“We all have values for ourselves.  We protect these values.  We try to live up to them and we justify them and maintain them.  Even if we don’t mean to, that’s how our brain is wired.  If I believe I’m a nice guy, I’ll avoid situations that could potentially contradict that belief.  If I believe I’m an awesome cook, I’ll seek out opportunities to prove that to myself over and over again.  The belief always takes precedence.  Until we change how we view ourselves, what we believe we are and are not, we cannot overcome our avoidance and anxiety.  We cannot change.” ~ Mark Mason, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck