“The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitude of mind.” – William James
The foregoing was mentioned years ago by one of my mentors and still reverberates in my mind to this day. In fact, the adage has been one of my guideposts in traveling this maze we call human world. There is no doubt indeed that life is so interesting and that for all the twists and turns we may and will have, there are no constant textbook solutions for them.
Through the years, I have learned that in every situation there is a peculiar way of handling each one effectively. The means always vary because solutions depend on how we assess each situation or problem that comes along – “depende sa sitwasyon” (it depends) as we always say. Significantly, the experiences, especially past mistakes, we have had always play a huge role in determining our course of action. True as it is, let’s not however over indulge in our experiences because we might be overwhelmed by them and eventually reduce us into inaction. Experiences are also fertile ground for biases, which when utilized improperly will prove detrimental to the healthy resolution of a particular circumstance. Allowing our “biases”, and mistakes, to take hold of our lives will only make us unreasonably fearful (and stupid too). Mistakes are life’s lessons, let’s learn from them and not live in them.
The value of objectively assessing every situation is paramount before plunging into decision-making, there is no substitute for this. Our experiences and wide array of knowledge will be for naught if we still fail to evaluate issues straight on. Some may label us “drifters” for changing minds but this will not matter as long as we survive “from within”. Yes, adapting to life’s perpetual challenges is tricky but ably dealing with them defines success from failure. It's my strong belief that our time will eventually unfold if we keep moving positively forward.
Tough times do not last but tough people do.
The foregoing was mentioned years ago by one of my mentors and still reverberates in my mind to this day. In fact, the adage has been one of my guideposts in traveling this maze we call human world. There is no doubt indeed that life is so interesting and that for all the twists and turns we may and will have, there are no constant textbook solutions for them.
Through the years, I have learned that in every situation there is a peculiar way of handling each one effectively. The means always vary because solutions depend on how we assess each situation or problem that comes along – “depende sa sitwasyon” (it depends) as we always say. Significantly, the experiences, especially past mistakes, we have had always play a huge role in determining our course of action. True as it is, let’s not however over indulge in our experiences because we might be overwhelmed by them and eventually reduce us into inaction. Experiences are also fertile ground for biases, which when utilized improperly will prove detrimental to the healthy resolution of a particular circumstance. Allowing our “biases”, and mistakes, to take hold of our lives will only make us unreasonably fearful (and stupid too). Mistakes are life’s lessons, let’s learn from them and not live in them.
The value of objectively assessing every situation is paramount before plunging into decision-making, there is no substitute for this. Our experiences and wide array of knowledge will be for naught if we still fail to evaluate issues straight on. Some may label us “drifters” for changing minds but this will not matter as long as we survive “from within”. Yes, adapting to life’s perpetual challenges is tricky but ably dealing with them defines success from failure. It's my strong belief that our time will eventually unfold if we keep moving positively forward.
Tough times do not last but tough people do.
William James unearthed such a powerful insight. So powerful that when learned and lived can transform one mediocre, purposeless life to one that is lived to the fullest. Long before this famous psychologist found out his greatest discovery, the Bible, written more than 2000 years ago also declared this truth found in the book of Romans: Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
ReplyDeleteMany people today are paralyzed by their own defeating mindsets like fear, anger, doubt, self-pity, resentment and extremely poor self-image. These mental handicaps hindered many from becoming all that God designed them to be- much worse than any physical disability can.
Change starts from within. Any person who seeks change should seek to alter the attitudes of his heart and mind first.
Yes, you're right. We become of what we think of ourselves.
ReplyDelete