Our beliefs and identities tend to be self-fulfilling. We perceive through the filter of these beliefs and identities. We act as if they are true. And, to some extent, we get the consequences as if they are true.
For instance, one of my core beliefs is of missing out. I am missing out.
If I get caught up in that belief and the feelings that come with it – sadness, grief, hopelessness – then I’ll be less engaged. I’ll be less active in seeking out what I want. And that means I’ll miss out. I believe I miss out, so I miss out.