Everything you believe is* stupid
*Might be.
*might be
I suck at remembering names
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been terrible at remembering people’s names. Whether it’s in a business meeting or at a bar, the second someone tells me their name it gets lost in the vastness of the universe.
93.5% of the people I know have the same problem.
A few months ago I went to a party where I only knew one person. After being introduced to two new people, I instantly forgot their names.
Then it hit me — what a stupid belief. Of course I can remember a few names! I’m a reasonably intelligent person with a functioning brain.
I had this ingrained belief that remembering names was difficult. I instantly decided that was a stupid belief. At gathering two weeks later I remembered all 11 beautiful people I was introduced to — even after multiple tequila + sodas.
I can picture those beautiful people now.
Chris, Olivier, Brent, Hannah, Kristine, Anna, Kate, Adam, Hannah, Nate, Tom
How did I pull off this AMAZING feat?
I listened when they told me their name.
I repeated it a few times in my head.
I mentioned them by name when talking to them.
Every-so-often I scanned the room and named everybody in my head.
I also used it as a party trick to impress the girls there. Win-win.
I hate the rain.
While I was walking to get a kale + grilled chicken salad last week — in typical Vancouver fashion — it was raining. I’ve strongly disliked rain for most of my life.
I love being outside. I love sports. I love cycling. I absolutely adore the summer. But not winter. And not rain.
But in that hungry Gastown moment — rain peppering my face — it hit me.
What a stupid belief.
It rains a lot in Vancouver. Why hate it?
I decided that the feeling of rain on my face was kind of peaceful. Cathartic. Calming. It gave me an excuse to stay inside and get more work done. To cozy up with a pretty girl and a movie. To walk around outside and get soaked in all the glory of nature. Man, I love rain.
These are just two trivial stupid beliefs that I changed in an instant. The concept can probably applied to every stupid belief you have.
And if you change enough of your stupid beliefs, you’ll be a happier, healthier, and more successful person. That I believe.
I don’t know anything about running a company
It will be impossible to double our revenue.
I can’t wake up that early.
I can’t run a marathon.
She’s too good for me.
I’m not smart enough to get into that school.
I have no chance of winning that contest.
I’ll never lose 15 lbs.
I’m not qualified for that job.
I suck at public speaking.
I’ll never be that successful.