Exaggerations and Beliefs

Exaggerations are not unusual and, of course, everyone has beliefs, but are the two related? The current atmosphere in the U.S. places each person on a visual pedestal and under observation. Today, we see exaggerations and fixed beliefs being expressed by people in all corners of life. Why is that? Social media is one simple answer with its visible and global access but that's not the complete answer; therefore, understanding the psychology underlying the presence of these two characteristics is critical.

We can easily understand how exaggerations follow from beliefs but we also must understand that beliefs form from exaggerations. Each can become fixed in someone's mind to the point that these characteristics are considered truths. As a result, people defend their exaggerations and fixed beliefs with strong arguments and viewpoints.

We all know that when a story begins at one end of a table and is passed to a series of people that the story changes many times by the time it returns to the first person; that is, many exaggerations and different beliefs are formed by the various people and included in the story. In other words, the original story and context are extended by an accumulation of modifications that suit each person. We also know that if asked to repeat the original story, each person would defend their story as factual. Since the original story is modified, their beliefs are highly problematic.

This defensive fixation comes from the ego (sense of identity) of an individual. The ego wants to control and dominate most situations. As a result, change or being wrong is not acceptable. Even in the face of new information that contradicts the exaggerations and beliefs, the ego wants to hold to its views.

Beginning in the '60s, young people began being more vocal and present by demonstrating for change, expressing rebellious attitudes and supporting antiwar sentiments. Naturally, these young people grew up and became adults. Although many of their views changed, they also influenced their children with similar beliefs about being visible, being vocal and adopting can-do attitudes. Their children also grew up and raised children of their own with similar notions.

The story of the '60s became modified through the generations, just like a story passed around a table to a series of people. This has become more evident with the recent "me" generations. I recently read a magazine cover with the following phrase in the title: my place, my time, my self. This simple line is an example of how an ego can maintain its entitled position regardless of contradictory information.

It is important to recognize our exaggerations and fixed beliefs, and those that face us each day, in order to personally change and make wise decisions.