"I have a lot of beliefs and I live by none of them."

Living with a set of beliefs that you don't always follow can seem contradictory, almost like saying you have a roadmap but never use it. The core idea here is that it's one thing to hold beliefs and another to consistently act upon them. This gap between belief and action is something many people experience.

Historically, this kind of sentiment might resonate with individuals during times of personal or societal upheaval, when one's ideals are frequently challenged by real-world complexities. For instance, someone might deeply believe in environmental conservation but still drive a gas-guzzling car because it's practical and convenient.

Let's consider a practical example: Take Jane, who believes in the importance of a balanced life—work, health, relationships. She preaches self-care and the need for downtime, always telling her friends how crucial it is to avoid burnout. But if you peeked into her life, you'd see late nights at the office, missed gym sessions, and a phone that's constantly buzzing with work emails during family dinners. On the surface, her beliefs are strong and clear, but her actions tell a different story.

Now, if you're wondering how to bridge this gap, start small. Imagine you believe in the power of gratitude but often find yourself complaining. Try setting aside two minutes each day to write down something you're thankful for. It doesn't have to be monumental—just that your coffee was perfect this morning or that your friend sent you a funny meme. The key is consistency. Over time, those small actions begin to align with your beliefs, making them a part of your daily routine.

Picture this: You're at a coffee shop with your best friend, and they tell you they believe in the importance of honesty but can't seem to stop white-lying to keep the peace. You relate because, hey, you've been there. You both decide to come clean about something minor—like not loving that movie your friend recommended. It feels awkward at first, but then you realize, being honest wasn't as catastrophic as you imagined. You laugh, feeling a weight lifted, and make a pact to try being more upfront in little ways. This simple act of starting small and holding each other accountable begins to shift your relationship with honesty.

Life isn't perfect and neither are we. It's easy to hold beliefs and much harder to live by them every day. But by recognizing the gaps and making small, deliberate efforts to close them, we can slowly bring our actions in line with our values. It’s about progress, not perfection. So, next time you find yourself in that gap, don't beat yourself up. Just take a step—no matter how small—towards living what you believe.