Hypnotized by the Crowd ... Lost in the forest of beliefs!

Over the years of growth and maturity, we become hypnotized by our own belief systems. We move through life under the influence of societal and religious rank and file. Parental voices fill our heads such that we believe in a stricter form of beliefs than did our previous generations as, for each generation, the mind becomes less open and accepting and more filled with what is required to belong to the crowds of the past.

Our internal beliefs are like the external laws of the judicial system. For every new experience, we develop a new node, a new rule or law, in our "sphere of intellect" that regulates how we are to react to a given situation. However, our minds are so filled with the parental and authoritarian voices of past experiences, from others, that we no longer have any room for our own experiences.

Our belief systems are built as children from the experiences of our parents, friends, relatives, and neighbors. But, are these valid bits of knowledge and valid beliefs? They must be since we tend to hang on to them dearly even if they don't work for us. Perhaps, at some time, we could have experienced a given situation differently. Perhaps, we could have "at least experienced the situation at all" had we not been so afraid to step forward and look into the vast darkness of our own taught beliefs.

We have become hypnotized by the crowds that move toward that which we think is the answer to our questions. But, we find, as we move along in this morass of other lost souls, that indeed, the answer is not ahead of the crowd, but within the crowd. The answer lies within yourself.

How does one succeed? How does one live a fulfilling life? You cannot look to others for the answer as it is within yourself. We all have necessarily unique answers to our own questions because we all have a necessarily unique view of the world, being, our own "experienced Universe".

Such a view requires "responsibility of decisions". We must be able to take responsibility for our own decisions in life. But, to do so, one must know what is at stake and what lies ahead. As such, we must be able to lay out a plan for success without doubt---a simple solution it is not. But, a reasonable and fulfilling solution it always provides.

Today, now, determine what is important in your life and what has been "out-lived". Look outside of your current belief systems and plan for a new life with modified beliefs toward that which "you" see as success. Indeed, your ultimate vision will change with growth and knowledge, but it is essential to get moving on your plan to "leave the rut behind". Move forward toward an ever successful vision and leave the old voices, based on past circumstances, behind. It is your life, isn't it?
--- About the Author ---

Edward B. Toupin is an author, publisher, life-strategy coach, counselor, Reiki Master, technical writer, and PhD Candidate living in Las Vegas, NV. Among other things, he authors books, articles, and screenplays on topics ranging from career success through life organization and fulfillment. Check out some of his recent print and electronic books as well as his articles covering various life-changing topics!