As human beings begin to develop, our need for references and data tend to expand with us. By now I’m sure we can agree that commonly a child will look on their parents or keeper to map their view of their surroundings and develop the corresponding schemas and accommodating basic concepts about the objects on their direct environment.

But at the same time as we become adults the process of accommodating new information never stops, an even better, it might be possible for us to rearrange the older schemas into newer and more developed ideas to navigate the world in a more accurate and assertive way.

One way of modifying the old pattern of conduct is to stop reaffirming the old belief by removing the source that references it and replacing it with a new one.

For example, if I periodically expose myself to the news on tv and register the next information “streets are dangerous” I might not entirely believe it at first glance and might consciously submit it to doubt, but It will remain registered as a memory on my mind. And when the time comes to evaluate a situation like going outside, I will subconsciously revisit that memory and feel predisposed to danger.

Remarking on this last point, bit by bit of information a person constructs his/her viewpoints about everything there is. So, going back to the initial question and taking the last points presented as assumptions. A great way to influence ourselves, and prompt future decisions, is to be as selective as possible with the sources and the quality of data we process on our daily routine.

Do you think is possible to adjust your information intake to influence yourself into a positive change?

Can you think of another important point that might be missing?