In a positive vein, we may derive some psychosocial benefits from the arbitrary and subjective ways we misinterpret our behavior. We commonly indulge ourselves by holding self-serving, inconsistent, unrealistic beliefs which characteristically contradict our behavior. With such cognitive dissonant aids, people can live in mental worlds which transcend reality and, to the extent that some healthy fantasies are realized, improve their material circumstances. Such cerebral boot-strapping is common in humans and provides support for the coping mechanism which can also be simultaneously so helpful and maladaptive.