What do we self-regulate towards according to our deepest held beliefs?

The concept of self-regulation in the context of deeply held beliefs suggests that our actions and behaviors align closely with the strong images or narratives embedded in our subconscious. These subconscious pictures represent our core values, beliefs, and identities, which significantly influence how we respond to situations and make decisions.

When we encounter challenges or choices, it is these strong subconscious pictures that guide us towards actions that are congruent with our beliefs. For example, if someone has a deep-seated belief in helping others, they may subconsciously visualize themselves as a helper, leading to behaviors consistent with that identity, such as volunteering or offering assistance.

While conscious thoughts play a role in decision-making, they often fluctuate and can be influenced by external factors rather than reflecting our core values. Recent memories, although influential, do not have the same depth as the subconscious pictures formed over time. Similarly, societal expectations can pressure individuals to act in certain ways but do not dictate personal internal alignment, which stems from deeper, personal beliefs. This is why the idea of self-regulating towards our strongest picture in the subconscious is critical and accurately captures the driving force behind our behaviors in line with our deepest beliefs.