The Frame of Reality: Anatomy of Adler's Lifestyle

Introduction: Is the World You See ‘Fact’ or ‘Interpretation’?

Even if the same rain falls, some feel it is “atmospheric and romantic,” while others feel it is “damp and annoying.” We often believe that what we see and feel are objective ‘facts,’ but in reality, we see the world through a huge cognitive frame in our minds.

Alfred Adler called this frame Life Style. If you want to understand your selection patterns that repeat every time you make a major life decision, you must first dissect this frame you use to interpret the world.

1. Life Style: Basic Convictions

Life Style in Adlerian sense does not simply mean ‘living habits.’ It is a system of basic convictions an individual has about themselves, the world, and life tasks. Adler analyzed this belief system into three main elements.

① Self-concept: “I am a person who ~”

The definition one gives to oneself. Beliefs such as “I am someone who is welcome everywhere (positive)” or “I am a deficient person who must not tolerate mistakes (negative).” This self-concept determines the range of our actions. because those who believe “I can’t” don’t even try.

② World-image: “The world is a place where ~”

Beliefs about others and the environment. A person with the frame “The world is a warm place where we can cooperate” approaches others easily, while a person with the frame “The world is dangerous and trying to harm me” always shows a cautious and defensive attitude.

③ Ethical-conviction (Self-ideal): “I must ~”

Convictions about what oneself and the world should be like. Beliefs such as “I must always be the best” or “I am only worthy if I help others.” This conviction also becomes a ‘purpose of life’ trying to fill the gap between self-concept and world-image.

2. How is the Frame Formed?

Adler viewed that this life style is completed around 4-5 years old. It’s an autonomous survival strategy built while pondering ‘How can I survive and be recognized in this world?’ through order within the family in childhood, parents’ rearing methods, physical conditions, etc.

But the issue is Creative Power. Adler saw that humans are not passively determined by the environment, but rather are beings who create their own frame by ‘interpreting’ the given environment. Therefore, your current frame might have been your best choice in the past, but it might be outdated software that needs an update now.

3. If You Want to Know Your Frame: Analyzing Life Style

The best way to know your frame is to look into the consistency of your choices.

Repeated Conflicts: Why do I always move away from people for similar reasons?
Direction of Attention: Am I sensitive to others’ praise or sensitive to criticism?
Early Recollections: Recall 3-5 of your oldest memories in life. What role are you playing in those memories, and how did the world react to you? Adler viewed early recollections as the strongest clue showing the current life style.

4. Reconstruction of Frame: Re-selecting ‘Life Style’

The greatest hope Adlerian psychology gives us is that we can choose again. The world appears as the frame you see. In other words, if you change the frame, the world changes.

Awareness: Change begins just by recognizing, “Ah, I’m seeing this situation through the frame ‘the world is dangerous’ right now.”
Asking Functional Questions: Ask yourself, “Does this belief (frame) help my current happiness and growth?”
Practicing Alternative Interpretations: Practice interpreting the same situation with a different frame (e.g., others are partners, not enemies).

Conclusion: Your Frame Determines Your Destiny

We can never see the world as it is. We can only meet the world through the frames we’ve made. If your life is painful and stagnant, it might not be because your ability is lacking, but because your Frame (Life Style) is holding you back.

Adler says: “We cannot change the past, but we can change the interpretation of the past right now.” Take off the old glasses and choose a new frame that can contain a wider and warmer world. Only then will your real life begin.

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