In a world dominated by variables, people like to form black-and-white ideologies and hopes. Of course, people may or may not understand outcomes could have a variety of twists and turns - but it is funny how often realizations and aspirations can end up on the polar opposite sides.
Religion. Politics. Finances. Dating. Health. We often approach situations thinking 'if I do this, then this will happen' or 'if I go this route, I will be safe from that.'
We build causal relationships to the point that we end up expecting a norm for almost any outcome. For things we are unsure of, we seek advice from others and try to get a grasp on similar case studies.
Whether we like it or not, we are creatures of habit. No, I am not saying that we are like a pigeons, raising our foot to a behaviorist doctor in order to get a treat. Instead, we settle in with the familiar and with what works. We piece aspects of our lives into patterns and follow these patterns because they have worked for us in the past.
Absolute black and white thinking is theologically conservative. We tend to stay in this realm, not leaving our box because it is comfortable. We may know what we want, but it is too darned comfortable being in this situation where we know exactly what to expect.
I challenge you to leave your box, at least once a week. Make a cognitive effort to do so. Pull out of the habit of remaining complacent and take a risk. Apply for that better job. Go back to school. Ask that person you see every day out.
More importantly, stop wasting time and take a step. Separate your current self from your future self. Do you want to let your future self down? Didn't think so.
We enjoy black and white redundancy, but without adding a bit of color your world will remain pretty gray.
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