One Apple A Day #256
“In the field of psychology, cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort (psychological stress) experienced by a person who simultaneously holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values.”
I am not a psychologist so I may be wrong, but I have the feeling that this cognitive dissonance is shared among humans at every latitude. And this dissonance may well be the fuel of a lot of the changes and transformation we go through in our life.
I know many people that act like if they have contradictory beliefs; they are mean at work and tender at home, liars who complain about the honesty of politicians and so on. Most of them are fine with their contradictions. They probably found a perfect explanation why in reality there are no contradictions at all. Others get uncomfortable with their inconsistencies, in particular when they realise that their actions are not aligned with their beliefs and values. So they start making questions and the sparkle a change, in themselves and in their lives.
I don’t like discomfort. I love feeling in peace with myself and the world around me. Though, when I’m at peace, I’m not motivated to change or grow. I need to feel some discomfort to get the motivation to act. That feeling of discomfort can be generated by a change in the circumstances or in my awareness. In both cases, that discomfort is a sign and stimuli to take action and grow.
I don’t like discomfort, but without it there is no growth.