Cognitive consistency, dissonance and I

Cognitive dissonance is the inadequacy that comes from the incongruity in one’s actions and beliefs. Naturally, most people tend to feel anxious or nervous after saying a lie or acting hypocritically, assuming these people have hearts. All people desire cognitive consistency, that is, to have our actions, beliefs and words in sync with one another. When our actions and words don’t match we tend to live less satisfying lives, naturally.

That’s a pretty simple idea and I think it’s pretty easy for people to adapt to. For the most part, my actions do match my words, etc but sometimes I get confused. I mean to say one thing but it comes out sounding like I’m implying something else or I say something and do another, I worry about this. But I think the source for doubting myself so frequently are people. Even though I barely care for what others say, the reality is that you people exist and when that which exists mocks you, the hurt you feel is very much real. But then again, I am responsible for my own actions and words, not how you perceive them.