“Whatever success I’ve had in life has more to do with my knowing how to deal with my not knowing than anything I know.” – Ray Dalio
Here’s a higher-level life strategy question I’ve been playing with recently:
“What beliefs would I bet my life on?”
For example:
I believe that having a family will make me happier than if I stayed single — but I don’t actually know that for certain.
I believe my spiritual trip is improving my life, but I definitely can’t verify it.
I believe teaching inner development is my path, but what if I took a wrong turn somewhere and I’m really meant to be a musician, or an accountant, or a stamp collector?
Point is, I don’t know for certain that any of these beliefs are true.
(a belief, by definition, is something we don’t know for certain)
But our beliefs shape our thoughts which shape our actions which shape our lives, which means I’m — literally — betting my life on these beliefs, every single day.
And, importantly:
So are you.
We’re all betting our lives on our beliefs, but most of us never question those beliefs — or, clearly define what they are.
I mean, society says hard work and ambition and success is “important” (whatever that means), but would you really bet your life on it?
(are you betting your life on it right now?)
This “betting your life” frame sets the stakes as high as they really are:
Your life as you know it depends on your beliefs.
So, we best be choosing our beliefs very carefully.
Here’s the list I’ve landed on, for myself:
…
(I believe with near-certainty that these things will make my life better)
1. Continuous growth and evolution.
2. Doing work that moves me.
3. Being accurate and honest.
4. Finding pleasure in helping others.
5. Maximizing time with people I love.
6. Thinking for myself and questioning everything.
7. Trusting the events of life, and moving with them rather than fighting against them.
…
And that’s kind of it.
I can’t think of anything else I’m so confident in that I’d bet everything on it.
(notice I said nothing about success or six packs or becoming a “Top G”)
And, now that I’m clear on what I really believe will make my life better, I can optimize my life around those beliefs.
Take a crack at this one, and let me know what you find out.
– T
P.S. Let’s repeat the key point of this email once more, before we wrap:
“Our beliefs shape our thoughts which shape our actions which shape our lives — which means we are (literally) betting our lives on our beliefs, every single day.”
It also means our beliefs shape who we are.
So, gaining clarity on what you truly believe — and, removing the dysfunctional beliefs that are holding you back — is fundamental to our upcoming Self Design course.
If you want to go deeper into this material, stay tuned — I’m aiming to begin pre-launch next week, and the full course is scheduled to drop December 11th.
(if all goes according to plan, of course)
In the meantime, pair today’s lesson with the fan favorite…
What do you know, for certain, is true?
…And I’ll see you back here tomorrow 🙂
