This video from Uplift talks about dealing with your inner world to improve your outer world, after all your outer world is a reflection of your inner world. Self awareness is a very powerful skill to develop.
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This is a great video detailing how to be effective in your meditation practice. Susan Piver talks you through her recommended mediation process.
Place attention on your breath,
Openness – allow your thoughts to be as they are. Don’t try to fight them coming and going, just don’t let them distract you,
When you notice you are being distracted, let it go. There is nothing to hold onto.
If you’re interested in persuasion, this is a must watch for you.
Watching This Video From Alan Watts Will Help You To No Longer Fear Death
Jim Carrey is a multi talented guy, as well as being hilariously funny in films like Dumb and dumber, Ace Ventura and many other popular movies, Jim is a great motivational speaker. This is one of his best talks, about how to think about living your life, enjoy
We are all the same under our “labels”, we are all members of the human race. Our “labels” act to separate and divide us, they try to fool us into thinking we are different to others, but in reality these labels are lies. We are more than our names, ages, race, religion, politics, our country of origin.. we are more than the colour of our skin. We are one, we are the human race….check out the video above for more insight.
Posted by Get Lasting Results on Tuesday, 29 December 2015
Goal setting is a key component for improvement. After-all you need to have at least an idea of the direction you’re heading. A direction-less life, without purpose is one without passion. Find out more about goal setting here
How you think about things can be liberating or constraining, depending on your approach.
Both of these can be good and bad—liberation is a sense of freedom to do whatever you want, but freedom requires some degree of having to take on some responsibility to be able to focus and constrain, if it’s ever going to be productively useful. Constraints can be too limiting in the negative but do provide some structure and stability, and give you something to metaphorically hold onto.
Think of it like the difference between being in the middle of a deep ocean without any floatation device, compared to being in a small pool with a handrail within easy reach.
Freedom to be anything and do anything can be debilitating and overwhelming if there’s too much of it, and nothing to guide you, or to hold onto. It’s too much chaos and not enough order.
It is said the outer world is a reflection of our inner world, and the way we think does indeed map onto society. Society provides structure, support, and guide rails, while simultaneously reducing individual’s freedoms, constraining, and forcing conformation, and that’s to be expected because it can’t give you freedom and stability to the same intensity, at the same time. It’s a trade-off—more freedom means less stricture, and vice versa.
Some people want more government support, more government interventions, they want governments to look after them more and more these days, but this subsequently means they have less freedom. More of one means less of another, it’s a trade-off between the two.
I sometimes hear people calling to tear the government down, but overthrowing it means the end of structure, and support, and more chaos. It’s like finding yourself in the middle of an ocean scenario. Revolution sounds empowering, when it’s anything but, especially as people today seem increasingly dependent on guide rails to support them.
It’s all about balance, different people have different tolerances. Some want more support and less freedom, they tend to be more close-minded and rigid in their thinking. Others want more freedom and less support, they tend to be more open-minded and free-thinking. But some are just not thinking it through, they need to get their thinking straight, they want more of both, more freedom and more support, but in reality, it doesn’t work like that.
A Simplified Guide to Your Brain’s Amazing Process
Understanding how the brain works can transform the way you think, learn, and interact with the world. While our day-to-day experiences feel seamless, your brain is constantly working behind the scenes to predict, process, and adjust. Here’s a breakdown of this fascinating process in simple terms.
Your Brain as a Prediction Machine
Every time you walk into a room, your brain makes unconscious predictions about what you’ll see, hear, smell, or feel. These predictions are based on past experiences, helping your brain create a mental “model” of the environment. If everything matches your expectations, your brain stays calm, operating on autopilot to conserve energy. This is why routine tasks feel effortless—they’re handled by your brain’s predictive systems.
But what happens when the unexpected occurs? Suppose there’s a strange sound or an unusual object in the room. This mismatch between prediction and reality activates your conscious attention. Your brain then focuses on identifying and resolving the anomaly, whether through curiosity or, in extreme cases, a fight-or-flight response. Once the new information is processed, your mental model is updated to better handle similar situations in the future.
We Never See True Reality
Surprisingly, you don’t experience reality as it truly is. Your brain is locked in the “dark vault” of your skull, relying entirely on your senses for information. These senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and body awareness—offer limited data tailored for survival rather than a full understanding of the world.
For example, your eyes can only see a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and most of your field of vision is blurry. Yet, your brain fills in the gaps, creating the illusion of a complete and vibrant picture. It’s a simplified, low-resolution map that prioritizes what’s relevant to your goals while filtering out the rest.
Mental Models That We Live By
Your brain relies on mental models, to navigate life. These models include beliefs, values, and priorities built from your past experiences, memories, and imagination. They shape how you perceive the world and interact with it. For instance, the belief that “politicians can’t be trusted” is a mental model shaped by personal experiences and cultural narratives.
However, it’s essential to remember, that these mental models are representations of reality, not reality itself. They guide your decisions but are inherently limited, focusing only on what’s necessary to achieve your goals.
Biological and Social Drives
Your thoughts and behaviors are influenced by two key factors:
Biological Needs: Hunger, thirst, reproduction, and other survival instincts constantly compete for attention. These must be prioritized to keep you alive.
Social Environment: Navigating relationships and societal expectations helps you regulate emotions and meet basic needs like earning money for food, shelter, and clothing. Socialization also shields you from chaos by providing predictability in interactions with others.
Adapting to Complexity
As the world becomes more complex, so do our mental models. Humans constantly develop more sophisticated ways of thinking to thrive in ever-evolving societies. This adaptability ensures that we can handle the challenges of modern life while still relying on the same fundamental brain processes.
Key Takeaways
Your brain’s predictive process is an extraordinary tool that helps you navigate life effectively. By creating mental models, focusing on relevant details, and updating its predictions, your brain ensures, survival, and success. Recognizing these mechanisms allows you to think more critically, embrace curiosity, and adapt to new challenges with greater awareness.
Challenging Your Assumptions: How Internal Models Shape Political Beliefs
Your internal model—the mental framework your brain builds to interpret the world—shapes not just how you navigate daily life but also how you understand complex issues like politics. While these models help us make sense of overwhelming information, they can also limit us, reinforcing biases and resisting change. Recognizing this can empower you to critically evaluate your beliefs and make more informed decisions.
The Power and Perils of Internal Models
Internal models are shortcuts your brain uses to process information and predict outcomes. For example, if you’ve always seen political decisions framed a certain way—through a specific media outlet or cultural perspective—your model is primed to interpret new information through that lens. While this makes processing faster, it can also lead you to dismiss alternative viewpoints or resist contradictory evidence.
Why Questioning Your Assumptions Matters
Political systems and policies are complex, and no single perspective can fully encompass their nuances. When we rely too heavily on pre-existing internal models, we risk:
Confirmation Bias: Seeking out information that supports our existing beliefs while ignoring conflicting evidence.
Over-Simplification: Reducing multifaceted issues to “good versus bad” narratives that miss critical nuances.
Groupthink: Adopting the beliefs of a social or political group without critically evaluating their validity.
By questioning your assumptions, you open the door to greater understanding and a more balanced perspective.
Strategies to Challenge Your Internal Model
Engage with Opposing Views: Instead of avoiding perspectives that clash with your beliefs, explore them with an open mind. Ask, Why do others see this differently? This doesn’t mean you have to agree but understanding their reasoning can refine your internal model.
Follow the Evidence: Prioritize credible data over opinions. For instance, if a policy seems ineffective based on anecdotal evidence, investigate broader studies or reports to get a clearer picture.
Separate Emotion from Fact: Political discourse often appeals to emotion—fear, anger, or hope. While emotions are valid, they can cloud judgment. Take a moment to distinguish between how a claim makes you feel and whether it’s supported by evidence.
Question Absolutes: Be wary of statements framed as “always” or “never.” Policies and situations are rarely black and white; explore the gray areas.
A Real-World Example
Consider a divisive policy like healthcare reform. Your internal model might categorize it as “good for the economy” or “a threat to individual freedom,” depending on your past experiences and the narratives you’ve absorbed. But what happens when you step back and ask:
What are the actual outcomes of similar policies in other countries?
Who benefits and who might be disadvantaged, and why?
Could my assumptions about economic impacts or personal freedoms be incomplete?
By reframing the issue, you move beyond initial gut reactions and engage in a deeper analysis.
The Rewards of Updating Your Model
When you challenge your assumptions, your internal model becomes more accurate, flexible, and resilient. You’re no longer confined to a single narrative or vulnerable to political propaganda. Instead, you approach issues with curiosity and critical thinking, empowering yourself to make decisions rooted in a fuller understanding.
Final Thought
Your brain is wired to seek patterns and consistency, but that doesn’t mean you have to be trapped by your initial assumptions. Questioning your beliefs doesn’t weaken your position—it strengthens it by aligning it closer to reality. In a world of complex political challenges, the ability to think critically and revise your internal model is not just a skill—it’s a necessity.
The quote, “People do not seem to realize that their opinion for the world is also a confession of character.” is often attributed to philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, and suggests that the way people see and interpret the world reflects their own inner qualities, beliefs, and biases. Here’s what it means:
Perspective as a Mirror: When people express opinions about the world, they reveal how they see life, others, and even themselves. For instance, a person who views the world as hostile or unfair might reveal a more cynical or distrustful outlook, whereas someone who sees beauty or kindness in the world might have a more open-hearted or optimistic character.
Judgments and Values: Our opinions are shaped by our experiences, values, and attitudes. For example, someone who constantly criticizes others may be showing an underlying insecurity or judgmental nature. Conversely, someone who often finds the good in people might be more compassionate or forgiving.
Character Traits Revealed: How people react to events or social issues often highlights their priorities and character traits, like empathy, resilience, cynicism, or hopefulness. This idea implies that our opinions are less about objective reality and more about what we project from within ourselves.
In essence, our opinions about the world reflect who we are as people—our character, our past experiences, and our inner-perspectives—more than they necessarily reflect the world itself.
Imagine a house with many windows, each offering a view of the same landscape outside. However, each window has a different shape, frame, and type of glass—some are clear, others are fogged, cracked, or tinted. One person may look through a wide, clean window and see the full picture, while another might see only a small part of the scene through a narrow or dirty window.
The landscape (reality) remains the same, but the view is shaped by the window we look through. These windows represent our personal backgrounds, beliefs, and past experiences. Because each person looks out from a different window, they see a slightly different version of the same world, leading to unique perspectives and interpretations.
This analogy emphasizes how our subjective experiences shape our view of reality, making it impossible to see the world without the influence of our individual “windows.”
whether you think you’ can or you think you can’t – you’re right quote by Henry Ford
In the intricate dance of human behavior, two primal forces constantly shape our actions: approach and avoidance. It’s a delicate balancing act of seeking pleasure while evading pain, striving to keep or attain the good while steering clear of the bad. Understanding these dynamics is key to unraveling the complexities of our decisions and actions.
At its core, our behavior is driven by the pursuit of rewards and the avoidance of punishments. We are wired to seek out experiences that trigger feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, fueled by the neurotransmitter dopamine. This incentive reward system motivates us to move towards our goals, driven by the anticipation of gratification.
However, once we achieve our goals, the frame of reference shifts. The consummatory reward sets in, and we experience a sense of satiation. Yet, intriguingly, it’s often the anticipation of rewards that drives us more than the rewards themselves. We find ourselves constantly chasing the next high, the next dopamine hit, perpetually in a state of wanting over having.
Conversely, punishments serve as deterrents, signaling potential threats to our well-being. Whether it’s the diminishment of our self-esteem or social status, punishments act as barriers, dissuading us from engaging in behaviours deemed undesirable.
But how do we determine what is good or bad, right or wrong? It’s through the lens of subjective interpretation, colored by our beliefs, values, and social conditioning. We assign meaning to our experiences, filtering them through the sieve of our perceptions and biases. Yet, this process is inherently flawed, as our interpretations often lack the depth and nuance to capture the complexities of reality.
In retrospect, we may rationalize our actions, weaving a narrative that justifies our choices and minimizes cognitive dissonance. This tendency to twist reality to fit our narrative serves as a coping mechanism, shielding us from the discomfort of acknowledging our shortcomings.
However, we are able to change our mindset, by reframing how we think about things, by taking responsibility for our actions instead of adopting a victim mentality, by being resourceful, and by finding a big enough reason (or enough reasons) to initiate momentum towards positive change. We need to generate enough enthusiasm to overcome any resistance to change that may hold us back. This is often fueled by the fear of the unknown, uncertainty, loss, embarrassment, and an evolutionary desire to conserve energy in times of uncertainty.
Fear, instead of being an obstacle, can be harnessed as a catalyst for growth, propelling us forward into uncharted territory. By getting the fear of regret or fear of missing out (FOMO) behind us, we can use it to towards our goals.
Embracing chaos and complexity, we embark on the hero’s journey, confronting our fears and building competency through incremental, but continuous progress. Armed with knowledge, motivation, and productivity tools, we navigate the twists and turns of life, aiming for the highest good while standing on the border between our comfort zone and unknown territory.
In this ever-evolving dance of approach and avoidance, let us dare to venture bravely into the unknown, armed with the wisdom to differentiate the monsters that are from the monsters that could be. For it is in the journey itself that we discover the true essence of our humanity and the limitless potential that lies within.
Get Results: expand comfort zone through discomfort
Stepping outside one’s comfort zone is akin to venturing into uncharted territory, where uncertainty reigns supreme and discomfort becomes a constant companion. By its very definition, discomfort implies a sense of unease, a feeling of resistance that stems from the instinctual urge for self-preservation. It’s the unsettling sensation that nudges us towards the familiar, towards the safety of what we know, rather than towards the unknown.
Yet, it is precisely at this juncture, at the threshold of fear and uncertainty, that we are presented with a choice—a choice that can either propel us towards growth and self-discovery or anchor us to the safety of the familiar. It is the choice between turning away from the fear or leaning into it, facing it head-on, and embracing the discomfort as a catalyst for change.
In many ways, embarking on this journey is akin to undertaking the hero’s journey—a narrative archetype that transcends cultures and time periods, embodying the universal quest for self-discovery and transformation. Like the hero of old, we are called to venture forth into the unknown, to confront our deepest fears and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, in pursuit of a greater truth.
For it is often said that the very thing we need most can be found in the place we least want to look. It is amidst the discomfort and uncertainty of the unknown that we uncover hidden truths about ourselves, about our capabilities, and about the world around us. It is here, in the depths of our discomfort, that we discover the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless potential that lies dormant within each of us.
In stepping outside our comfort zone, we come to realize that all the knowledge and wisdom we seek to improve our lives lie not within the confines of what we already know but in the vast expanse of the unknown. It is here that we find the answers to the questions we never thought to ask, the solutions to the problems we never knew existed.
Yes, it is true that we already possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that has brought us to this point in our lives. But if we are to continue growing, evolving, and becoming the best versions of ourselves, then we must be willing to embrace the discomfort of the unknown, to venture into uncharted territory, and to open ourselves up to the infinite possibilities that lie beyond our comfort zone.
So, the next time you find yourself faced with the choice between the safety of the familiar and the uncertainty of the unknown, remember this—true growth lies not in what we already know but in what we have yet to learn. Step boldly into the discomfort, for it is here that the greatest adventures await, and the most profound transformations occur.
“There are only two great tragedies in life: one is not getting what you want and the other is getting it.” — Oscar Wilde
This quote by Oscar Wilde reflects on the dual nature of life’s potential tragedies. Let’s break it down:
“One is not getting what you want”: The first tragedy refers to the disappointment and sorrow that come from unfulfilled desires and aspirations. Failing to achieve one’s goals or obtain what one desires can be a source of profound sadness and regret.
“The other is getting it”: The second tragedy is more subtle. It suggests that obtaining what one desires can also be a source of tragedy. This could be due to the unexpected consequences, responsibilities, or challenges that come with achieving one’s goals. Success may not always bring the fulfillment or happiness one anticipated, and the reality of attaining one’s desires may turn out to be less satisfying than expected.
In essence, Wilde’s quote highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of human desires and the potential for both disappointment in not achieving them and unexpected challenges in achieving them. It encourages reflection on the nature of personal goals and the broader implications of success and failure in the pursuit of those goals.
Self-deception is a major barrier to self-improvement, and people may engage in self-deception for a variety of reasons. It’s a complex psychological phenomenon with both adaptive and maladaptive aspects. Here are some reasons why self-deception can occur:
Coping Mechanism
Self-deception can be a coping mechanism to protect ourselves from painful or uncomfortable truths. Facing certain realities may cause emotional distress, so the mind creates a defense mechanism by distorting or denying those truths.
Preserving Self-esteem
People often want to maintain a positive self-image. They may deceive themselves to avoid acknowledging their weaknesses, mistakes, or failures, as this could threaten their self-esteem.
Confirmation Bias
Humans have a natural tendency to seek information that confirms their preexisting beliefs and to ignore or downplay evidence that contradicts them. This can lead to self-deception as individuals selectively perceive and remember information that supports their preferred view of reality.
Biased Perception
Perception is not purely objective; it can be influenced by emotions, personal biases, and desires. This subjectivity can lead to distorted interpretations of reality.
Social Conformity
Sometimes, people adopt beliefs or behaviors to fit into a particular social group or to be accepted by others. This desire for acceptance may lead individuals to deceive themselves about their true feelings or values.
Avoiding Responsibility
Self-deception can be a way to shirk responsibility for one’s actions. By convincing themselves that they are not at fault or that their actions were justified, individuals can avoid feelings of guilt or remorse.
Overconfidence
Overestimating one’s abilities or the accuracy of their beliefs can be a form of self-deception. People may deceive themselves into thinking they are more competent or knowledgeable than they truly are.
Emotional Regulation
Sometimes, self-deception can be an attempt to regulate emotions. For example, individuals might convince themselves that a situation is not as bad as it seems to lessen their emotional distress.
What to do about it?
It’s important to be aware of the fact that people, you included, can fool themselves about their strengths and weaknesses. It’s often harder to see fault in yourself, or at least to admit to it, than seeing fault in other people. We often excuse our failings as being down to circumstances, or reasons in the situation, but fail to afford that courtesy to other people, preferring to question the quality of their character or abilities for their mistakes.
You need to separate out your value or worth as a human being, from your competencies, abilities, and performance. Being a success really doesn’t make you a better person, it just means you’re better at doing a particular thing, or even many things, but that doesn’t make you more valuable as a person. So, let go of the fear of losing your value if you make mistakes or fail. Testing your limits requires stepping outside your competency, and faltering sometimes, it’s part of the process of learning and getting better and extending your comfort zone.
Ultimately, the only way to get better is to fully acknowledge and accept your present weaknesses, biases, and flaws, so you are better able to accurately map out a path forward toward a more capable version of yourself.
“Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become.” -Jim Rohn
This quote by Jim Rohn emphasizes a different perspective on achieving success. Instead of viewing success as something to be actively pursued or chased, it suggests that true success is a natural outcome or consequence of personal growth and development.
In essence, the quote suggests that the key to achieving success lies in becoming the kind of person who naturally attracts success. It places emphasis on self-improvement, character development, and the cultivation of positive traits, habits, and skills.
By focusing on becoming the best version of yourself, you naturally align with the qualities and attributes that lead to success in your chosen field or endeavor. Success becomes a byproduct of your personal growth journey rather than the sole destination of your efforts.
This perspective on success encourages individuals to invest in continuous learning, self-discipline, goal-setting, and a growth mindset. It emphasizes the importance of developing the qualities, values, and attitudes that draw success towards you.
The quote also implies that success is not solely measured by external achievements or material possessions but is also deeply connected to one’s internal qualities and character. It suggests that personal fulfillment and satisfaction come from the process of becoming a better, more accomplished, and purposeful individual.
