"Flexibility and Strength" (2003) by Nyoman Masriadi
According to Grant, "Questioning ourselves makes the work more unpredictable. It requires us to admit that the facts may have changed, that what was once right may now be wrong. Reconsidering something we believe deeply can threaten our identities, making it feel as if we're losing a part of our ourselves" (4).
For this challenge, reflect on this question: do you consider yourself more someone whose identity is strongly related to a core set of beliefs or do you consider yourself more as something of an "explorer" who frequently "tries on" new beliefs to see how they fit? Do you tend to admire those who "stick to their guns" in the face of adversity or do you tend to admire people who more easily adopt new practices or ideas?
In analyzing myself I find that, embarrassingly, I have more of a "sheep" personality. If I come across a new belief my first instinct is to see how others around me are reacting. I still make my own decision about the belief, but I can be influenced based on the emotions of those around me. I do also tend to play with different beliefs and the views about them. I really admire people who will stick to their guns and defend their beliefs, however, there is a limit. Grant talked a lot about relationship conflict versus task conflict. When defending ones' beliefs gets to a point of relationship conflict, like starting to insult someone's intelligence, I do not believe that it is "sticking to your guns" anymore. That is attacking someone else's belief system.
ReplyDeleteLibby Revel
That I believe is the perfect example of what Grant calls a "Prosecutor's" mindset. It's one thing to see another's opinions as wrong compared to your own, but to insult each other is crossing a line that should never be crossed.
DeleteI think the stereotypical sheep mindset, however, is someone's default state. I think it makes sense, as it helps one "fit in". I think it's natural. I can understand a want to break away from it, but I don't think you should be embarrassed of wanting to appear as a likeable person. Humans are social creatures and it makes sense for you to seek approval from those around you. Now, it's also fine to break away from that, but I understand why you do it to begin with and I don't think you should feel bad for it.
Delete- Cas Northcutt
I can relate to having a "sheep mindset." I believe that it is natural for us as humans to want to agree with others simply to fit in. I tend to find myself falling into this mindset myself, so I understand where you are coming from! It is easier to get along with someone if you can find something that you can relate to. It is more difficult to present a new set of beliefs and "stick to your guns." Since it is easier to "follow the crowd" and base your view on the "popular belief," standing your ground when having a different belief can be intimidating, but is admirable.
DeleteThe teenage years in life are a great time to start forming opinions and beliefs. Over the past couple years, I have found myself breaking out of my shell and forming beliefs that are different from my parents and those around me. Since I have done some exploring in the past couple years, I believe it has given me an open mind. In the prologue, Grant used a firefighter battling a forest fire as an example of rethinking plans. I have rethought my beliefs and values many times because growing up, I just agreed with my parents without question. I agree with Libby that "sticking to your guns" can be harmful and insulting. I have experienced this type of behavior from my parents and many other people. I know their intentions are good but I would rather have a discussion with someone that has an open mind.
ReplyDeleteEmily Crowley
I like that you mentioned blindly agreeing with your parents. I feel like as children we tend to think our parents can do no wrong, but everybody has the capability to be wrong. I just think that this is a good way to look at rethinking and also shows how important it is!
DeleteLibby Revel
I also have been starting to form my own opinions and beliefs throughout my teenage years and I am still figuring out who I am. I don’t think my beliefs are much different from my parents. However, some of my opinions don’t align with theirs. “Sticking to your guns” can be harmful and insulting to others who just want to become closer to you. Especially if they are just opening up to you and they want to show you a more of who they really are. -Vivian Tapia
DeleteI would say that my beliefs are constantly changing as I hear the beliefs of others and consider their thoughts and opinions. I often consider new ideas and thoughts. But I will say that more often than not I find myself not agreeing with anyone around me. I have deep respect for both those who show great conviction in their thoughts and ideas, and also those who are able to calmly admit that they are wrong and form new ideas out of that prospect.
ReplyDelete- Hunter Cook
DeleteEver since I was a child, I have been naturally curious, in the sense that I always wanted to absorb more knowledge about everything I could. It is what led me into reading books about things and topics that were completely new to me. It is what has shaped me into becoming an "explorer" of beliefs, aside from a few ideals that I hold close to my heart that will not change.
ReplyDeleteSimilarly, I admire those who keep their beliefs even when the whole world is telling them differently. That kind of strength is admirable, but there is another kind of strength in admitting when things need to change, when you're wrong.
Lauren George
I feel very similar to you, in that aside from a few core beliefs I allow myself to be open to change in my other views. But, I also admire people who stand by their beliefs even in adversity. I think that could potentially be a downfall to allowing your views to shift. In the effort of preventing conflict or even to gain approval from someone else, it could be easy to let your views change. I think it is important as someone who lets their views be more fluid to evaluate why my views are shifting. Are they shifting because I've gained information and diversified the people I interact with, or am I trying to fit it?
DeleteI consider myself to fit well in between these two spaces. I do have a core set of beliefs that I tend to stick to, but I am open to examining these beliefs within the right circumstance. I often look for the reasons behind other’s stances and try my best to keep an open mind. I appreciate someone who also delves into this line of thinking. There is something to admire about those who are able to hold onto their beliefs, but I find it’s often more valuable to be able to at least consider another stance in most situations.
ReplyDelete-Gracie Tollett
I feel that I am much the same way. I have a core set of beliefs that would be difficult to change my mind on; however, I enjoy listening to other people’s beliefs and why they believe what they do. I find it fascinating that there are so many different beliefs in the world and how diverse they all are. I think it is admirable when someone sticks to their beliefs but is also open to at least listening to someone else’s. I do not believe that it is acceptable to hold on to your beliefs so strongly that you attack what someone else believes and refuse to listen to their side.
Delete-Lindsay DeLaughter
While I would not say my identity is rooted in my core values, I can openly admit I am very stubborn. I tend to stick to what I previously believed rather than take on new ideas and opinions. However, I do still consider new point of views and opinions, especially opinions that are logically thought out. Often, I do find myself asking if I still morally agree on my stance, but I have discovered that I tend to hang onto my previous core values. I admire those who can accept information and adopt new ideals. It is a very difficult thing to uproot values that are long held onto based on new facts.
ReplyDelete-Megan Lewis
While thinking about where I stand for this particular question, I find myself fitting in between those two types of stances. Ever since I was little, I have followed my own set beliefs. I have found myself sticking to what I previously believed. However, I do listen to what the other people have to say and respect their views. I believe that every person's stance have a reason so we must be respectful of that. But, I do believe that there will be situation where I may have to consider another stance and even agree on that as it will be most beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI find myself more of the "Stick to my guns" type. I usually try to hold to my core beliefs. I admire people that do this because I feel as though they truly believe in what they are fighting for. They put all their chips in on that what they are putting their trust in is right. If someone does not do this they already have doubt creeping in before what they hold to be true is put on the fence. If what you believe is constantly changing then did you truly ever believe an any of it.
ReplyDeleteI personally do not tend to change my beliefs as the culture changes. My core values and beliefs are very similar to what they were years ago. I admire people who stick to their guns. Regardless of their religious or political beliefs, I believe it is very important for everyone to do whatever they think is right as long as they respect people with different beliefs. I do not think it would be good for everyone to change their values just because of a change in culture.
ReplyDeleteOops I didn’t mean to post that three times.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up I was comfortable with living my life around the same set of beliefs as my parents and friends. However, now that I am older and much more opinionated, I would never be satisfied living my life with the same beliefs when I was a child. I would not necessarily say that I am one to explore or try a new set of beliefs but that I like to observe others’ beliefs from a distance in order to learn about them and respect others for practicing them. I respect those that defend their beliefs and I also respect those that take on practice new ideas to grow as a person. However, those that can set aside cognitive biases are the people I admire the most.
ReplyDeleteDeborah Thornton
If I am completely honest, I find that much of the time I tend to stick to a core set of beliefs. I often make up my mind about something and then rarely ever consider going back and rethinking my thoughts and opinions on that subject. Since I am hesitant before adapting new ideas, I strongly admire people that are easily able to do so. I also admire people that are constantly open to rethinking and analyzing their thoughts and beliefs on a subject. In my opinion, I find that it is harder to be open to new things versus sticking to the familiarity of what one already knows.
ReplyDeleteI would consider myself to be someone who identifies in a core set of beliefs. When I make a decision, I rarely ever go back on it. I do not want to be considered all over the place with my beliefs. I would like to think that my views and beliefs line up. However, I also admire others who are open to rethinking a decision or situation. People who are open to changing their belief and looking at a different perspective can create less conflict and are more open to compromise, in my opinion.
ReplyDelete-Anna Herd
In the past, I would have said that everything comes down to a right and a wrong, that the world can only be viewed in black and white, with no gray areas to be seen. It has taken me years to adjust from that point of view, and I'm proud to say that I'm more open to opposing ideas and differing opinions than I ever have been. That being said, I still hold my core beliefs and values near to my heart, with the majority making up a large portion of my identity. Nevertheless, as I've grown, and as I read this book, my appreciation for those who hold a malleable mindset magnifies.
ReplyDelete- Morgan McClellan
I think myself as someone who is a good mixture of both. There are some values that I have that I know won’t change, such as believing in showing kindness to others even if they aren’t at first kind to you, however I think there are things that I could change my mind with. I have changed significantly in the last few years in regards to a lot of my social beliefs, and I suspect as I continue to learn and develop as a person that there are some aspects of my personality that will continue to adapt to new situations.
ReplyDelete- Cas Northcutt
I find myself to be someone that has very strong core beliefs and thus is very passionate about them, however when I look back on my beliefs and how they've changed as I've gotten older, it's clear that I am willing to hear other opinions and in some cases even change my opinion if the case is presented properly. Obviously there are a few fixed values, but I like to see myself as someone who is open to all forms of rationalization provided it has adequate backing, even if it doesn't agree with my current beliefs.
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ReplyDeleteI am one of the lucky individuals that had the advantage of growing up in a household with two loving parents that instilled in me core values and beliefs for as long as I can remember. I continue to embrace many of those core values, and am stubborn to a certain extent to where I believe my values are strong and there is no need for change. Although, this doesn't mean that I am opposed to change. In order for me to change a belief or value, new evidence or a new argument must be presented. I hold my values close, but they can adapt if I think it makes more sense to do so.
ReplyDeleteI relate to you in the fact that I was also raised in a household where my parents taught me what their parents taught them and so on. For the longest time I would agree with all of the values and beliefs they passed down to me because in a sense, I was scared of change and did not want them to see me as disrespectful for thinking different than they did. I do not like to stir things up, especially with family, but I believe that it is crucial to do some exploring at my young age and evaluate what values and beliefs I want to fit into my lifestyle.
DeleteBefore coming to college, I would have described myself as a person who was more rigid in their beliefs. But, after the time that I have spent in college I have learned to allow my views and beliefs become more fluid. I've come to believe that instead of viewing each issue we face as being completely black and white, we can benefit from looking at them as a spectrum that contains a lot of gray areas. I believe that often when we hold a view so strongly in one extreme or another we become closed off to people who disagree with us. When your identity is rooted in an opinion, it can feel like a personal attack when someone disagrees. That being said, I do believe there is a balance between letting your opinion change, and standing by what you believe is important.
ReplyDeleteIn the past I would have one hundred percent said that I was one who would stay with one core set of beliefs. Everything that I did was the same thing every time. I was always thinking I have to do this this way and a can’ do it this way because it isn’t right. Recently though I have been thinking to myself “What if?”. What if I decided to do something differently? What if I decided I wanted something different this time? With these thoughts I have found some beliefs that I think I like better than the previous ones. When it comes to someone telling me their perspective I will listen and try to put myself in those shoes instead of my own. In the end I might change my mind.
ReplyDeleteI do tend to admire those who will stick to one belief or another, me being that way before. But I also admire those who ‘try on’ other beliefs, as I now am that way.
When I think about how I have lived my life over the past nineteen years, for the most part I have not branched out much from what I was taught as a child. My family instilled many core values in me, and I am thankful for that. Even though they are pretty set in their ways, they have always encouraged me to think for myself. I never really began doing this until I moved to college last year. It was like suddenly I saw things from a new perspective. I was no longer so close-minded. I am now open to testing out waters that I never would have even though about a couple years ago. It takes courage to branch out and seek new things and I have so much respect for people who do so. I admire those who want to change and make a difference in their lifestyles.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I would like to consider myself someone who tries new ideas.I tend to want to stick to my beliefs, however, I am often swayed by new ideas and new ways of thinking. In a way, this has made me a more approachable and adaptable person. Being open minded and trying to understand why a person believes this way requires you to push yourself to think that way as well. Then comes the question of what I think about it. I believe everyone should stand up for what they believe. I also think that ignorance breeds hate. If someone is unwilling to try and understand or learn just to protect themselves from being wrong they will never grow to respect the other opinion. In turn the opposing belief will oftentimes react in an unsavory way that further solidifies the belief that the other person is wrong. Ultimately, I respect both ways of thinking. Being confident in what you believe is something to be proud of and so is being an open minded person, however, without respect given to both parties from the other oftentimes people let their emotional ties to what they think get in the way of logic.
ReplyDelete--Kimber Farris
Although I tend to have a generally stable core set of beliefs, I tend to think of myself as an explorer of ideas. The reason being that I love to hear about new ideas and opinions because whether or not I adopt them for myself, I learn from them nonetheless. I always want to be sure that my beliefs are growing and changing with me instead of stagnating for the sake of personal comfort. However, it is also important to me to make sure I am not changing my views solely to please those around me.
ReplyDeleteWhen thinking about myself and what I believe and why, I think that I do have a core set of values but my beliefs around them change as I grow and get older. I love to learn about peoples reasoning behind their beliefs and actions. If that reasoning makes more sense than my own, it makes me think really hard about what I believe and can change my beliefs too. Depending on the situation, I could admire someone who sticks to what they believe, but could also admire someone who adapts what they believe when it makes sense to do so. What I don’t like is when someone doesn’t know why they believe something and won’t learn why or change, and when someone changes what they say they believe every time they hear a new opinion.
ReplyDeleteI relate to your interest in hearing the reasonings other people have for their belief systems. When people are too rigid with their beliefs, they can end up with harmful ideas without realizing it. No matter how polarizing or benign a person's ideas may be, taking the time to listen to the opinions of others is a great way for everyone to build empathy and respect for people they may not understand otherwise.
DeleteIn reflecting on myself and my beliefs, I have found that I sit somewhat in the middle of being an “explorer” and a “stick-to-your-guns'' type, leaning slightly towards the latter. While I don’t actively seek out information that I know will challenge my beliefs that often, I don’t disregard the information that does find its way to me. My core beliefs tend to remain the same, but I am open to changing aspects of them based on new experiences and information. I admire those who can change their beliefs often, because it shows that they are confident and sound in their own identity. Changing what they believe doesn’t change who they are. They are easily able to detach their beliefs from their identity, which is something I sometimes struggle with.
ReplyDeleteI can respect someone who sticks to their guns if can defend said guns, and I can respect those willing to change when they understand that there's room for understanding. Being too stagnate with an idea doesn't allow for personal growth while being to fluid shows a lack of conviction. My own beliefs are constantly shifting as I learn more about them and get older, but instead of my core philosophies changing completely it's more like their foundation sinks a bit further into the earth as the ground changes.
ReplyDeleteAfter reflecting upon myself, I find that I closely identify with an "explorer" especially when it comes to forming habits and opinions. Over the past few years I have taken on many new habits from the example of others and even ditched some of the things that I chose to believe because of the example of others. I found that in the recent years I have differing beliefs than both of my parents. As product of that, I have gained an understanding for their beliefs, while also basing my beliefs (whether it be political or religious) around what I know to be moral. As I grow older I often find myself challenging my old beliefs or even the current ones that I hold. For example, I have read political theory books from both ends of the spectrum. Whether it aligns with my beliefs or not, I enjoy getting to know the other side of things to better understand why others believe the way that they do. I can admire both people who tend to "stick to their guns" and people who are self-proclaimed "explorers" like me. I don't like floating around to different beliefs all of the time, but I enjoy the open mindedness that is associated with the explorer type.
ReplyDelete-Abigail Johnson
DeletePersonally, I am someone somewhere in the middle. I have my own personal set of core beliefs, but I also like to explore new ideas. Plus, I find it interesting to search out and learn about other ideas. I find that when I do this while also having an open mind, I tend to adopt new beliefs, opinions and ideas, and incorporate them into my own beliefs and opinions. It creates a learning atmosphere everywhere you go, and you start to have a growth mindset through every conversation and discussion. I do admire people who stay true to themselves through adversity. To specify, I admire those who stay true to themselves when others are trying to bring them down just because they have a different set of beliefs, or opinions. On the other hand, I also admire those who reach out and adopt new ideas, and practices. This shows they are open to change, and are willing to try it. Both are impressive, and both are things I try to do myself.
ReplyDelete(4) I believe that I am someone who is strongly dependent on my core beliefs because I am always willing to hear another's beliefs and can understand and change my beliefs. This makes me strong due to the fact that I am willing to change rather than be stubborn. I am a firm believer that being rooted in your core set of beliefs is one of the very reasons, they are your core set of beliefs, but I do think that being able to admit fault and accepting responsibility for your mistakes is what show true character development. Britt Bradstreet
ReplyDeleteI definitely believe that I am someone who sticks to my "core" beliefs very closely. However, I also see myself as somewhat of an "explorer" in other beliefs because the world is constantly changing and I am not one to believe in something that negatively impacts others. I do admire people who stick to their beliefs depending on what those beliefs are. A lot of people nowadays, particularly people in the older generation, are very set in the ways of how it was when they were younger. Those ways, however, are not socially acceptable anymore and have not been socially acceptable for the past 20 years at best. Yet for some reason they still stick to those beliefs and morals simply because they are afraid of change. Those who can change along with the rest of the world and social constructs are very admirable to me as I can relate to them on a very close level. We share similar ways of living and I enjoy being around people like that.
ReplyDeletetest
ReplyDeleteI would say that my beliefs are often changing the more I become older and therefore I consider myself an “explorer”. As I have grown my perceptions of the world and who I am have most definitely changed since I was younger. One factor can be because I have met people from many different backgrounds and beliefs that differ from mine. I want to learn from others and their experience, and I think because of that I would say my beliefs from two years ago to now have changed a lot. I have become more active in pushing people to stand up for what they believe in and to not be afraid to be who they are. I would say that I admire the people who easily adopt new practices or ideas because it means they are more accepting to everyone from different backgrounds and beliefs than someone who sticks to their guns and doesn’t want to open up and meet new people out of their circle. I don’t think someone has to become different to want to open to a new environment but maybe it will affect that person to see a different point of view. -Vivian Tapia
ReplyDeleteI would say that for the most part, I am more of an "explorer" when it comes to my beliefs. As I grow older and experience the world, my beliefs and opinions change based on my experiences. I like to keep an open mind and see things from other perspectives. I try to not let others change my views and beliefs, but sometimes it can be difficult. Although, it is not always a bad thing. Sometimes others' beliefs can help you see things in a way that you would've never seen it yourself. However, I admire those who "stick to their guns". Being able to have solid beliefs and not letting others change your opinion isn't always a bad thing. Your beliefs are part of your identity, so it's important to not let the "popular" opinion win over what you truly believe.
ReplyDeleteI believe that when I was younger, I tended to have much more of a preacher/prosecutor mindset. I was raised believing a certain way, and I stuck to those ways for a long time. It wasn't until I began to leave high school that I started rethinking what I had always believed. Maybe some things weren't rational, and needed to be addressed from different perspectives. I now consider myself as somewhat of an explorer of new beliefs. I would also say that I am a bit squeamish when it comes to considering a new idea. I like to do my research, while also questioning the experiences of my peers. I think that being around people who can change their ideas could possibly open you up to growth in your thoughts. Depending on the person, someone that "sticks to their guns" may be able to give very good information on both their point of view and the opposing point of view.
ReplyDelete-Toby Pyle
When I look at myself, I think I more of a stick to my guns type of person. Not saying that I do not ever change my mind, but I have to hear a very compelling argument with facts to back it if I want to change one of my beliefs. In other words, I am very stubborn. I can admire both sides of this spectrum. On one side I can admire people who are fluid with their ideals for the fact that they are ok with change, which is something I am not very comfortable with. My only problem with people like this is sometimes they shift their ideals to whatever is most popular. This is a generalization and I realize that they are not all like this. I can admire the people who stick to their beliefs because I am the same way. On the other hand, people with a stick to my guns mentality often are so stubborn they refuse to look at facts. They are often in what Adam Grant calls prosecutor mode and see changing their beliefs as a loss.
ReplyDelete-Riley Knickmeyer
I am someone who sticks with my set core of beliefs. These core sets of beliefs make up who I am, so I would rather stick to them. I admire people who stick to what they believe in more than changing themselves for others. If someone can stick to their beliefs, if they are not harming anyone else, then they are much stronger than anyone else when it comes to difficult challenges like that. As long as they are not harming anyone, there is nothing wrong with it.
ReplyDeleteI would consider myself someone who sticks to my guns primarily. There are always occasions where I may update my views slightly with the change in information and as more is known on the topic; However, I do not change anything very often unless it's absolutely necessary. I can be an overly stubborn person and for a long time major changes in anything that was important to me was one of my biggest fears. With that in mind though as I have grown, I have attempted to be more open minded. Ideas are fluid and always changing, if you do not stop to update every once in a while you will simply be left behind. I tend to admire those that stick to what they believe. Conviction in the face of your troubles shows just how courageous a person really is. Changing to conform is often the easy way of getting out of the situation in my opinion.
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