To criticize someone for being “opinionated” is like criticizing someone for “breathing too much.” Opinions are the byproduct of ideas. To be without ideas is not a virtue. It’s the CONTENT of one’s ideas that counts. It’s a copout to … Continue reading
Q: I feel paralyzed by the thought of making a decision and being wrong, or coming to a conclusion and being wrong. What’s up with me? A: You fear error because an error, to you, means damnation of you forever. … Continue reading
I heard a statement recently that went like this: “Don’t tell me steps 1 through 10 … Just tell me step 10.” Now THERE’S an example of the anti-conceptual, anti-thinking mentality at work. The person who said this assumes that … Continue reading
Do you know someone who cannot tolerate dissension or disagreement? It can be in the context of political or philosophical views, more day-to-day concerns — or both. The inability to tolerate dissension is a confession that one’s viewpoint was formed … Continue reading
Magical thinking is a term associated with mental illness and schizophrenia. It refers to the insane person’s completely false and delusional beliefs that make no logical sense whatsoever. But magical thinking is something a lot of people suffer from, to … Continue reading
Does talking help? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Sometimes, talking is worrying. Worrying accomplishes nothing, although it raises blood pressure and tension. Sometimes talking is: planning; thinking; developing a rational, or more positive, perspective. Talking in and of itself is neither … Continue reading
Most of all, don’t believe your own B.S. Your mind might create illogical conclusions based upon illogical assumptions. It happens subconsciously. It’s outside of your awareness–but not outside of your control. That which you can identify and change is always, … Continue reading
Q: Sometimes I’m jealous of those who have a steadfast passion for a concrete professional goal or at least a general career, and don’t get too obsessed with all the possibilities their choices have excluded. A: The presence of a … Continue reading
The key issue with respect to anxiety is: ‘Am I willing to surrender to what I cannot control—while redoubling my efforts to take charge of what I can control?’ People tend to feel severe anxiety as they get more caught … Continue reading
If it’s true that errors result in new knowledge, then yesterday’s error is today’s — and tomorrow’s — triumph.
Q: I have difficulty turning ideas into action. I find myself rapidly switching directions on what I want to accomplish (both short term goals and long term) which essentially freezes me into inaction. A: The concern you express here actually … Continue reading
People get confused about focus. People say, ‘I cannot focus.’ In that moment this may be literally true, but they CAN revert back to the activity of focusing. Let’s say you’re really committed to reading a book, and you like … Continue reading