Rewriting Old Stories

Our lives are often governed by biases we are not aware of. One of which is called functional fixedness. This is the tendency to see people, places, or things in only one way. This leads to rigid self-narratives. Thinking this way limits our ability to solve problems creatively, much like a monkey with its hand caught in a fruit trap because it is unwilling to let go of the treat. So, how can we break free from this type of thinking?

Understanding Functional Fixedness

Functional fixedness is a mental block that keeps us from considering a new possibility to solve a problem. Such inflexibility can halt our progress. For example, viewing a hammer only as a tool for driving nails prevents one from seeing its potential to pull nails out of an object or even as a paperweight or a lever.

Overcoming a Fixed Mindset

Shifting from a fixed mindset requires more than changing thoughts; it involves altering our perception. As Lisa Miller points out in "The Awakened Brain," spiritual awareness can reshuffle the meaning we derive from our lives, offering new lenses through which to view our experiences.

Cultivating Cognitive Flexibility

Cognitive flexibility is about thinking outside the box and using resources in innovative ways. This skill is crucial in today's ever-changing world, where adaptability and creative problem-solving are highly valued.

The Journey to Cognitive Flexibility

• Challenge Existing Beliefs: Assess your beliefs and attitudes, particularly those that are negative or limiting. Are they based on unconscious biases or thinking errors?
• Seek New Perspectives: Actively look for fresh perspectives. This could mean reassessing a past event with a new understanding or approaching a problem from a different angle.
• Embrace Spiritual Intelligence: By learning to listen to our conscience we tune into our spiritual intelligence, and open ourselves to a greater range of possibilities and interpretations. This process can illuminate previously unseen paths and solutions.

Practical Steps to Overcome Functional Fixedness

• Reflect on Personal Stories: Consider the stories you tell yourself about your life. How might these narratives be limiting your potential?
• Question Underlying Beliefs: For each significant experience in your life, ask why you hold certain beliefs about it. What meaning have you attached to these experiences, and why?
• Transform Fear into Opportunity: Identify your fears and consider how they might be transformed into opportunities for growth and learning.

The Power of Rewriting Our Stories

By questioning our fixed narratives and beliefs, we can rewrite our stories to reflect a more empowered and flexible mindset. This process is not just about changing what we think, but how we think, leading to a more dynamic and adaptable approach to life.

Reflecting on Life's Resistance

• Identifying Resistance Points: Where do you encounter resistance in your life? What beliefs or attitudes are holding you back?
• Reshaping Beliefs: Consider how you can reshape these beliefs to align better with your character and aspirations. This might involve letting go of long-held narratives that no longer serve you.

Conclusion: Embracing Change and Potential

Overcoming functional fixedness and embracing cognitive flexibility is about seeing the world and ourselves in a new more enlightened way. It's about letting go of familiar, unproductive thinking patterns, and daring to imagine and act differently. As we challenge our old stories and embrace new perspectives, we unlock our true potential and open ourselves to a world of endless possibilities.