Doublethink: the ability to hold contradictory beliefs

Doublethink refers to the ability to hold two contradictory beliefs or ideas at the same time. George Orwell coined the term in his novel 1984, where the ruling government used doublethink to manipulate its citizens, but you can also use it to manipulate yourself.

In golfing, you want to be full of self-doubt before you swing to ensure you identify the right club and form. But, during the swing, you want total self-confidence.

In fighting, while training, you want to believe you’re not good enough to push yourself to train harder. But during the fight, you want to believe you’re the best.

In debate, you want to know the opposing argument just as well as your own.

We can all endure anything if we know when and if it’s going to come to an end. But what if you don’t know if it will ever end? The Stockdale Paradox is a powerful example of doublethink that can help you persevere when facing great difficulty, chaos, and uncertainty.

Jim Collins coined The Stockdale Paradox in his book, Good to Great, and named it after a famous military leader, Admiral Jim Stockdale. Admiral Stockdale was held as a prisoner of war for over seven years during the Vietnam War where he was tortured over twenty times. He survived by maintaining two opposing beliefs. He maintained faith that he would eventually be rescued, but he also faced the brutal reality of his situation and prepared himself to endure the worst.

The Stockdale Paradox is about maintaining long-term hope while dealing with short-term realities. On the one hand, you must maintain unwavering faith that you will eventually find a way to prevail. And on the other hand, you must maintain the discipline to confront the brutal facts and create a plan to deal with them.

Doublethink is a form of self-deception. We’re all capable of holding contradictory beliefs and ideas. The trick is to be aware of these contradictions and manage them to our benefit.

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