also listening to myself. Listening is learning. So today I thought I'd pay it forward. I hope you find a moment to listen to yourself and reflect on your day. Or perhaps reflect for a moment and listen to what your heart says and turn that reflection into projection!