Belief — the driving force behind our lives

'Rules' can influence choices, actions

By Stephanie Hittle
For Health Care Today

Few things are as powerful as what people believe.

In a global sense, beliefs can drive people to do wonderful or terrible things. Charities are based in beliefs about caring for the less fortunate. Wars are fought over differences in beliefs.

On a more individual basis, our beliefs help shape us and provide headlights for our lives. They guide us.

Think about it. Every choice is based on some kind of belief. Every action taken is based on some kind of belief. People hold religious, cultural, professional and familial beliefs about themselves, others and/or a higher power. People act out of those beliefs when interacting with others, making professional and personal choices and finding or not finding satisfaction in life.

What do you believe?

What do you believe about yourself? About life? About your purpose in life? About why you do what you do?

Most health-care professionals believe their purpose is in helping those who are ill become well or at least achieve and maintain a quality of life they would not have had without treatment. For those who work in palliative care, the emphasis may be easing without curing, but there is still the belief they are making a difference in a person's life.

Beyond that commonality, however, there are great variances. Religious, cultural and familial ties may be unseen forces shaping how people interact at work and home.

For example, a person from a family where assertiveness was discouraged may hold the belief he can't make a difference. He may be hesitant to speak up at staff meetings out of this belief. People who grew up with the belief they can impact their environment may take a more active role for themselves or their patients.

Such beliefs are not formally taught, but are the result of experience and observation.

Other beliefs, such as those from religious or cultural backgrounds, may be formally taught.

Cultural ties give people "rules" to live by. Cultural norms dictate ways of reacting to persons and situations. Some cultures emphasize the individual's achievements, while some place the greatest meaning on working together with others. How one relates to different genders and ages may also be culturally influenced.

One's responsibility toward others is shaped by such beliefs. Those coming from a religious or cultural expectation of helping one's fellow man may have a different orientation towards their health-care work than someone who does not. They may think of their work as ministry rather than a job.

Beliefs can change as people adapt to new environments and larger cultures. However, many beliefs are very strong and may form a "default position" for a person, even when new beliefs have been assimilated into their lives. This may be especially true during times of crisis.

When a person's actions are incongruent with his or her beliefs, that person usually experiences great inner conflict. This happens when a person makes choices or in is an environment where he or she is doing something that opposes what he or she believes should be done.