Don’t Confuse Status and Acquisition With Success
Says Alain de Botton. He examines our ideas of success and failure – and questions the assumptions underlying these two judgments. Is success always earned? Is failure? He makes an eloquent, witty case to move beyond snobbery to find true pleasure in our work. https://youtu.be/MtSE4rglxbY
If It’s Not Broken, Check It Anyway
Humans have a natural inclination to improve things, to meddle, to leave our mark. This saying reminds us to leave well alone when things are OK. But it can also be used as an excuse for neglect. It may not be broken, but routine maintenance is generally a good idea, especially with relationships.
Obedience Can Be Inconvenient
Sometimes we can only gain the best vantage point by doing something different. And sometimes, when you attempt to do that other people will try and stop you.
Five Ways Not to Live Your Dream
Most or our ambitions won't be realised, but that doesn't matter if we have reasonable successes to keep us going. The truth is, we generally settle for far less than we could have, and we keep ourselves safe by setting our sights low. In this video Bel Pesce explains the five false beliefs that help keep success out of reach. https://youtu.be/sR6P5Qdvlnk
Understanding Doesn’t Always Mean Effective
I understand how a piano works but I can't use it as intended. In the same way, one can understand everything about plants without having green fingers. This sequel to a recent post
Using the Mind; Understanding is Optional
We don't need to understand something in order to make use of it. That goes for our minds too.
Reframe, But Not Until You’re Ready
Our beliefs and the explanation we give ourselves have a huge impact on how we experience life. Even, in some cases, if we live at all. Explanations rule when it comes to how we respond to events, that's why multiple explanations can make us more resilient. But take your time.
Inspiration, Gloss and Self-Esteem
Ideas from the self-esteem movement have had an ever increasing and pernicious hold on thinking, and ‘self-esteem’ has become a household word. Therapists teachers, parents, and others have taken up the mantra of self-esteem, on the assumption that boosting it automatically result in improved performance and greater success. But it’s not so.
Keep the Mirror Clean
Magical powers can be attributed to mirrors, and one manufacturer advertised theirs as “always speaking the truth”. Throughout history mirrors have been much prized, and have worked their way into fables and folk-tales.
