The Power of Ideas and Human Action

Anything that has been brought into existence by human ingenuity can be traced back in time to two things: 1) an idea, and 2) a person or persons. The immaterial reality of ideas precedes the material reality of created things. A house exists in the mind of an architect before it exists as a physical structure. A business can be traced to the ideas and inspirations of its founders. It is the ideas which we harbor in our minds and subsequently act upon that shape our futures. What ideas are you harboring?

Understanding Your Tendencies: Lesson III

At the end of each lesson in The Catalyst of Confidence there are short sections entitled “understanding your tendencies.” These sections are composed of a series of questions designed to help the reader understand and apply some of the information that was conveyed during the lesson. What follows is my commentary on these questions from Lesson III: Goals and Dreams.

1. Do you have goals and dreams?

This is pretty straight forward. Yes or no. You either do or you don't.

2. What are you currently working to accomplish?

What do you work to accomplish on a day-to-day basis? Anything specific? Do you just go to work and come home? Or is your activity focused on a definite objective?

3. Have you defined your goals and dreams in writing?

Again, this is pretty simple. You either have goals and dreams or you don't, and you either have them written down or you don't. If you have goals and dreams but haven't bothered writing them down read this.

4. Do you consistently focus on your defined goals?

It's one thing to have goals, and it's important to have them defined in a concrete way (on paper), but it makes little difference if you don't focus on them. Without consistent focus and concentrated effort, your written goals and dreams will likely become a “wish list" of things you wanted to do when you were younger.

5. Have you given your mind the necessary time to begin working out plans for your goals?

As explained in the book, it is not necessary to know “how” to accomplish something at the time you define it as a goal or dream. When you focus or concentrate on the object of your desire (your goal/dream) your mind will begin “working out” a method, in the form of ideas, that will aid you in determining “how” to accomplish it. These ideas provide a person with the “raw material” needed to develop a plan for the attainment of a given goal. Yet many times people become discouraged when “brilliant ideas” don't appear in their minds immediately. It is important to note that this process takes time. You shouldn't expect to figure it all out overnight, nor should you expect your initial plan to work flawlessly. Consistent concentration is necessary for problem solving and goal reaching, but so is time.

6. After you develop plans, how long do you wait before acting on them?

You shouldn't be waiting long. Immediately is preferable to “soon” or “someday.” Bottom line, if you have developed a plan, you should be acting on it. If you're not, your slowly but surely developing a habit of procrastination. People often postpone acting on their plans because they want to make sure their plans are perfect. After all, they don't want to make a fool out of themselves. Yet it is still better to get into action, even if you fail. The likely result of non-action, whatever its justification, is procrastination, paralysis and fear. When you act, at least you have something to work with, at least you have a ship to steer.

7. What does your ideal life look like?

To be honest, this question deserves a post of its own, perhaps soon. However, it should suffice to say that by defining an “ideal life,” a person provides oneself with a kind of “blueprint” or “standard” with which to evaluate and compare their current life circumstances. Of course a person shouldn't be depressed if every aspect of their so-called “ideal life” doesn't come to fruition. That, properly speaking, isn't the point of it. The concept of an “ideal life” is simply a useful tool that can be used as a means to making sound decisions. “Will this choice/action bring me closer to or further from my ideal life?”

8. If you could do anything, what would you do?

Few people will stop to actually consider such a question. Many will shrug it off or label it “impossible” or “impractical.” But if you could really do whatever it is that you would love to do—what would you do? And are your reasons for saying you “can't do it” really good reasons after all? Is it really impossible? Or would it just be extremely difficult? But perhaps more importantly, if you actually did it, would it be worth it?

9. Do you realize the mental process of bringing goals and dreams into reality can be used to solve personal problems?

See Running In Circles.

Why Write Down Goals or Dreams?

People are often curious why a person should bother writing down their goals and/or dreams. While many people may at first believe it to be a pointless exercise, it nonetheless deserves some attention and consideration.

Perhaps the most basic reason a person would do well to scrupulously write out exactly what it is they desire to accomplish is so that they can solidify in their mind exactly what it is they want. Many times we have a general idea of something we want to accomplish, but it often isn't until we actually write it out and bother to explicitly define it, that we are able to get down to the “nitty gritty” details and fully grasp the object of our desire. In this sense, writing it out helps a person form a more coherent idea of what is it they want which in turn provides them with a “better picture” to pursue. The reason it is better to have a well defined goal as opposed to a vague and generalized one is because things which are vague and general are, for the most part, not nearly as motivating as something well defined and thought out. Is it more emotionally rousing to want to “go on vacation” or to explicitly define where it is you will go, who you will go with, what you will do and what it will mean to you?

Another reason it's a good idea for a person to write out a goal and/or dream is so they can focus on it or “keep it before them” as described in the previous post. A written statement describing a goal should be used to help “keep one's mind” focused on the very thing they want to accomplish. This is why it is suggested that a person read their written statement aloud. When a goal or dream becomes a dominating thought in the mind of an individual they begin to think in terms of accomplishing it and are thus able to begin developing concrete plans for its attainment. If we reflect on the five-step process described in Lesson III: Goals and Dreams we find that each step builds upon a foundation provided by the previous step. Thus, a person cannot focus on a goal if the goal has not been defined, nor can their goal become a dominating thought if they fail to focus on it, just as the ideas needed for planning cannot be developed without goal-oriented dominating thoughts, and so too action cannot follow without a plan of any kind. We find that the process of bringing an idea, goal or dream into reality presupposes a kind of chain which cannot function properly in the absence of even one link.

At this point an objection can be raised. Isn't it possible for a person to define and focus on their goal mentally and thus not need to resort to writing it down? Yes—such a thing is definitely possible—and there may be people who can succeed in doing so. But it should be strongly emphasized that if a person does attempt to do what has been described without writing anything down, they are much more likely to lose sight of their goal or forget they had it to begin with. The reason it is suggested to write out a goal or dream and focus on it is because it is simply a more reliable method which yields better results.

Another point of relevance which is not discussed in the book is the importance of attaching a time-frame to one's goal or dream. In other words, determining an expected length of time needed to accomplish a given objective. This can be used in conjunction with writing down or defining a goal and can offer some added benefits. To begin with, giving oneself a length of time to accomplish something adds some urgency to the goal itself. If a person says they want to do something “someday” they are essentially removing any urgency to accomplish it. They can always say that “someday” they will get around to working on it or whatever. In addition, when a person attaches a time-frame to a goal they also create a mechanism to measure their progress, which in turn contributes to the urgency of accomplishing the goal. If your time-frame is “someday” then you have no real time-oriented way to measure your progress in accomplishing your goal. But if your time-frame is (say) one year, your progress or lack thereof can be measured against the amount of time you have remaining to complete your goal.

How To Remember To Do Things

Many of us may struggle with applying some of the things found in The Catalyst of Confidence. That is to say that we struggle with the process of incorporating the lessons into our daily lives. To be sure, we ought to struggle with such things. If we didn't, it's likely that we wouldn't need to change in the first place. One of the more common objections from those who struggle is “I just can't remember to do all this stuff!” Now, no doubt we can say that there is a lot of “stuff” in the book. There are numerous topics, quotes, and questions, and though the chapters are quite condensed, the combination of these things jointly pressing upon us can definitely be overwhelming. So what can a person do who finds it difficult to remember to do “all this stuff”?

It is worth pointing out that this objection includes the word “do” which of course implies action. A given person struggles with remembering to do something. That is, they struggle with remembering to put something they intellectually know into functional practice or action. Now this obviously suggests that they already “intellectually know” what it is they are forgetting to do, they just simply forget to do it. At this point, because they already “know” what they ought to be doing, but forget to do it, we can safely say that a large portion of their battle has already been fought. It is true that the process of application is more difficult, but application cannot happen if a given person doesn't know what it is they need to apply.

Here are some suggestions for those who struggle with “remembering to do” something.

The most common reason people forget to do something—anything for that matter—is because they do not keep it before them. Say at 9:00 A.M. on a given day I were to call my barber and make an appointment to get my hair cut on the same day at 1:00 P.M. In order for me to remember-to-do such a thing, that is, physically go to the location of my barber at the proper time, I must remind myself off and on throughout the morning that I have committed myself to do so. Through this process of reminding-myself-off-and-on-throughout-the-morning I keep the object of my action before me. In other words, I keep it relatively fresh in my conscious mind which naturally helps prevent my forgetting it, which in turn enables me to walk in and greet my barber promptly at 1:00 P.M. that day.

But let us say that at 9:00 A.M. on a given day when I call my barber and make an appointment to get my hair cut, rather than making it for the same day, I make it for five days in advance. Now in order for me to remember-to-do that which I have committed myself to do, I must go about reminding-myself-off-and-on, not for a mere four hours prior, but for a full five days prior to my appointment. Of course it is possible to do this mentally—some people have extraordinary memories and can do so without much conscious effort. But speaking for myself (who tends to forget things of this nature very easily), I would need to work out a basic system for reminding-myself-off-and-on. So what can I do?

Again, the goal here is to “keep the object of that which I have committed myself to do” before me, that is to say, fresh in my conscious mind. In order to do this, I must consider the things I do on a regular basis. For instance, I spend a great deal of time at my desk, particularly on my computer. Knowing this about myself, I decide to take a small blank 3x5 card, fold it in half and proceed to write “hair cut on such-and-such day/time.” I then place the card with the note-side facing me, on my desk beneath my computer monitor, where it is readily visible and where I will see it often. The simple act of keeping this message before me where I will see it often enables me to keep the knowledge of my appointment fresh in my mind and thus allows me to remember my commitment.

Now a person may object, saying that they do not have the convenience to do what I have described. But what I have described can be accomplished through a variety of different ways. Consider taking the same 3x5 card with the written note and, instead of my placing it upon my desk, I opt to place the same note-card in my pants pocket next to my spare change. Whenever I delve into my pocket to pick out a quarter or a nickel or what not, I encounter the note, which serves to remind me of my future commitment and thus enables me to keep it before me and in my conscious mind. Likewise, I could choose to somehow attach the note to my key chain and whenever I use my keys, to unlock a door or drive my car, I am thus reminding myself, again, of my future commitment. In this way, I have developed a system which allows me to remind-myself-off-and-on to keep my appointment.

This same process may be utilized to remind oneself to do nearly anything.

In Lesson III: Goals and Dreams we find the five-step process through which all objectives are realized. The first step is naturally to define what it is that we want to accomplish. But the very next step is to focus on that which we have defined. In other words, without consistent focus, that is, without keeping our objective before us, without keeping it fresh our conscious mind, we will likely forget it and thus fail to accomplish it. If you wish to do something (including remembering to do it), you must focus on it consistently over time.

Another tip which should be of help is to avoid attempting to apply everything at once. Rather, focus on doing or applying one thing at a time, and after you have developed the habit of doing it, move on to something else, and so forth. Attempting to apply “everything at once” will likely result in abject frustration and disdain for the information provided.

The Starting Point

All achievements have been created twice. First in the mental (thought) world, and second in the physical (material) world. This first cause or "mental creation" is the starting point of all achievement; it is the process of defining what it is you want, and seeing it (visualizing) as if it were actually happening.

An Emotionalized Follow Up

The foundation needed to understand the concept of “emotionalized thoughts” was laid out in a previous post. At this time, I would like to continue the discussion. We have seen that emotionalized thoughts are simply thoughts linked with strong feelings. We have also seen that such thoughts “speed up” our mental operations—one example of which has already been given. But in what other ways can such thoughts possibly affect us? While the previous example was concerned with Lesson I: Perception and Belief, the example provided below will involve Lesson III: Goals and Dreams.

As stated in the third lesson, the second step to bring a thought, goal or dream into reality is called Focus, which means concentrating on the thing you wish to accomplish. Concentration itself is a mental activity, and therefore a form of thinking, and as such the concept of Focus essentially refers to the activity of “thinking about” whatever it is you want to accomplish. When this (focus) is done, consistently over time, your mind will begin to identify various methods of how to accomplish the thing you want. This occurs in the form of thoughts or ideas which “flash” into the conscious mind, thereby providing a person with a basic set of possible methods which may then be utilized to bring a given thought, goal or dream into reality.

As you might expect, the time component needed to complete this process is very much dependent on the amount of feeling or emotion involved in a person's thoughts. With little excitement or enthusiasm to accomplish a given goal or dream, a person will struggle to produce the creative ideas needed to accomplish it. However, if a person's thoughts (concentrations) are emotionalized, that is, if a person's thoughts are passionate or enthusiastic about the prospect of accomplishing a given thing, then the same person will quickly experience possible methods or ideas “flashing” into their conscious mind, which may then be employed to accomplish their objective. If a person is sufficiently “fired up” about something, ideas on how to accomplish it may begin appearing in their mind immediately. Contrariwise, such possible methods or ideas rarely develop without feeling or passion.

As elementary as it may sound, a strong desire to accomplish a given objective is necessary to accomplish it. Such desire is not only beneficial in order to cultivate creative ideas, but also to develop persistence. It is worth noting that oftentimes initial “ideas” or “possible methods” (which are employed by a person to achieve their goals) prove faulty or problematic. If such is the case, without a strong desire, many people will give up or quit. It seems, in this case, our emotions provide us with a twofold benefit: the acquisition of creative ideas which may be utilized to accomplish our objectives, as well as the staying power needed to persist through failure.

Between A and B

People often refer to their “present situation,” which, generally speaking, represents the sum total of their current circumstances. In other words it describes where they are in the present—right now. Such a concept may easily be labeled as a so-called “Point A.” In contrast, people often speak of the future or of their anticipated “future situation,” which again, simply refers to what their “present situation” will be like at some point in the future. Likewise, such a concept may easily be labeled “Point B.” It follows, in this sense, that every living person is in motion or moving from a given Point A to a given Point B (A → B). They are moving from the present to the future.

But what constitutes this movement? Through what process does a person “move” from a given point to another? At this time, it may be helpful to replace the word “circumstances” with the word “results.” What then, determines a person's results? Choices. Specifically choices and actions, the individual initiative and volition of a person. If someone is at Point A and desires to get to a given Point B, the defining factor of their “movement” from A to B can be none other than their individual choices and actions. It is because a person's choices and actions produce results that they can either bring them closer to or further from their desired destination (Point B).

It is obvious that a person's Point A must be different from their Point B. If it were not, if the circumstances which constituted A and B were identical, then no choices or actions would be necessary to “move” a person from one point to another. Indeed, strictly speaking, no “movement” would be needed. But few people, if any, can claim such a blissful state of existence. By definition, we all desire to better our circumstances to the extent possible. To be sure, whether we acknowledge it or not, we are all moving from the present to the future; we are all moving from a given Point A to a given Point B in the sense that our choices and actions today will largely determine the point we find ourselves at tomorrow. It is because of this, that the importance of defining our so-called “Point B” cannot be overstated.

Consider, for instance, a cargo ship leaving port. Without a defined destination (Point B) the ships captain would be powerless to get anywhere—except, of course, by chance. Why? Without something to direct his actions toward, the ships captain would be unable to rationally make any decision whatsoever. In other words, by knowing the ships end or destination, the captain is able to choose the actions necessary to reach that point. In the same way, without a defined destination (Point B) a person becomes unable to choose or act effectively, and as a consequence, cannot “get anywhere” except by chance. Thus, we can conclude that it is nothing less than the goals, dreams and aspirations of a person (provided they have been defined in detail), which ultimately direct their life.

Have you explicitly defined your goals and dreams? If not, what rational basis do you have to guide your decisions and actions?

How God Fits In, Part 2

This is the second post in a series, the topic of which is “how God fits in” with the content of The Catalyst of Confidence. If you have not read the first post, or the introductory post, I encourage you to do so before continuing.

In this post I will clarify the following specifics, which correspond to their respective lessons:

1. Knowledge of the origin of a belief does not affirm or negate the validity of that belief. (Lesson I: Perception and Belief)
2. The concept of morality can be understood as a goal. (Lesson III: Goals and Dreams)
3. Contemplation of that which is good invariably results in that which is good. (Lesson IV: Thought and Concentration)

1. Knowledge of the origin of a belief does not affirm or negate the validity of that belief.

It's possible that the knowledge of how one has come to believe that which they believe can be alarming. Primarily because it can be perceived that such understanding discredits the validity of a given belief (because a person could have easily came to believe something different through the same process). For example, the reason I am a Christian is because I was raised as a Christian. i.e., I was brought up in an environment which encouraged Christianity. In other words, my belief in Christianity resulted from being exposed to specific information. This information, in turn, underwent the process of perception and repetition in my mind, eventually culminating in my belief in Christianity. However, knowing the origin of my belief neither affirms nor denies the validity of Christianity itself. If Christianity is true, it must be true independent of my belief in it. This is why the responsibility of every individual to carefully consider the reasons they believe that which they believe cannot be overstated. Ultimately, having a mature understanding of how one's beliefs are created enables a person to choose one belief instead of another. See also: Rocks Have Souls?

2. The concept of morality can be understood as a goal.

If a person accepts the existence of God, then they are almost certain to accept the existence of objective moral values as well. Morality itself can be understood as a standard which mankind ought emulate to the greatest extent possible. Knowledge of this standard can easily be understood as a goal, in the sense that it directs one's thoughts and actions toward a defined end (the standard itself). However, such a goal cannot be attained temporally, but rather must be pursued ceaselessly by mankind. Having knowledge of this standard coupled with it being a point of consistent concentration (or focus) enables a person to better discern the methods of how they can adhere to the standards of morality. In short, the methods of achieving a goal or dream may also be used to better maintain a moral life. See also: Lesson III: Goals and Dreams in The Catalyst of Confidence.

3. Contemplation of that which is good invariably results in that which is good.

In the Selected Quotes section of Lesson IV: Thought and Concentration we find the following quote from Philippians 4:8: “Fill your minds with those things that are good, and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.” As explained in the lesson, the information one concentrates upon determines their dominating thoughts. Dominating thoughts, in turn, largely affect one's actions and behavior. Hence, the contemplation of good things (things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable) will invariably result in good actions, which are more likely to produce external results which are also good.

Acting Man vs. Spectating Man

At the end of Lesson III: Goals and Dreams, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt is quoted at length:

It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.

Criticism is something which must be confronted and tolerated by anyone who would do—perhaps—anything. As the saying goes “if you're not being criticized, you're probably not doing anything.”

If you have ever observed something as a spectator and then, been able to participate first hand in what you were spectating, you know full well that it is far easier to “point out how the strong man stumbles” or “where the doer of deeds could have done better” than to be the “man who is actually in the arena.”

Things are easier said than done. But it is only through doing (acting) that things may actually be accomplished.

If you have ever striven “valiantly,” or came “up short again and again,” you know full well that there is “no effort without error or shortcoming.” For all action holds the possibility of wrong action, but let this not discourage you, for all wrong action holds the possibility of right action, and through such a process you will learn and grow and come to know the “great enthusiasms,” and the “great devotions,” and spend yourself for a “worthy cause.” “In the end,” knowing the “triumph of high achievement,” and if not, never being with those “cold and timid” souls who knew neither “victory nor defeat.”

It is easy to come to believe that “winning” is the point. But it is through the process of wanting to win, through the process of striving, that we learn the most—whether or not we attain the “triumph of high achievement.” For this reason, it is not the “critic who counts,” but the “man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.”

Dead At Age 20

The following quotation appears in the Selected Quotes section at the end of Lesson III: Goals and Dreams:

“Most men are dead at age 20 and 

wait until age 70 to be buried.”

-Benjamin Franklin

Few statements raise more eyebrows—and questions—than this particular quote. What on earth was dear old Ben Franklin talking about? Perhaps getting struck by lightning wasn't such a very good idea after all? Fortunately for the reader, however, the context of the lesson, which the quote has been placed in, should provide some valuable insight.

In the aforementioned quote, Benjamin Franklin is referring to nothing less than the aspirations of an individual. Dreams, in fact, give life and vitality to a person. Without an objective to direct one's life toward, a person is essentially dead, that is, they are seeking nothing beyond their own survival. Sure, they are alive, in the sense they are physically living and breathing, but the true fire and spark of life has been extinguished from their eyes.

When people are young, they often have great dreams. But, unfortunately for most, few dreams survive the onslaught of young adulthood—a time when many “learn” to be more “realistic” about things. As a result, the majority of people abandon their dreams (die at age 20) for more plausible alternatives, unconsciously resolving to wander aimlessly through life until they physically die (buried at age 70). I use the word unconsciously because no one knowingly decides to “wander aimlessly” through life.

Such mental states are merely the result of a lack of purpose and direction.

Running In Circles

It seems that additional clarification may be helpful to better understand some questions posed in the “Understanding Your Tendencies” sections. Beginning with this post, I will be providing added context to many such questions.
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The following question is from Lesson III: Goals and Dreams, Understanding Your Tendencies, Question #9: 

• Do you realize the mental process of bringing goals and dreams into reality can be used to solve personal problems?

Many may assume that the mental process of bringing ideas, goals, or dreams into reality is reserved for some large scale “change the world” kind of thing, and if not, should be used to help one accomplish a major long-term goal or their “life's purpose.” Few realize, however, that such things may also be used to aid one in solving or overcoming personal problems, irrespective of size and complexity.

Take something as simple as being punctual.

Some of us are constantly late regardless of where we're going or what we're going to. This is, for the most part, a harmless personal problem as it isn't necessarily destructive, and in most cases will only result in making us relatively annoying to certain people. Oddly enough, if asked, we never say we want to be late. In fact (generally speaking) no one wants to be late. More often than not, the reason our tardiness persists is simply because we haven't figured out how to be on time. Of course everyone “knows” how to be on time, in an intellectual sense. But (as discussed in the previous post) knowing how to be on time and being on time are two entirely different things.

So what can be done?

To begin with, a person who is constantly “running late” could define a basic objective of “being on time.” As described in Lesson III: Goals and Dreams, the entire process (which consists of five steps) flows from this first step of “defining what one wants,” provided that one is willing to (and does in fact) focus or concentrate on their objective. The short answer is that when one focuses on a specific objective, over time, it becomes a dominating thought in their mind. In other words, they start thinking in terms of their objective (in this case “being on time”) and because of this, are able to work out ways to accomplish it. Once a method has been worked out, assuming one acts upon it, and assuming one is willing to persist through potentially ineffective methods, the said person will, eventually, accomplish his or her desired goal.

The main reason people fail is that they (assuming they have a defined objective) never really focus or concentrate on “being on time” on a consistent basis. When they happen to be running late, they think to themselves “gosh I hate this, I need to be on time!” They never define their objective in a specific way, nor do they keep it before them. As a result, they soon forget, until once again, they happen to be running late and think the themselves “gosh I hate this, I need to be on time!” Essentially running in circles, perpetuating their problem. In fact, they may convince themselves that they are just a “late person,” believing their tardiness to be a characteristic of who they are.

I do understand that this is a rather elementary example, but the main point to be remembered is that our minds work out ways to accomplish the things we focus on (assuming of course our focus is goal directed), and these things need not be “pie-in-the-sky” massive in scope and scale dreams, but may be simple, everyday personal problems as well.