Does over-simplification lead to limiting beliefs?

In an increasingly complex world, it seems many take a very binary view of it.

Why is this, and does it affect our outlook, belief systems and therefore performance and results?

Let’s delve a little deeper.

The world of social media seems to produce cyclical debates.

Hustle vs systems.

10x vs controlled growth.

Pursuit of money vs happiness.

Very often, when we encounter a debate like this for the first time, we will internalise the side of the argument that resonates most with us, especially if it’s presented by an authority with significant influence.

And by internalising that belief, we effectively hardwire it into our internal operating system - it takes a LOT to change that state.

But does that binary argument serve us, or hinder us going forward?

One of the debates that I see a lot in certain circles is whether money makes you happy or not.

One side argues that achieving financial opulence and surrounding yourself with material items will empower you, make your life better etc and therefore is the ultimate aim.

The other side of the debate is that money does not make you happy and you don’t need much more than what’s needed to meet the basic needs of safety and security.

But this debate is superficial, binary, and doesn’t actually ask the right questions in the first place.

With all other factors BEING EQUAL, of course having more money is better than having less, even if it’s for the sole purpose of giving it away and doing good in the world.

Again - with all other factors BEING EQUAL, who would genuinely favour a 25 year old Lada sitting in the drive vs a brand new Rolls Royce?

I think anyone who says anything else is not being entirely genuine with their answers.

HOWEVER…

The wrong question is being asked here, as the debate is not actually about money but about motivation - and what drives you to get out of bed in the morning.

And there’s plenty of quantifiable research into this...

Some people are driven by external factors (like financial metrics).

Others are driven by internal factors (like autonomy, mastery and purpose).

It’s been demonstrated in certain situations that those with external motivators actually have increased levels of anxiety and stress even when achieving their financial goals as they are merely replaced with another set of financial targets to hit.

So the question that you should be asking is from a high performance perspective, regardless of financial gain, is what REALLY drives you, and what REALLY increases your wellbeing.

I mentioned earlier the 3 drivers of Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose, all fundamental human motivators which, when met, have led to higher levels of performance, results and wellbeing.

Ask yourself this question.

Would you rather drive to your 70 hour a week routine job assembling widgets in your Rolls Royce, screaming into the mirror every Sunday evening about how much you hate your job, your boss and the mind numbing boredom of it all…

Or would you rather admire your 25 year old banger from the comfort of your home office as you live a life of freedom on your own terms, doing what you want, when you want to with a purpose that fulfils?

There is no right or wrong by the way…!

The reason I write this article is not so say what should drive you, but to urge you to dig a little deeper in the rather binary and unhelpful debates that rage across communities and social media and ask yourself if you’ve internalised a belief that’s not serving you right now.

What’s your thoughts on this?