Fatebelief (cf. Factbelief)

​

A major source of disagreement and confusion between people is a lack of the distinction between a factbelief and fatebelief (we just call them both beliefs, not being clear which type they are). These two different meanings of belief are often conflated, creating unnecessary misunderstandings and misapplications.

 

A fatebelief is a belief that lives inside a domain of distinctions called “declarations.”

 

A declaration’s power lies solely in our listening to it and speaking it and in its non-contradictory congruence with other pre-existing declarations and factbeliefs.

Although we can often gather evidence that a declaration is factually true, we could just as easily gather evidence for its falsity. 

 

Fatebeliefs live largely undistinguished as such (often presenting themselves as factbeliefs) inside the subculture of our family, inside the culture of our society, inside our religions, and inside other schools of thought. Fatebeliefs often masquerade as factbeliefs, serving the purpose of making us feel safer and more comfortable in the moment. But it is empowering and helpful to distinguish our fatebeliefs from our factbeliefs because conflating fatebeliefs with factbeliefs can create much mischief.

​

A factbelief (which can provide varying degrees of certainty based on the available evidence) is based on the proof

that one is willing to provide or point to in support of that factbelief.

 

A fatebelief, in contrast, (which can provide complete certainty) is based on declaration alone (within a certain context) and the only way to assess the validity of a fatebelief is by asking ourselves, “If we live according to this fatebelief, is it likely to empower us in living a fully expressed and joyous life? Are there possible downsides to living inside this fatebelief?”

​

One must also choose fatebeliefs carefully so that they are not contradicted by any factbeliefs and so that they are congruent with one’s other fatebeliefs. A fatebelief must stay in the domain of declaration and not wander into the domain of assertion.

 

Fatebeliefs provide the context of our lives.

Factbeliefs provide the content of our lives.

 

Together, they determine the quality of our lives. Both mistaken factbeliefs and disempowering fatebeliefs can damage our lives. Accurate factbeliefs and empowering fatebeliefs support us in living lives of accomplishment and self-expression.

 

Let me give you an example of one of my fatebeliefs:

“I fatebelieve that everything that occurs in my life is a gift.”

Can I prove this? No, I cannot. Can I disprove this? No, I cannot. This fatebelief is not open to absolute proof or disproof. However, the more that I speak and act according to the idea that everything in my life is a gift, the more I find evidence that this is so. It is also easy to demonstrate that, if I live according to the idea that everything that happens is a gift, then the life that I live, the life that lives me, will be a life fully worth living.

​

Here are some other examples of possible empowering fatebeliefs:

• "I fatebelieve that life is my playground and everyone is my playmate or potential playmate."

• "I fatebelieve that everything that shows up in my life was put here to serve me in some way."

• "I fatebelieve that God is happy to listen to anything I want to share with Her and supports me in any choice that I make or any action that I take."

• "I fatebelieve that when someone is upset with me, it doesn't mean anything about how great I am."

• "I fatebelieve that I can learn something from everyone and every situation."

​

Here are some possible disempowering fatebeliefs:

• "I fatebelieve that life is hard."

• "I fatebelieve that life is unfair."

• "I fatebelieve that you have to be careful with people."

• "I fatebelieve that I am not good enough."

• "I fatebelieve that I am not smart enough."

• "I fatebelieve that I am unlovable."

• "I fatebelieve that my parents didn't love me."

• "I fatebelieve that I'm a failure."