Chapter 1: Understanding Self-Doubt and Interest

This morning, a thought struck me regarding the intricate relationship between our interests and our beliefs.

Often, I find myself contemplating how many of our choices or inactions stem from a lack of confidence or belief in our abilities to embrace new challenges. We tend to hold on to a self-image that we cherish. When faced with obstacles that challenge our self-worth and purpose, we may resort to excuses and rationalizations to avoid stepping out of our comfort zones.

One prevalent excuse is a perceived lack of interest. We might convince ourselves that we are not inclined to pursue difficult tasks, leading to a complete disinterest in them.

Where am I headed with this? Let’s take a closer look.

For instance, as a personal trainer, I nearly abandoned my career path a few years back due to difficulties I faced with the exercise science curriculum. Grasping the concepts was not always straightforward for me, which may seem absurd, given the significance of that knowledge in my field.

I fell into the trap of self-deception, telling myself:

"This isn't for me. This doesn't align with who I am. I'm not suited for this."

Such negative self-talk almost persuaded me to believe that I had lost interest in my career as a personal trainer.

How could I possibly teach others when I struggled to understand the anatomy and physiology of the human body?

This same internal conflict surfaced when I pursued a teaching degree. I found some classes tedious and irrelevant, leading me to conclude that this career path wasn’t right for me simply because I wasn’t engaged every single moment.

Yet, in any endeavor, moments of tedium, frustration, uncertainty, and the need for personal development are inevitable.

I possessed the personality traits and skills necessary to excel as a personal trainer, which is why I later pivoted to health and wellness coaching. My struggles with certain academic concepts did not mean I was unfit for the role; rather, I needed to push through the challenging aspects.

Ultimately, my initial lack of enthusiasm towards being a trainer was unfounded—I came to enjoy it and became quite adept at it.

The same applies to my teaching aspirations. A few uninspiring classes didn't define my potential as an educator. Accepting these challenges is part of the learning process.

Keep this reflection in mind if you find yourself retreating from opportunities in your life.

Are you distancing yourself because something is too difficult, which in turn diminishes your interest?

Could it be that you doubt your ability to adapt and start anew?

Consider this perspective today.

Perhaps some activities you claim to be uninterested in, or things you insist aren’t part of who you are, are actually manifestations of your self-doubt rather than genuine disinterest.

Don’t fall into that mental trap—engage in honest self-reflection. The truth lies within you.

This is just a fresh perspective that hit me this morning…

As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read along!

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This article was published on July 24th, 2024, in Long. Sweet. Valuable. publication.

Chapter 2: Atheism and Belief

In exploring the theme of belief, we encounter various perspectives on atheism.

The first video titled "Atheism Redefined As Absence of Belief" delves into how atheism can be interpreted not merely as a rejection of the divine but as a stance of non-belief.

Additionally, the podcast "[PODCAST] Do atheists just lack a belief in God?" examines the nuances of atheism, discussing whether it reflects a genuine absence of belief or something more complex.