Using knowledge

A 358 page book advocating a specific diet needs only seven bullet-points to summarize how to actually follow the diet.  A 450-page book on mindfulness meditation contains four bullet-points outlining how to perform the meditation.

99% of self-help “knowledge” is comprised of arguing the case for “why”.  Less than 1% is dedicated to the directives (the “how”).

The challenge for those of us who are intellectually curious and always consuming, is to ensure we convert learning to action by answering “how will I use this for myself or others?”

Knowledge is NOT power, applying it is.

Building the new

How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb?  Just one, but the light bulb has to really want to change. (G’nite everybody!!!!!)

Once we commit to change, it’s helpful to understand our personal triggers, weaknesses, and past mistakes.  But we get more leverage focusing energy on building our new lives than obsessing over old identities.

History does not dictate destiny.

Grading yourself

Whether or not we’re aware, we attempt to live up to our own expectations based on how we grade ourselves.  Some grade themselves by how much wealth they accumulate.  Others feel accomplished by transforming their bodies, building a business, or raising well-adjusted children.

I grade myself on how useful I can be (hopefully this blog is an example). This is my own internal measure, so there’s no right answer, reward or penalty.

It pays to be deliberate about what we choose to value.  And fortunately, once we’re out of school, we get to decide how we’re graded.