How you live a principle is a measure of your discipline more than your belief.
You can believe in something you don’t really do. It happens all the time. You wouldn’t be the first person to believe in something only to discover in the moment of truth that your belief wasn’t as firm as you thought it was. It’s easier to tell yourself you believe in something than it is to do it.
Anyone can believe in bravery when the thing they’re afraid of is nowhere in sight. That’s not a test of belief. The test of your belief in bravery is when you’re standing nose-to-nose with what you fear most.
- People believe they’re tough until they experience real pain.
- People believe they’re ready until they feel the anchor of doubt.
- People believe they’re kind until they don’t like someone’s opinion.
- People believe they’re honest until they have to share an uncomfortable truth.
Belief without the discipline to do it—and do it when it’s hard—isn’t worth much. A belief that lives in your mind, but not your action, is not part of your life. It’s part of a made-up life you’re not living. It’s a fantasy where you imagine you are the kind of person you haven’t demonstrated yourself to be.
If you want to evaluate belief in a principle, there is only one measurement. You must observe the discipline of your action in living that principle across the circumstances of your life.
The depth of your belief is only measured by the discipline of your behavior. What other measure could possibly be more accurate?
If that makes you uncomfortable, good. That’s a discomfort you need to feel. It’s sending you a message you need to hear. Ask yourself why.
Why would you feel uncomfortable holding yourself accountable for demonstrating what you say you believe?
Event + Response = Outcome. Do the work.
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