Introduction
Beliefs are explanations and assumptions that we choose to believe in. A belief is a truth that we assume, to improve our understanding of the world we live in. Our beliefs shape how we behave and the kind of attitudes we develop towards things. For us to succeed in life we must be willing to change our beliefs from time to time. There are constructive beliefs that lead to expansion and fulfillment of life, and destructive beliefs.
Our main beliefs are usually based on what we learned and saw when we very small and young to decide what was true. Our parents usually pass our beliefs to us. Beliefs always made sense at the time that we chose them, but beliefs that we held as children do not make sense in adulthood. (Forrester, M. 2002).
Morals are rules of conduct based on what is right or wrong according to society. They are also based on our firm convictions. Morality involves guidelines and rules that a group of people has established as right or wrong, good or evil. Morals govern an individual’s behavior and choices.
Values are those ideas and beliefs that matter to us. Most of our values are learned at home, at school, or in the church. They are beliefs that are held deeply about what is good or right. Values also encourage and motivate us to do what is right and best. Personal values are strong desires that motivate and enhance you as an individual. They also help us on how we can conduct our life more fruitfully. Personal values such as honesty and trust assist us to relate to other people. Cultural values connect us to other people that have the same backgrounds as ours. Work values guide us on how to behave in professional environments. They assist us in relating to our bosses, co-workers, and clients. (Forrester, M. 2002).
Achieving certain goals
As a team, we were set to achieve certain goals and we ensured that our values matched with the goals. For us to achieve success and avoid failures we must clarify our values. Some members of the team argue that man is inherently good because he is so determined to withdraw from negative influences. Avoiding these negative influences within us assists in clearing our paths for inherent goodness. Man can bring out the goodness in him if he is surrounded by positive influences because man’s inborn characteristics are good.
Other members of the team argued that man is inherently evil. Man’s inborn characteristics are evil, which can be proven by the fact that a child develops a sexual attachment to the parent of the opposite sex and jealousy toward parents of the same sex. When babies cry, whine and fuss when they want attention shows that man is born with unacceptable behavior but can be trained to be good. Trying to do evil deeds and not being able to avoid them, shows that humans are evil. (Weiner, B. Freedheim, D. Schinka, A. 2003).
Environmental factors vs. Genetic factors
Environmental factors have greater impacts on our attitudes than genetic factors. Inherited factors result in differential experiences among individuals that lead to differential attitudes. People born with special abilities in sports have positive attitudes towards these activities because everyone sees them as heroes in the field.
Human beings are completely free to choose their destiny. They are free to make whatever choice suits them best. The main factor in determining our destiny is thought. To become creators of our destiny, we must transform ourselves to meet the consequences of our deeds, such that the disharmony we make is balanced out.
Desires that are whole-hearted, intense, and steady create opportunities. For us to have a good physical environment, we must be able to help others with our actions and words. If our actions cheer and comfort others then we will be followed by happiness, but if we cause confusion and unhappiness to others, then depression shall follow us. Choices that we desire and make will alter our destiny. Spiritually, before creating man, God decided what he wanted him to be like. Through his will for freedom, man has been able to change his destiny, by making his own choices. Some team members believe God predetermines an individual’s destiny. This way, man has no control over anything.
Environmental factors such as poverty can create or cause crime, as individuals from poor backgrounds are easily likely to be criminals. However, these individuals can be raised in positive environments that discourage bad habits, consequently, molding them into good characters. If these individuals are brought into an environment full of negative forces, they are most likely going to become criminals. Individuals from rich backgrounds are usually brought up to be well-mannered and cultured people suited to fit into high-class societies. This influences what they believe in and how they are likely to behave. (Sicker, M. 2001).
Environmental factors such as our innate ability to cope with people from different cultures, with differing beliefs and values from those of our own, create good interpersonal skills in us. It makes people more social and understanding of others. The laws and cultural practices in our environments create guidelines and rules that should not be broken. This helps in developing morally upright individuals. The ability of individuals to invest in meaningful goals and their willingness to achieve these goals makes them focused, competent and hardworking.
Spiritual forces in the environment also contribute to our ways of behaving. A sense of purpose and the desire to contribute to society enables individuals to work together to create harmony and benefit the communities within which they are members.
Genes may influence our personality in the sense that they govern the development of our endocrine and nervous systems. Men are known to be more aggressive than women because of the hormone called testosterone. If female babies are exposed to this hormone, they tend to display characteristics that are more typical of boys. (Lovelace, A. White, J. 2002).
Human behavior has a structure that is directed by beliefs and degree of conscious awareness. We are usually more conscious of belief systems that we have adopted than those that we are born into. When we are more conscious, we understand that there is no right or wrong. Unconscious processes can influence our judgment, feelings, and overt behavior in determining both action and thought. Conscious processes are important in contradicting unwanted unconscious influences. The conscious process initiates and regulates voluntary action.
What factors determine behavior
Behavior is determined by the person’s perception that creates a desire to meet others’ expectations. These perceptions enable emotionally effective living. Behavior is also shaped by people’s expectations of the world. It is based on reflexes or unconditioned stimulus and response. Behavior can also operate in an environment to change it in one way or the other. For example, a teenager’s behavior affects her parents’ behavior. An individual’s conscious thinking, perception, and goals also determine behavior.
Morality governs our behavior and as a result, directly influences our destiny. Moral values are standards of good and evil that are derived from society, religion, self, or government. Morality affects our daily decisions which are more often than not, directed by our conscious. No external psychological influence can affect an individual unless they permit it. However, individuals are known to permit events outside their psyche behavior. Most individuals follow the conditioning they have received in life rather than using their independent reasoning. People often use cause and effect to excuse their present behavior. To choose to do what is morally upright is to fulfill your role as a component of humanity. (Forgas, J. Williams, K. Laham, S. 2004).
References
Forgas, J. Williams, K. Laham, S. (2004). Social motivation: Conscious and unconscious processes. Cambridge, University press.
Forrester, M. (2002). Moral beliefs and moral theory. Springer.
Lovelace, A. White, J. (2002). Beliefs values and traditions. Harcourt Heinemann.
Sicker, M. (2001). Between man and God: Issues in Judaic thought. Greenwood Press.
Weiner, B. Freedheim, D. Schinka, A. (2003). Handbook of psychology. John Wiley and sons.