The world is building toward a collective society, a world society. As history shows, interconnectivity grows over time. With the invention of the internet, we are now able to share live information across many channels on a nigh-instantaneous level. As these connections improve, miscommunications (which are at the root of many societal problems) diminish. This leads to a slow, but steady movement toward a world society.
Selfish actions become diluted and discouraged as the world evolves. If you disagree with this, you imply that selfish actions are indeed needed. To continue this thought, you would logically imply that the human race/genome would profit from selfish actions (what else could you argue?). I disagree and argue that the time for community action is now.
This is not just an informational piece telling that generally people are more worldly, but a call to consciously shift the decisions you personally make to favor the worldly whole, as opposed to selfish gains. Wholly selfish decisions only create hardship and strife for those around you, while incorporating your community's health into your decisions helps yourself and everyone around you.
You are a world before you are a man. Now act on that knowledge.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wrong by Action Rather than Wrong by Inaction
When faced with complexities in which we are forced into decision we often consider the decision to wait things out or to choose inaction. However, it is often the best social decision to make an action-decision.
In many cases people stall taking action or consider inaction because they are afraid of being wrong. But what is more wrong is inaction. Even though it seems like the safe choice may be to remain static and wait to see how situations play out, it is often better to take action.
Why?
We look for the simplest correct answers to solve our problems. This is a fact. And although in any situation, you will consider your range of decisions or inaction/delay, any decision in that range will overall have a greater positive social impact than inaction/delay.
There are generally 3 paths in decision making in this situation, 2 of which are divergent paths. First we lay out all of our options of which there are 2+. The first is an action-decision, the second is inaction. The 3rd path emerges as the choice to make the action-decision unfolds into what we predict will be "right" or "wrong" choices in the situation.
Though inaction may seem socially "safe"it is decadent and rarely solves problems.
For every situation in which you choose inaction/delay:
Once you realize that even incorrect actions/decisions avoid these social pitfalls, it is far easier to make a choice, regardless of your prediction of correctness.
Keep in mind, that though extreme, all the negative connotations of delay are present along a delayed decision making process. This means that, the longer you take to make a decision (even if it an action-decision) you increase the tensions mentioned in the bulleted list above. This is not to say that you should reach decisions immediately when presented with problems, but that you should keep in mind that too much time spend considering a problem, brings a social problem of its own.
Why?
We look for the simplest correct answers to solve our problems. This is a fact. And although in any situation, you will consider your range of decisions or inaction/delay, any decision in that range will overall have a greater positive social impact than inaction/delay.
There are generally 3 paths in decision making in this situation, 2 of which are divergent paths. First we lay out all of our options of which there are 2+. The first is an action-decision, the second is inaction. The 3rd path emerges as the choice to make the action-decision unfolds into what we predict will be "right" or "wrong" choices in the situation.
Though inaction may seem socially "safe"it is decadent and rarely solves problems.
For every situation in which you choose inaction/delay:
- You decay the social strings that bind people together
- You remove yourself from the situation
- You discourage discussion
- Others interpret your indecision as uncaring
- You become less influential over time
Once you realize that even incorrect actions/decisions avoid these social pitfalls, it is far easier to make a choice, regardless of your prediction of correctness.
Keep in mind, that though extreme, all the negative connotations of delay are present along a delayed decision making process. This means that, the longer you take to make a decision (even if it an action-decision) you increase the tensions mentioned in the bulleted list above. This is not to say that you should reach decisions immediately when presented with problems, but that you should keep in mind that too much time spend considering a problem, brings a social problem of its own.
--
This idea becomes a bigger issue with small groups of people, but less so with larger groups.
Delay may be more advisable in certain situations with more than 2 or 3 players, where the choices of others have greater affect. In this case it may be advisable to withhold action in the light of creating a sterile environment for those with the power to make those larger choices.
Delay may be more advisable in certain situations with more than 2 or 3 players, where the choices of others have greater affect. In this case it may be advisable to withhold action in the light of creating a sterile environment for those with the power to make those larger choices.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Influential Social Motion
We all are in movement physically and more importantly, socially. Our actions (and whether they are purposeful or not) all influence those around us. And just as a normal item in motion pushes and degrades other items around it passively, so do our actions do to those around us.
The key note is that both ambient and passive actions push people away. So even as you act passively towards those in your life, you push them away. The only way to combat this is with purposeful actions that draw those you want with you closer. Inviting people to events, calling them, engaging their values.
You push away those you do not actively pull in simply due to the nature of influential social motion. Remember this and keep who you want, and realize those whom you assume will always be there due to sheer historic momentum, will slip away.
The key note is that both ambient and passive actions push people away. So even as you act passively towards those in your life, you push them away. The only way to combat this is with purposeful actions that draw those you want with you closer. Inviting people to events, calling them, engaging their values.
You push away those you do not actively pull in simply due to the nature of influential social motion. Remember this and keep who you want, and realize those whom you assume will always be there due to sheer historic momentum, will slip away.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Picketing for Peace
Picketing for peace or other great-issues is a waste of resources.
You can't fight the greater demon of war unless you start solving interpersonal problems even unto household and community disputes. The same chaos and strife you experience in these areas is only expanded into the larger social and political circles that few fully understand.
How can we even kid ourselves to attempt to bring peace with picket signs when we can't solve simple, small-circle misunderstandings?
Hug your children, volunteer at a soup kitchen, join a walk-for-donations campaign, call your congressman, donate to local non-profits. These things all directly relate to social improvement. Sitting all day with a sign does nothing to change anyones minds or actions.
I may even go so far as to say picketers in this sense are delusional and even subtract from the social-improvement of others. As we've identified picketers for peace are generally not aiding the problem of war, then they are wasting resources. Even the occupancy of the street corner can interfere with normal (possibly value adding) actions of those passing by.
It's one thing to picket for fair wages or something with a clear-cut solution. It's entirely another to try to deal with geo-political arguments through decorating signs.
Ambiguous signs that just say "peace now" or "no war" are the worst. There will be always be war.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
"Everything Will Work Out How it Should"
Why does anyone say this phrase? What does it really mean?
Assigning order to future events gives us comfort, even if these future events are inherently unknown.
Order and predictability allow us to build and test models in the real/current world. The known eases people.
Fear is rooted in the unknown. But if we convince ourselves that the future is taken care of, it turns the ephemeral to the quantified.
This phrase doesn't even guarantee overall positive outcomes is the interesting part - but we can still draw comfort from it. Even if the future is meant to be dark, the idea of it being understood is just as important.
Nobody panics when things go "according to plan." Even if the plan is horrifying! If, tomorrow, a gang-banger will get shot, or a truckload of soldiers will be blown up, nobody panics, because it's all "part of the plan". - Batman's Joker
Does being told that "everything will work out how it should" change anything? Does it allow us to release our anxieties and go with the flow? Does it make us passive and accept the fate lined up for us? Maybe its a bad thing to tell ourselves these things in some situations. You have to take care when telling someone this - because inherently you are telling them to just let things happen. If you would rather advise or experience change, do not tell yourself or others this.
This phrase also plays into the idea of the Metanarrative: a narrative about narratives of historical meaning, experience or knowledge, which offers a society legitimation through the anticipated completion of a (as yet unrealised) master idea.
People prefer to be a character in a story, no matter that character's circumstances, rather than to be an unknown with an unwritten (though potentially brighter) future.
Assigning order to future events gives us comfort, even if these future events are inherently unknown.
Order and predictability allow us to build and test models in the real/current world. The known eases people.
Fear is rooted in the unknown. But if we convince ourselves that the future is taken care of, it turns the ephemeral to the quantified.
This phrase doesn't even guarantee overall positive outcomes is the interesting part - but we can still draw comfort from it. Even if the future is meant to be dark, the idea of it being understood is just as important.
Nobody panics when things go "according to plan." Even if the plan is horrifying! If, tomorrow, a gang-banger will get shot, or a truckload of soldiers will be blown up, nobody panics, because it's all "part of the plan". - Batman's Joker
Does being told that "everything will work out how it should" change anything? Does it allow us to release our anxieties and go with the flow? Does it make us passive and accept the fate lined up for us? Maybe its a bad thing to tell ourselves these things in some situations. You have to take care when telling someone this - because inherently you are telling them to just let things happen. If you would rather advise or experience change, do not tell yourself or others this.
This phrase also plays into the idea of the Metanarrative: a narrative about narratives of historical meaning, experience or knowledge, which offers a society legitimation through the anticipated completion of a (as yet unrealised) master idea.
People prefer to be a character in a story, no matter that character's circumstances, rather than to be an unknown with an unwritten (though potentially brighter) future.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Finding Yourself in an Archetype
Take a step back and think about what your life looks like. Think about all the people in a similar circumstance. Think about your social circle, your family life, your work, your play, all the things that make you, you.
Do you fit into an archetype?
Common archetypes in high school are jock, nerd, etc. but considering adult positions there are many as well. I won't name them as I don't know them, but that's not what this is about.
This is about the discovery.
When and if you ever found that you fit into an archetype, what would your reaction be? What path should you take from there?
Initial Reaction
Initial reactions are jarring. People just living their lives without introspection might suddenly realize they act/feel/want the same way as many others and those they consort with. Realizing you've fallen into this pathway where so many others have already been can be confusing.
What do you do with this new-found information and introspection? Choices boil down to two general pathways: acceptance or rejection.
Acceptance
Do you see what others do?
Accepting your archetype maybe other people who you recognize to be in a similar archetype are involved with some things that you aren't. Maybe those things would make you feel more fulfilled or have some other benefit associated with the archetype. Diving in and getting involved with others in a similar archetype may be the next logical step in your life.
Try and predict your future?
Accepting your archetype may actually afford you a unique opportunity to not only get involved with what people in a similar situation are doing, but also allow you to predict your own future. Speaking with your elders you can most likely put together a likely path you will fall into.
Rejection
Try and diverge?
Maybe it upsets you that you've been pigeon-holed into this likely pathway. In this case you can try and diverge to become something else. This is debatable as your archetype may be successful in its whole and threatening that may threaten your livelihood as it stands. Hybrid archetypes may be possible but this would require individual research and decision making. Broadening your horizons is always good, however you may find your comfortable present-day lifestyle threatened.
Try and forget it?
Maybe this new-found knowledge is threatening in itself. Trying to forget that you are on a one-way train-like ride may be needed. This may be advisable for people wanting to but unable to escape their archetype. Actively trying to forget an item, though often impossible, may be the most desirable outcome in some circumstances like these. Suppression might be a better word for it, but the end-goal is the same.
Escape?
Do you fit into an archetype?
Common archetypes in high school are jock, nerd, etc. but considering adult positions there are many as well. I won't name them as I don't know them, but that's not what this is about.
This is about the discovery.
When and if you ever found that you fit into an archetype, what would your reaction be? What path should you take from there?
Initial Reaction
Initial reactions are jarring. People just living their lives without introspection might suddenly realize they act/feel/want the same way as many others and those they consort with. Realizing you've fallen into this pathway where so many others have already been can be confusing.
What do you do with this new-found information and introspection? Choices boil down to two general pathways: acceptance or rejection.
Acceptance
Do you see what others do?
Accepting your archetype maybe other people who you recognize to be in a similar archetype are involved with some things that you aren't. Maybe those things would make you feel more fulfilled or have some other benefit associated with the archetype. Diving in and getting involved with others in a similar archetype may be the next logical step in your life.
Try and predict your future?
Accepting your archetype may actually afford you a unique opportunity to not only get involved with what people in a similar situation are doing, but also allow you to predict your own future. Speaking with your elders you can most likely put together a likely path you will fall into.
Rejection
Try and diverge?
Maybe it upsets you that you've been pigeon-holed into this likely pathway. In this case you can try and diverge to become something else. This is debatable as your archetype may be successful in its whole and threatening that may threaten your livelihood as it stands. Hybrid archetypes may be possible but this would require individual research and decision making. Broadening your horizons is always good, however you may find your comfortable present-day lifestyle threatened.
Try and forget it?
Maybe this new-found knowledge is threatening in itself. Trying to forget that you are on a one-way train-like ride may be needed. This may be advisable for people wanting to but unable to escape their archetype. Actively trying to forget an item, though often impossible, may be the most desirable outcome in some circumstances like these. Suppression might be a better word for it, but the end-goal is the same.
Escape?
Some should run. Those who've identified their archetype and found that their future is undesirable should escape and start over. Those with power and without responsibility should recreate themselves in the best light they can. Though this is unlikely because power and lack of responsibility would be a difficult description to have if you disliked your archetype as with these things you've probably already changed your situation.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Self-Awareness - A Look into Personal Change Management and Anxiety
What is the thinking behind awareness in everyday decision making?
First the definition of "awareness" and "want to change" that I will be operating on:
Awareness: conscious and mindful of situation or fact.
Note: When I speak negatively about awareness, note that it is always in the light of "hyper" awareness or "excessively" aware.
Again, operating on the definition of "want to change" is not a bad thing - it means you are comfortable with the way things are.
We must decide on a framework for how to view self-awareness so that it is not viewed in a vacuum and so that relations can be drawn to create the idea. That framework here is choice.
For this idea, what it first boils down to is personal judgments of choices made. Are you choosing right or wrong? However ultimately this doesn't matter too much and we must delve deeper. Within the context of self-awareness, negative decisions may be necessary (stealing food to feed the family, etc.)
It comes down to the want to change.
Here is a quick (expertly drawn) graph showing Self-Awareness vs the Want to Change:
Let us take a deeper look at each of these facets.
First, High Want to Change - Low Self Awareness
This isn't the most important quadrant and its analysis is mostly useful in comparison to the other quandrants. Now that I consider it holistically it may even be better renamed to "stupid" to put it harshly.. or someone help me with something politically correct. Basically with a high want to change but low self awareness one would end up very confused - knowing they are acting in a not ideal way, but unable to have the clarity to see how their actions play into the greater life.
People in this position would often be criminals, as high want to change is indicative of wrongdoing, but low self awareness would make them incapable of understanding how to escape their situation or change their mindset.
Second, High Want to Change - High Self Awareness
People in this section would not spend over a few weeks, months, or years in it. With high will to change and a mindset that allows them to see all aspects, the situation would change quickly. There is not much to say here as the double positive's benefits are self-evident.
Third, Low Want to Change - High Self Awareness
Again, operating on the definition of "want to change" is not a bad thing - it means you are comfortable with the way things are. High Self Awareness however is bad in combination with it though. Without want or ability to change, but being overly conscious of all actions is anxiety. For those suffering from anxiety, perhaps one way to attempt to address it is by realizing these two facts within anxiety.
People in this situation are very common. Caged in the circles of thought and unable to escape it but through sleep.
Lastly, and most notably, Low Want to Change - Low Self Awareness
Though it might seem not in the best interest of an individual, it is actually very satisfactory. Low Want to Change means you are content with your life as is, which can be a very good thing. Low Self Awareness pairs well with this as you don't need to be hyper critical of every decision or thought you have, which would just lead to anxiety.
Key also to this position is the ability to move in a diagonal direction (relative to the graph above). Moving into a position where you do have a Want to Change would mean that you should move into a mindset of raised Self Awareness so that your change is swift, and efficiently executed.
People resting in this position are probably the happiest and most satisfied of any classification. Though it may seem like the upper righthand portion would encompass those improving their lives, that is not necessarily true and I would want everyone to take away the benefits of both the upper right portion and lower left portion - especially the lower left as I believe society overlooks peaceful happy people.
Closing notes:
Looking back maybe I should have placed the "Ideal" tab right on the Y axis in the middle. I didn't mean to imply that zero Self Awareness should be good, as you should always be mindful of your actions. Zero or absolute minimal Self Awareness would mean a zombie-like state which I wouldn't recommend.
Just being aware of your position can help you understand your circumstances and where you want your mindset to be in the future.
First the definition of "awareness" and "want to change" that I will be operating on:
Awareness: conscious and mindful of situation or fact.
Note: When I speak negatively about awareness, note that it is always in the light of "hyper" awareness or "excessively" aware.
Again, operating on the definition of "want to change" is not a bad thing - it means you are comfortable with the way things are.
We must decide on a framework for how to view self-awareness so that it is not viewed in a vacuum and so that relations can be drawn to create the idea. That framework here is choice.
For this idea, what it first boils down to is personal judgments of choices made. Are you choosing right or wrong? However ultimately this doesn't matter too much and we must delve deeper. Within the context of self-awareness, negative decisions may be necessary (stealing food to feed the family, etc.)
It comes down to the want to change.
Here is a quick (expertly drawn) graph showing Self-Awareness vs the Want to Change:
Let us take a deeper look at each of these facets.
First, High Want to Change - Low Self Awareness
This isn't the most important quadrant and its analysis is mostly useful in comparison to the other quandrants. Now that I consider it holistically it may even be better renamed to "stupid" to put it harshly.. or someone help me with something politically correct. Basically with a high want to change but low self awareness one would end up very confused - knowing they are acting in a not ideal way, but unable to have the clarity to see how their actions play into the greater life.
People in this position would often be criminals, as high want to change is indicative of wrongdoing, but low self awareness would make them incapable of understanding how to escape their situation or change their mindset.
Second, High Want to Change - High Self Awareness
People in this section would not spend over a few weeks, months, or years in it. With high will to change and a mindset that allows them to see all aspects, the situation would change quickly. There is not much to say here as the double positive's benefits are self-evident.
Third, Low Want to Change - High Self Awareness
Again, operating on the definition of "want to change" is not a bad thing - it means you are comfortable with the way things are. High Self Awareness however is bad in combination with it though. Without want or ability to change, but being overly conscious of all actions is anxiety. For those suffering from anxiety, perhaps one way to attempt to address it is by realizing these two facts within anxiety.
People in this situation are very common. Caged in the circles of thought and unable to escape it but through sleep.
Lastly, and most notably, Low Want to Change - Low Self Awareness
Though it might seem not in the best interest of an individual, it is actually very satisfactory. Low Want to Change means you are content with your life as is, which can be a very good thing. Low Self Awareness pairs well with this as you don't need to be hyper critical of every decision or thought you have, which would just lead to anxiety.
Key also to this position is the ability to move in a diagonal direction (relative to the graph above). Moving into a position where you do have a Want to Change would mean that you should move into a mindset of raised Self Awareness so that your change is swift, and efficiently executed.
People resting in this position are probably the happiest and most satisfied of any classification. Though it may seem like the upper righthand portion would encompass those improving their lives, that is not necessarily true and I would want everyone to take away the benefits of both the upper right portion and lower left portion - especially the lower left as I believe society overlooks peaceful happy people.
Closing notes:
Looking back maybe I should have placed the "Ideal" tab right on the Y axis in the middle. I didn't mean to imply that zero Self Awareness should be good, as you should always be mindful of your actions. Zero or absolute minimal Self Awareness would mean a zombie-like state which I wouldn't recommend.
Just being aware of your position can help you understand your circumstances and where you want your mindset to be in the future.
Infinite Access to the Internet Decreases the Need to Explore the World for Ourselves
First, let us establish a little History...
Imagine your ancestors' access to the world outside of their own locality. They had stories mostly, but also books and maps (at different points in history) to learn from. Needless to say it was very limited.
Any thirst they had for knowledge that didn't exist in their locale was difficult to attain.
The important conclusion to take away from this going forward is that knowledge seekers had to leave their locale to see/learn for themselves.
Imagine your ancestors' access to the world outside of their own locality. They had stories mostly, but also books and maps (at different points in history) to learn from. Needless to say it was very limited.
Any thirst they had for knowledge that didn't exist in their locale was difficult to attain.
The important conclusion to take away from this going forward is that knowledge seekers had to leave their locale to see/learn for themselves.
Today...
Thirty-five percent of people worldwide access the internet (http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm). You and I both know the infinite expanse of the internet; you can go anywhere and experience or learn almost anything. It is truly an amazing thing.
However, how does that effect our will to experience any of those things for ourselves?
Extrapolated, this lack of exposure means that less traveled people are lesser people. Don't read too much into this though, because although accurate, it is meaningless in most everyday situations. Quite offensive too.
Thirty-five percent of people worldwide access the internet (http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm). You and I both know the infinite expanse of the internet; you can go anywhere and experience or learn almost anything. It is truly an amazing thing.
However, how does that effect our will to experience any of those things for ourselves?
Example...
If one is curious about Hawaii, one may simply ask google and you are transported there.
May we agree that a certain number of people given internet and curiosity about Hawaii and no access to the internet and another group with full access to the internet and the same curiosity, the group without internet would more likely contain more travelers to the destination? (It may need also be said that I'm implying a medium level of curiosity across the board, as a high level would possibly lead to as many members of each traveling - though of course this is not the point.)
The Difference...
Both groups gain similar knowledge but something is lost. Knowledge is still gained over the internet however the exposure is tertiary and hollow. Nowadays one may gain a more broad view of the place, but one would lose the impalpable direct knowledge obtained by visiting the place itself.
Reasoning... (Or why internet-knowledge is hollow)
Let me posit first that direct exposure creates people that are more whole and 3 dimensional compared to those that haven't. Travel implies interaction and true experience. Though obvious, this cannot be written off.
If one is curious about Hawaii, one may simply ask google and you are transported there.
May we agree that a certain number of people given internet and curiosity about Hawaii and no access to the internet and another group with full access to the internet and the same curiosity, the group without internet would more likely contain more travelers to the destination? (It may need also be said that I'm implying a medium level of curiosity across the board, as a high level would possibly lead to as many members of each traveling - though of course this is not the point.)
The Difference...
Both groups gain similar knowledge but something is lost. Knowledge is still gained over the internet however the exposure is tertiary and hollow. Nowadays one may gain a more broad view of the place, but one would lose the impalpable direct knowledge obtained by visiting the place itself.
Reasoning... (Or why internet-knowledge is hollow)
Let me posit first that direct exposure creates people that are more whole and 3 dimensional compared to those that haven't. Travel implies interaction and true experience. Though obvious, this cannot be written off.
Extrapolated, this lack of exposure means that less traveled people are lesser people. Don't read too much into this though, because although accurate, it is meaningless in most everyday situations. Quite offensive too.
Take away...
If you've always loved alternate places, people, cultures, anything that you have personal value for, go there and dive in - make it a priority instead of reading the news.
Also, have humility when discussing a topic that you have tertiary (second hand, internet) knowledge, with someone who has experienced things first hand.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Companionship as a Priority in Religious Sects
When you consider any religious group you usually immediately go to belief systems, but what of the possibility of relationships based on attitudes rather than the belief system. Are theists aware or disturbed by this possibility?
I would think that many, especially in mainstream ideologies, would care. They might even find that as a compliment to their amicability.
-- Please see the following as a thought experiment, not attacking or judgmental of theism. --
As a Christian, I assumed that everyone I met in any church-related function was a believer. I think that is an understandable and semi-universal feeling. That back-of-the-mind assumption makes me feel comfortable. Or rather the knowledge that that may have not been true makes me feel uncomfortable. That those people I communed with may have been deceivers is crazy. Though it is no great fault of theirs that they are nonbelievers, just there for the community, it is still offputting.
And as that is a possibility, it must mean that there are people who do that. Those select people who choose to knowingly enter a religious group with no intention of conversion or learning must be interesting people. Their mindset must be one that likes the convictions that the institution instills but must disagree philosophically. How this would work out would be unlikely, however it must happen.
I would have so many questions for a person like this.
How can you like their attitudes but stop at their beliefs?
Are you almost convinced to join the faith or have you thoroughly decided against it?
Do you believe that those you commune with would be offended if you admitted your position?
I would think that many, especially in mainstream ideologies, would care. They might even find that as a compliment to their amicability.
-- Please see the following as a thought experiment, not attacking or judgmental of theism. --
As a Christian, I assumed that everyone I met in any church-related function was a believer. I think that is an understandable and semi-universal feeling. That back-of-the-mind assumption makes me feel comfortable. Or rather the knowledge that that may have not been true makes me feel uncomfortable. That those people I communed with may have been deceivers is crazy. Though it is no great fault of theirs that they are nonbelievers, just there for the community, it is still offputting.
And as that is a possibility, it must mean that there are people who do that. Those select people who choose to knowingly enter a religious group with no intention of conversion or learning must be interesting people. Their mindset must be one that likes the convictions that the institution instills but must disagree philosophically. How this would work out would be unlikely, however it must happen.
I would have so many questions for a person like this.
How can you like their attitudes but stop at their beliefs?
Are you almost convinced to join the faith or have you thoroughly decided against it?
Do you believe that those you commune with would be offended if you admitted your position?
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Personal Improvement: How Sharing Your Plans with Peers Can Hinder Your Efforts (read: why actions speak louder than words)
Telling others about your personal improvement intentions hinders your follow through.
If you've ever had an idea to improve your life; be it through exercise, dieting, even education, your first thoughts are always so grand. "Tomorrow, no solid foods - I'm going to juice everything!" You are so excited to lose the weight you gained over the winter. You go out and buy an expensive juicer, and a bunch of fresh fruits and vegetables so everything is prepared.
Part of preparation of course is mental; you have to tell yourself that you are committed. You have to be excited about the weight loss and how great you will look - after all, you've been wanting to lose that weight for months.
Sidebar: Let us all agree that we are social creatures. And in that light, we share the news of our lives with our friends and family. Agreed? This is a normal routine, but it is necessary to proceed to set this precedent.
Naturally, in your social "news-sharing" routine you tell your friends and family about your new personal improvement venture.
It may not seem like anything, but you've already made a fatal mistake, challenging your ability to follow through with your effort. You told people. But in that act of sharing, you've fired reward centers in your brain. So called "Empathy Neurons" react to your imagining and sharing and your brain reacts in a way as if it had already performed the self-improvement venture.
Reference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbh5l0b2-0o
@ 6:11
As you start your juicing routine and continue sharing your effort with your peers, your brain is still receiving the "reward feelings" all along. This hinders you and, though you don't know, your brain must be confused why you are continuing if you already feel basically as good as you ever will.
In part, you falter because you shared and got the "reward feelings" just by spreading the news and people acknowledging your idea.
I would argue that personal improvement ventures are sometimes more likely to go through for those who don't share their plans.
----
Advice
Next time you have an idea for personal improvement, just go ahead with it and see what happens, keep it a secret and let the results speak for themselves. If people ask after noticing change then feel free to share. This will encourage a continuance of behavior and allow the "reward feelings" to take place in the natural, logical order to produce better results.
Downside: Altered short term social behavior.
Upside: You follow through in the long term.
If you've ever had an idea to improve your life; be it through exercise, dieting, even education, your first thoughts are always so grand. "Tomorrow, no solid foods - I'm going to juice everything!" You are so excited to lose the weight you gained over the winter. You go out and buy an expensive juicer, and a bunch of fresh fruits and vegetables so everything is prepared.
Part of preparation of course is mental; you have to tell yourself that you are committed. You have to be excited about the weight loss and how great you will look - after all, you've been wanting to lose that weight for months.
Sidebar: Let us all agree that we are social creatures. And in that light, we share the news of our lives with our friends and family. Agreed? This is a normal routine, but it is necessary to proceed to set this precedent.
Naturally, in your social "news-sharing" routine you tell your friends and family about your new personal improvement venture.
It may not seem like anything, but you've already made a fatal mistake, challenging your ability to follow through with your effort. You told people. But in that act of sharing, you've fired reward centers in your brain. So called "Empathy Neurons" react to your imagining and sharing and your brain reacts in a way as if it had already performed the self-improvement venture.
Reference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbh5l0b2-0o
@ 6:11
As you start your juicing routine and continue sharing your effort with your peers, your brain is still receiving the "reward feelings" all along. This hinders you and, though you don't know, your brain must be confused why you are continuing if you already feel basically as good as you ever will.
In part, you falter because you shared and got the "reward feelings" just by spreading the news and people acknowledging your idea.
I would argue that personal improvement ventures are sometimes more likely to go through for those who don't share their plans.
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Advice
Next time you have an idea for personal improvement, just go ahead with it and see what happens, keep it a secret and let the results speak for themselves. If people ask after noticing change then feel free to share. This will encourage a continuance of behavior and allow the "reward feelings" to take place in the natural, logical order to produce better results.
Downside: Altered short term social behavior.
Upside: You follow through in the long term.
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