"The ONE Thing" by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan is a self-help book that aims to help focus on the one thing that can make a significant difference in life. The book provides the following:

• Practical tips and advice on identifying one thing.

• Prioritizing time and energy to it.

• Achieving the set goal.

The book specifies that success is not about doing many things but rather about doing the right thing. In a world of constant distractions, it's crucial to identify and focus on the one thing that matters most. The book is divided into three main parts: The Lies, The Truth, and The Extraordinary Results.

Part 1: The Lie

The book's first part focuses on the four lies preventing people from achieving their goals. These lies are common in society, and people often believe them without questioning their validity. The four lies are:

1. Everything Matters Equally: This lie suggests that everything we do is equally important, and we should divide our time and energy equally between all tasks. This is not true, and some tasks are more critical than others.

2. Multitasking is Good: This lie suggests that multitasking is an effective way to get things done. However, multitasking is counterproductive, and it reduces productivity and efficiency.

3. A Disciplined Life: This lie suggests that we need a high level of discipline to achieve our goals. Discipline is important, but it's not enough to achieve significant results.

4. Willpower is Always on Will-Call: This lie suggests we always have willpower when needed. Willpower is a finite resource that needs to be managed carefully.

Part 2: The Truth 

The book's second part presents six truths to help them identify one thing. These six truths are:

1. The Domino Effect: This lie suggests small changes can produce significant results. Focusing on one thing and achieving small wins can create a domino effect that leads to significant results.

2. Success Leaves Clues: This lie suggests that successful people have a secret formula that they use to achieve success. Success always leaves clues, and by studying successful people, we can learn from their habits and practices.

3. Focus is a Habit: This lie suggests that focus is a natural ability that some people have and others don't. However, focus is a habit that can be developed and improved over time.

4. Willpower is Like a Muscle: This lie suggests that willpower is a finite resource that cannot be increased. Willpower is like a muscle that can be strengthened through practice and exercise.

5. Big is Bad: This lie suggests that big goals are overwhelming and unachievable. Big goals can be broken down into smaller, more manageable steps.

6. The Focusing Question: This lie suggests that we must ask ourselves many questions to achieve our goals. Asking the focusing question, "What's the one thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?" we can identify our one thing and stay focused on it.

Part 3: The Extraordinary Results

 The book's third part discusses achieving extraordinary results by focusing on one thing. It explains how to use the domino effect to achieve significant results and overcome distractions and obstacles. It also provides tips on how to stay motivated and how to create a support system.

"The ONE Thing" is an excellent self-help book that is persuasive, giving practical tips and advice that one can apply to their own life, stay focused and achieve extraordinary results. Overall, each book part builds on the previous one, providing a clear roadmap for identifying the one thing to achieve set goals. This book would benefit anyone looking to improve their focus and productivity and achieve their goals.

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]]>The ONE ThingProductivityShasheen BandodkarTue, 28 Feb 2023 08:02:00 +0000https://healthybyte.net/productivity/moonwalking-with-einstein600a61aba3706134b7274171:6327ce4bbf3447529ef0d6e8:63fc153fdf3fd06757766b29

"Moonwalking with Einstein" a book by Joshua Foer, a journalist who covers science and culture. It explores the fascinating world of memory and the techniques used by memory champions to remember vast amounts of information. The book was published in 2011 and became a New York Times bestseller.

The book is divided into three parts.

In the first part, Foer describes his experience covering the United States Memory Championship. In this annual competition, competitors use mnemonic techniques to memorize information such as names, numbers, and playing cards. Foer stands fascinated by the competitors' ability to remember vast amounts of information, and he decides to learn the techniques himself and compete in the following year's championship.

Part 1: Key Takeaways

• Memory champions use specific techniques to memorize vast amounts of information, and these techniques can be learned and mastered through practice.

In the second part, Foer delves into the history of memory and how it has been studied and understood throughout the centuries. He discusses how the ancient Greeks used mnemonic devices to remember information and how the invention of the printing press changed the way people remembered information. Foer also explores how memory is studied by neuroscientists today and how memory works in the brain.

Part 2: Key Takeaways

• Memory has been studied and understood throughout history, and how people have remembered information has evolved with technology and culture. The role of memory is discussed in different cultures, and how the study of memory has evolved with neuroscience and technology.

In the third part, Foer describes the various techniques, such as the method of loci, which involves associating pieces of information with specific locations in a familiar environment, and the primary system, which converts numbers into words that can be more easily remembered. Foer also discusses the importance of practice and dedication in mastering these techniques.

Part 3: Key Takeaways

• The method of loci, a memory technique known as the memory palace technique, can be used to remember vast amounts of information by associating the information with specific locations in a familiar environment.

• Foer emphasizes the importance of focus and attention in successful memorization and highlights the potential applications of these techniques in everyday life, such as remembering names or speeches—additionally, the relationship between memory and creativity and the role of memory in shaping personal identity.

Foer's writing is engaging and humorous, and he makes the topic of memory both accessible and exciting. Throughout the book, Foer weaves in personal anecdotes and stories of individuals with exceptional memories, such as Kim Peek, the inspiration for the movie Rain Man. Moonwalking with Einstein describes the power of deliberate practice. Foer emphasizes that the memory techniques used by memory champions are not innate abilities but skills that can be learned through practice and dedication. The importance of focus and attention is critical for successful memorization.

Overall, Moonwalking with Einstein is a fascinating and entertaining exploration of the world of memory. This book is fantastic whether you want to improve your memory or learn more about how memory works.

"Zero to One" is a book by entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel published in 2014. In the book, Thiel argues that the most valuable companies create entirely new markets rather than those competing in existing ones. He calls this idea "going from zero to one" and suggests it is the key to creating genuinely disruptive and successful businesses.

The book is split into two parts: the first explains Thiel's philosophy on startup creation, and the second provides practical advice for building a successful company.

In the book's first part, Thiel explains that the most successful entrepreneurs are those who can identify and create new markets. He argues that these entrepreneurs are the ones who will create the greatest value and wealth in the future, as the existing rules and competition of existing markets do not constrain them. Thiel also stresses the importance of thinking big and not being content with minor incremental improvements. He suggests that to create something precious, entrepreneurs should strive for monopoly status in their market.

The book's second part provides practical advice for building a successful company. Thiel provides tips on fundraising, recruiting employees, and building a solid culture. He also stresses the importance of maintaining the secrecy and creating a solid and effective team. He also provides insights on valuing a startup and pricing a new product. Throughout the book, Thiel draws on his experiences as a successful entrepreneur and investor, including co-founding PayPal and Palantir Technologies, as well as his experience as an early investor in companies like Facebook and SpaceX.

Overall, the book provides an interesting perspective and ideas on startup creation and the technology industry, challenging conventional wisdom on creating and growing a successful business. It's a good read for entrepreneurs, startup owners, and anyone interested in technology, innovation, and business strategy.

A few key takeaways: 

1. The importance of defensibility: Thiel emphasizes creating a defensible business against competition. He argues that the most valuable companies have a unique and hard-to-replicate product or service and that it's essential to have something that protects your business from the competition.

2. The power of network effects: Thiel also talks about the power of network effects, where a product or service becomes more valuable as more people use it. He argues that companies that create network effects have an inherent advantage in building a valuable business.

3. The role of government in innovation: Thiel argues that government often stifles innovation by protecting incumbents and hindering new competitors. He suggests that policymakers should focus on creating an environment where innovation can flourish rather than trying to pick winners and losers.

4. The importance of long-term planning: Thiel stresses the importance of thinking long-term and not being swayed by short-term gains. He suggests that businesses should have a clear vision and stick to it, even when faced with challenges.

5. The importance of secrecy: Thiel believes secrecy is essential for startups, especially those working on something new and innovative. He argues that secrecy allows startups to stay focused, work with a small team, and avoid giving away valuable information to competitors.

6. The role of founders: Thiel believes that the most crucial factor in a startup's success is the ability of the founders. He argues that founders must be able to think independently, take calculated risks and be willing to pursue an unconventional path.

7. Monopoly is good: Thiel suggests that competition can be destructive and that the most successful companies are monopolies that control their market. He believes monopolies lead to more significant innovation and higher profits and that creating trust is the goal of any business.

It is worth noting that Thiel's ideas may come across as contrarian or even controversial, but the book offers an exciting and thought-provoking perspective on the startup world and business strategy, it’s worth reading and considering the ideas mentioned in the book and how it could align with the philosophy and goals of an individual.

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]]>Zero to OneProductivityDr. Karishma D'SaTue, 06 Sep 2022 13:30:00 +0000https://healthybyte.net/productivity/self-actualization-theory600a61aba3706134b7274171:6327ce4bbf3447529ef0d6e8:62f85cd859fd3824442f355c

The theory of “Self-Actualization” given by psychologist Abraham Maslow contends that persons are motivated to fulfill their maximum potential in life. The theory is used in conjunction with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which states that self-actualization is at the top of the hierarchy, beating four “lower” needs. Although this theory is mostly associated with Abraham Maslow, it was originally introduced by Kurt Goldstein a physician specializing in psychiatry and neuroanatomy during the early part of the 20th century. Goldstein saw self-actualization as the end-all goal of every organism and referred to it as the desire for self-fulfillment, and the propensity of an individual to realize his/her potential. Theories of psychoanalysis and behaviorism were rife during the mid-20th century in the field of psychology. Although these two perspectives were poles apart from each other, a general assumption that people are driven by forces beyond their control was shared by the two theories. As a result of this assumption, a new perspective known as humanistic psychology arose, which gave a more optimistic, agentive perspective on human striving. The self-actualization theory is a product of the humanistic perspective. Maslow developed this theory by studying the psychology of healthy individuals.

Self- Actualization can be defined by Maslow as the ability to become the best version of oneself. As stated by him, “This tendency might be phrased as the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming.” Self-actualization manifests differently in different people, while some might do it artistically, others might do it through technology or mentoring, etc. Maslow was of the opinion that owing to the need to fulfill four lower needs namely: psychological; safety; love and belongingness; and esteem very few people are successful in becoming self-actualized or do so in a very limited capacity. Self-actualizers or those who attain self-actualization, have the ability to achieve peak experiences, moments of joy as well as transcendence. Also, they tend to be very creative autonomous, objective, concerned about humanity, and accepting of themselves as well as others. Maslow stated that some people are just not driven enough to self-actualize. They are too focussed on attaining their deficiency needs or D-needs which encompass the four lower needs in the hierarchy that focus on their being needs of B-needs. The D-needs are externally driven while the B-needs come from within the individual. In conclusion, Maslow believes that self-actualizers are motivated enough to pursue their B-needs over the D-needs that non-self-actualizers chase.

Maslow identified many individuals whom he believed to have attained a level of self-actualization. Among them are:

• Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865; American President)

• Albert Einstein (1879- 1955; Theoretical Physicist)

• Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962; Diplomat and Activist)

• Jane Addams (1860-1935; Settlement Activist, Sociologist, Public Administrator)

• Thomas Jefferson (1743- 1826; American President, Architect, Philosopher)

Despite the fact that this theory is quite popular as a concept associated with positive psychology and motivation, it cannot cease to draw criticism. Erin Berne, a Canadian psychiatrist stated that the self-actualization theory is like a game of self-expression based on the belief that good feelings are to be pursued. Psychologist Vitz, testified that Maslow has turned the self-actualization theory into a moral norm. Fritz Perls another psychologist noted that one’s focus can easily shift from striving to actualize one’s sense of self, to merely trying to build up a fake appearance of self-actualization which can be misleading. Maslow too was aware of the misunderstandings of this concept and doubted whether he had articulated the theory well. However, he did state that only an elite handful are truly able to achieve self-actualization.

References:

Perera, A. (September 4, 2020). Self-Actualization. SimplyPsychology. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-actualization.html

Vinney, Cynthia. (December 6, 2021). Understanding Maslow's Theory of Self-Actualization. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/maslow-theory-self-actualization-4169662

The art of saying “no” to people, whether in a work setting or at home, could be quite a game changer. Taking on too many tasks or commitments to please others could result in burnout or not being able to get anything done in time. In order to stay on track, stay productive and decrease highly stressful situations, one must learn to say NO politely. It might come at the cost of letting your near and dear ones down, but if that is something that you cannot accommodate into your schedule you must let it go. But saying “NO” to anyone does not come easy. For one, it could lead to disappointment, hurt and possibly fracturing of a couple of delicate relationships. So saying “no” in the right way is very important. It should be gentle yet assertive enough for the other person to realize your boundaries. Here are a few tips on how you can do that:  

1. Value your own time- You must realize how important your time is to you. So next time someone asks you to do something out of your schedule, you could be honest and tell them that it might be a little difficult to squeeze it in. They would undoubtedly be able to understand what you are going through and respect your openness and honesty. If they still insist you could probably let them know by when the task could be completed according to your schedule and let them know the adjustments you would be making just for them.  

2. Prioritize- Sometimes, you may have some spare time at hand and have some requests for extra work to be completed by friends, family or co-workers. At such times, it is really a decision you must make about who’s request would take precedence. If doing some extra projects at work could set you up for a promotion or raise, definitely go ahead and take up that challenge. 

3. No need to Apologize- As per common belief, starting of your let down sentence with “I’m sorry but….” might make it seem more polite. While being polite is certainly essential, apologizing makes you come across as weak. But you must realize that guarding your time is not something you should feel bad about. You have every right to decide what things are important to you. 

4. Letting down a person in authority- Sometimes you might be faced with a tough decision to say no to your manager, supervisor or boss. It could be intimidating and nerve-wracking to put this across without seeming like you are trying to shirk away responsibilities. So, it is imperative that you let the authority know that in taking on more than you can do at that point, you are jeopardizing your productivity and weakening your full potential on the current projects/tasks you are working on. You could work with your supervisor/boss to create a schedule and re-prioritize your tasks to meet deadlines. 

5. Getting back when unsure- If you find yourself in a fix and are unsure if you would be able to take on a request, let that person know that you will get back to them. Use the time to ponder over it, check your commitments and priorities, and whether you would be able to accommodate. If you still feel you would not be able to or don't want to go forward with it, you could tell the person that you gave it a thought and checked your prior commitments but won't be able to accommodate their request at that time. 

6. Indirectly saying “no”- Most of us have actually mastered the art of this. You know when a bunch of your friends invite you for a night out or drinks, and you just want to stay tucked in bed and enjoy that glass of red wine and a nice action flick? What do you do? Well, make an excuse, of course! Say you are working late, busy with a project, your dog’s unwell, and the list is endless. Do you feel guilty about it? Rarely!

Remember, there’s no need to feel ashamed or guilty of turning down a task that you simply do not wish to do. It is your time and your decisions. The more you practice saying “no” in sticky situations, the better you will get at it.

References: 

Babauta, L. (n.d.). The Gentle Art of Saying No for a Less Stressful Life. Retrieved from https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/the-gentle-art-of-saying-no.html

Foroux, D (n.d.). The Art Of Saying No: 4 Ways To Reclaim Your Time. Retrieved from https://dariusforoux.com/the-art-of-saying-no/

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]]>The Art of Saying “NO”ProductivityDr. Karishma D'SaThu, 30 Jun 2022 13:30:00 +0000https://healthybyte.net/productivity/what-is-decision-fatigue600a61aba3706134b7274171:6327ce4bbf3447529ef0d6e8:62b32dfe9282122e705c8ca7

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “decision” as, “ the act or process of deciding”. Decision Fatigue is associated with the fact that after making a bunch of decisions, a person’s ability to make further decisions deteriorates. The term was originally coined by social psychologist Roy F. Baumeister. Tonya Hansel, Ph.D., director of the Doctorate of Social Work at Tulane University says, “When humans are overstressed, we become hasty or shut down altogether, and that stress plays a huge role in our behaviors”. The psychological effects of this can vary, possibly resulting in impulsive or irrational behaviors or decisions being made. However, there are ways in which one can combat decision fatigue, or decrease the number of decisions to be made per day, in an attempt to reduce the stress associated with it. Decision fatigue is more of a psychological than a pathological or physiological problem, surrounding an individual’s decision-making capacity. It is also known as ego depletion.

For people suffering from this condition, their decision-making ability is a finite source, more like a battery, which keeps running out of power with each decision they make. The fatigue experienced applies to large and small decisions that the person has to make on a day-to-day basis. The underlying cause of this can be attributed to a person’s stress levels and the number of decisions they have to make per day, along with the weightage these decisions carry. On a daily basis, we have to make decisions every moment of the day; right from our outfit for the day, what breakfast/lunch/dinner to have, business or work decisions, leisure time decisions, and so on. The list is pretty much never-ending. For most of us, this might not seem like a very daunting task, and we kind of end up doing it subconsciously. But for others, this is pretty serious and the more complex decisions might deplete their energy much faster. Low energy levels mean their ability to make wise choices is depleted.

Tonya Hansel offers some signs to look out for to identify if one might be heading for decision fatigue:

• Procrastination

• Impulsivity

• Avoidance

• Indecision

The effects of decision fatigue may manifest in a couple of different ways, depending upon how it affects the person. The most common form is impulse buying. This can be witnessed at grocery stores where special deals or candies are placed near the checkout counters. After making a series of decisions, the person may give in and end up buying something he doesn’t really need. On the other hand, some people may start avoiding or procrastinating making decisions altogether when they feel drained. This behavior may cause the person to choose the default or socially acceptable option, which might not necessarily be correct for them.

To summarize, decision fatigue is a debatable topic, but for those who experience the signs associated with this condition must take the necessary steps to simplify their life. Decreasing anxiety and energy conservation for decisions that are really important is necessary.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/decision-fatigue

https://www.healthline.com/health/decision-fatigue

Think and Grow Rich, a book by Napoleon Hill, published in 1937 following the Great Depression, is a best seller and has become an antidote to hard times for decades. Its philosophy encourages positive thinking and specific steps for achieving pertinent and life-changing wealth. It focuses on how our ideas become our reality and offers a plan and compasses for transforming ideas into prosperity, including visualization, commitment, creating a Master Mind group, defining an objective, and planning.

Hoping that life will give you a break instead of taking responsibility for your actions and thoughts is a flaw. If you want to build a great fortune, here are the key takeaways. 

"It is what you think that matters." 

Thoughts are powerful and will translate into means when mixed with a sense of purpose, persistence, and a desire to achieve. However, decision & execution is critical. It all starts with an idea, and you can control your mind. If you fail to manage your mind, rest assured you will control nothing else. 

"A Burning Desire"

A pattern exists within the universe, and that is it does not answer to vaguely expressed wishes. It always responds and fuels a burning desire implemented through a detailed plan and persistence. The universe will throw itself on the side of the man who knows what he wants if he has the will and determination. There are a few methods of transforming your desire into action and eventually execution. 

1. Fixing your mind to a specific amount

2. Determine what you are going to give in return

3. Establish a timeline

4. Create a concrete plan and start right away

5. Focus on the above 4 points and remind yourself of them daily.

"Become an unstoppable force."

Persistence is critical to life in areas one wishes to thrive. Once you cultivate the habit of persistence, you gain insurance against failure. It may seem like other people succeed faster than usual, but the grass is not greener on the other side. Stick to a set plan and set yourself up for success. 

"Sexual Energy"

The transmutation of sexual energy and creativity becomes the primary source of intelligence. It requires a lot of willpower, the formation of new habits, and discipline.

"Conquer your fears."

Fear of something can be destructive and clouds your ability to execute or plan to your full capability. But remember, this fear exists in your mind, and with enough practice, you will learn how to control it. These are the six fears that deter a man's ability

1. Fear of Poverty

2. Fear of Criticism

3. Fear of Ill-health

4. Fear of losing someone your love

5. Fear of old age

6. Fear of Death

Reference: “Think and Grow Rich“ by Napoleon Hill

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]]>Think and Grow RichDr. Karishma D'SaThu, 05 May 2022 14:15:00 +0000https://healthybyte.net/productivity/emotional-wounds-and-how-to-heal-them600a61aba3706134b7274171:6327ce4bbf3447529ef0d6e8:626ab01b61a39b380f8378c8

It is believed that emotional wounds are more painful and harder to heal than physical ones. It is quite difficult to come to terms with something that is intangible. It often becomes very difficult to express this pain, and one would rather find it better to stay silent and suffer than speak about it because it breaks back the painful memories. Strangely enough, emotional injuries do reflect in the same areas of the brain as physical injuries. Studies have revealed that the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex are affected by physical and emotional trauma (Fogel 2012). Emotional injuries might result from incidents like broken relationships, loss of a loved one or peer rejection, surviving abusive relationships, sudden financial difficulties, or even loss of property, which leave a lasting scar on a person’s mind. So what are the signs that you need to look for that highlight the hurt and how should you start your journey of healing.

Signs:

1. Loss of interest in a normal lifestyle- This would entail avoidance of social gatherings, emotional talks, and confrontations.

2. Rage due to petty reasons- Anxiety and emotional pain make one highly intolerant and frustrated in difficult situations.

3. Recalling the situation over and over again in one’s head- In doing so, one is actually reopening old wounds and making it even more difficult to deal with the pain.

4. An overwhelming sense of fear- Trying to embrace new relationships, losing someone, or facing an embarrassing situation, or receiving criticism might trigger an overwhelming sense of fear.

5. Altered sleep patterns- One might feel restless and in some cases might suffer from mild to severe insomnia.

6. Mood swings- One would constantly feel weighed down, and emotional outbursts or crying might pop up at any time.

How to Heal?

1. Try Identifying the cause: The first step to start your journey to healing is identifying your cause of emotional trauma and acknowledging it. Its root cause must be identified, even if that means going back into your childhood to find that reason. You will find it difficult to release your pain if you do not fully understand when and how did it originate. Talking to a person you can confide in would be a great way to let go of your emotional baggage, and if need be seek professional help from a counselor. Trauma therapists/ counselors are trained at helping you realize and come to terms with your hurt, and support you through your journey of healing. If you feel that you are probably not ready yet to seek professional help, you can start off by honestly investigating triggers in your life, whether they are people, events, or locations that bring back those uncomfortable memories. Try journaling these feelings and analyzing patterns if there are any so that you can start of your process of healing.

2. Practicing Mindfulness: Mindfulness is basically the process of training yourself to be more self-aware and present in the moment. This helps a great deal when coming to terms with emotional trauma. Taking time off and giving yourself to heal and introspect is needed at this stage. Just like we would take some time off to heal from a physical injury, this would be no different. Slowing down our lives and thoughts, to acknowledge and validate the sense of pain we are feeling helps in the process of healing rather than trying to keep our schedule as busy as possible and not trying to heal. Revisiting a traumatic memory can help release the pain but we cannot dwell on the past forever. You are no longer a victim of that event, but instead a survivor, and by living in the present moment can give yourself the opportunity to live and make some beautiful new moments and memories that will diminish the pain of your trauma.

3. Practicing patience with yourself: Be patient with yourself and do not try and put a deadline to your healing process. Just like picking at a physical wound would hinder its healing process, so is the case with emotional healing. Trying to rush yourself to heal might cause more anxiety and distress. Be proud of every little step that you make in the right direction and try instilling as much positivity into your life as you can.

References:

https://psych2go.net/6-signs-of-an-emotional-wound-and-how-to-heal-it/

https://www.claritytherapynyc.com/heal-emotional-wounds

Overthinking is something that can literally stifle a person’s life and be absolutely exhausting. It’s when a person lets their mind run into circles and creates bizarre ideas spiraling into a trail of self-doubt, self-questioning, and self-blaming. Studies have shown that overthinking can lead to elevated stress levels, reduces one’s productivity, and even clouds one’s ability to make judgments and decisions. Dr. J. Christopher Fowler, director of professional wellness at Houston Methodist, says there's a difference between thinking the right amount and overthinking. Careful analysis and scrutiny can improve some choices, but if we get caught up in analyzing every potential outcome, due diligence can lead to excessive worrying and decision paralysis," explains Dr. Fowler. While overthinking can seem a lot like problem-solving to the people suffering from it, the two are pretty distinct. Dr. Fowler says Problem-solving is when you ask questions with the intent of finding an answer and/or enacting a solution. Overthinking, on the other hand, is when you dwell on possibilities and pitfalls without any real intent of solving a problem. In fact, a problem or potential problem may not even actually exist."

Is it possible for you to identify if you are overthinking? Yes of course! Here are some of the signs to look for:

• Replaying the smallest mistakes you’ve made in your mind

• Fixating on things that you have no control or power to change

• Second-guessing or doubting decisions you have made or are going to make

• Going over your mistakes and decisions while trying to fall off to sleep

• Imagining the worst outcomes of situations

• Going over uncomfortable or unpleasant conversations you have had to find hidden meanings

• Over analyzing situations

Not only can overthinking impact your mental health, but it can affect you physically as well. The physical symptoms of overthinking include:

• Headache

• Insomnia/difficulty falling asleep

• Moderate to severe fatigue

• Nausea

• Change in appetite

• Difficulty in focussing or concentrating on tasks

So what can you do to not let overthinking get the better of you?

1. Stop scrutinizing petty things: In the course of a day, you are bound to make at least a fifty decisions, 30 of which are probably mundane, not worth wasting extra brain juice. Calculate and analyze your priorities and realize what is most meaningful to you. Try and realize where you currently are, what you are doing, and what needs your attention. It's important for you to live in the present moment, so when you find your thoughts wandering away into your past mistakes or some future mistakes that you think you might make, stop and try coming back to reality. You have to train your mind to understand that you have absolutely no control over your past or future, but you definitely do have control over your present.

2. Setting decision deadlines: When you are faced with critical situations, where you have to make important decisions, try setting deadlines. While bigger decisions will require more time, distract yourself if the decision-making process becomes overwhelming for you.

3. Enforce positivity: When you realize that you’re “in your head”, ask yourself if you can come up with a constructive solution or decision. If you begin to realize that you can’t control the situation, it’s probably because it’s already happened and you can’t change it. It’s a major sign for you to let go of these negative thoughts and embrace positivity in your life. Dr. Fowler recommends, "One way to let go of the unsolvable is to view these as 'gravity problems.' We can't control or change some facets of life, just as we can't undo gravity. We might, however, work on the aspects that we can change instead."

4. Practice self-love: Yoga, exercising, meditation, and self-love are some ways that you can try and make peace with your thoughts. Journaling or sharing your anxieties with a friend circle or trusted family member or friend can also be helpful. Venting out your anxieties can be helpful, but should not be made a habit, instead, building your mental strength to deal with difficult situations should be your preferred option.

References:

https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2021/apr/when-overthinking-becomes-a-problem-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/#:~:text=%22Overthinking%20can%20affect%20how%20you,Fowler.

https://www.omaritani.com/blog/stop-overthinking

You've been sitting in front of a computer, and despite your best attempts, things aren't progressing. 

Today, a person's daily routine is dominated by switching through various tabs on social media and the constant influx of messages from Whatsapp, text messages, etc. This continuous rush of getting tasks done could adversely affect finishing tasks, affecting our personal and professional lives. It is easy to get distracted in this day & age and not concentrate on the things at hand. This inability to focus is one of the most significant disorders of our time.

Here are a few ways to stay focused: 

Eliminate distractions.

Bombarding yourself with a lot of information can be very draining. As a part of a routine, establish a few critical tasks that you must get done every day instead of thinking of them superficially. If you genuinely think about your day's triumph, your subconscious will do everything to help you turn thoughts into actuality and bypass any distractions. 

Reduce multitasking.  

Multitasking on the outside looks and sounds fantastic, right? Focusing on one task at a time can boost your ability to focus and enhance your work quality. Performing and juggling multiple tasks simultaneously can create a recipe for lower focus, productivity, and burnout. 

Practice mindfulness and meditation. 

It would help if you treated your mind like a muscle. Training your brain is a matter of practice. Doing it for a consistent period will invoke a sense of calm and mindfulness. Stimulating your brain in games, exercises, meditation, etc., can develop your memory, process events better, and enhance your problem-solving skills. 

Get more sleep. 

I admit I'm guilty of this, but sleep deprivation can negatively affect focus & cognitive abilities such as remembrance and concentration. Your reflexes can be highly affected by a tiring day and lack of rest. Getting sleep anywhere around 7-9 hours is critical as it boosts our immunity by healing and repairing our body, and recharging it. It also helps to keep human emotions in check. 

Take a short break & change your focus.

Taking a short break to change your focus from the activity at hand might sound quite counter-intuitive, but refocusing your attention can dramatically enhance mental concentration. It can significantly increase creativity and improve your ability to focus for more extended periods. 

Engage with Nature

Research shows that plants can improve concentration and focus with better air quality. Taking a walk in a garden or cycling through a green terrain can highly boost your immunity, focus and refresh your thoughts. 

Listen to music

Music can have therapeutic effects on the mind and body. It can help you concentrate better on the work at hand and improve sleep. I've seen that the sound of rain on the Calm app helps me fall asleep quite swiftly. Also, check out “Lofi Girl” on Spotify, a great playlist of tunes while performing tasks such as writing.

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]]>How to get your brain to focus?Human PsychologyDr. Karishma D'SaSat, 12 Mar 2022 14:30:00 +0000https://healthybyte.net/productivity/what-is-the-psychodynamic-theory600a61aba3706134b7274171:6327ce4bbf3447529ef0d6e8:622562007f16c83131776ddc

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) and his later followers used the psychodynamic theory to explain the origins of human behavior. The psychodynamic approach encompasses all the theories in psychology that oversee human functioning, based on the interaction of drives and forces that exist inside a person subconsciously, and between the different structures of the person’s personality. Our behavior and feelings are strongly affected by our unconscious motives. A human’s unconscious mind consists of mental processes that are not available for the conscious self, but that strongly influences the person’s judgements, feelings or behavior. Freud hypothesized that the unconscious mind is the primary source of our human behavior. Similar to an iceberg, the most important part of our mind is that what is not seen to the human eye. Our every action, motive, decision and feelings are always powerfully influenced by our past, and stored in our unconscious mind.

The psychodynamic theory states that our childhood can leave a lasting imprint on our adult lives and shaping our future personality. Hence, any traumatic events that might occur in our childhood can haunt us in our adult lives. Our personality is molded by the drives that get modified by the different conflicts or hurdles we encounter at different points in our childhood (phase of psychosexual development). The psychodynamic theory is a strong determinant as it views our behavior as being shaped entirely by the unconscious factors that happened in our childhood, over which we have no control. Unconscious thoughts and feelings can be transferred onto the conscious mind in the form of parapraxes, which are more commonly known as Freudian slips or simply slips of the tongue. When that happens we unintentionally reveal what is really going on in our mind by saying something that we had no intention of saying in the first place. Freud proposed that these slips of the tongue in fact, provided an insight into our subconscious mind and that there were in fact no accidents and every behavior was intended and significant.

In more recent years, quite a few psychodynamic frameworks have evolved to explain our personality development and its dynamics. The most noteworthy among these is the object relations theory. This theory purports that personality can be understood as a reflection of our mental images of significant people in our lives, especially our parents. Since we are in constant touch with them since our early years, they play an important role in shaping our personality as well. These mental images, also known as introjects serve as a template for us in our later years, to shape our interpersonal relationships with others. So, if you have created a positive image of your parents as being warm and loving persons, thats what you would expect from your future relationships with others as well, and will exhibit the same kind of nature towards others. If on the other hand, you have an internalized a negative image of your parent as being critical and judgmental individuals, that is how you might end up being in future relationships and always find yourself inadequate to live up to other’s expectations and standards.

The psychoanalysis theory is now not used in its original form that much, but maybe used in shorter versions. The theory received the greatest criticism as being unscientific in its analysis of the human behavior. Quite a few of the concepts that are key to Freud’s theories are subjective and as such hard to testify scientifically. In that respect the theory has been challenged as not being possible to scientifically investigate our subconscious mind owing to the complexity.

References:

https://www.simplypsychology.org/psychodynamic.html

Wilson, T. D. (2004). Strangers to ourselves. Harvard University Press.

https://nobaproject.com/modules/the-psychodynamic-perspective

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]]>What is the “Psychodynamic Theory”?ProductivityDr. Karishma D'SaFri, 25 Feb 2022 14:30:00 +0000https://healthybyte.net/productivity/locus-of-control-psychology600a61aba3706134b7274171:6327ce4bbf3447529ef0d6e8:61fe16e4e0e2b44d94c05fff

The locus of control is considered an important personality aspect within psychology. This concept was originally developed by Julian Rotter in the 1950s and is also known as the Locus of Control of Reinforcement. It pertains to an individual’s perception regarding the underlying root causes of different events that take place in his/her life. In other words, it is a person’s general belief about the amount of control they exert over their personal or professional lives. It serves as a bridge between behavioral and cognitive psychology. Rotter was of the belief that a person’s behavior was largely influenced by “reinforcements” like rewards or punishments and that through these contingencies, a person came to hold beliefs about what causes their actions. These beliefs in turn have an influence on the attitudes and behaviors a person eventually develops. Philip Zimbardo (a famous psychologist) explains Locus of Control as: “A locus of control orientation is a belief about whether the outcomes of our actions are contingent on what we do (internal control orientation) or on events outside our personal control (external control orientation)." (Zimbardo, 1985, p. 275).

Typically there are two locus of control:

Internal Locus of Control: Those with an internal locus of control are of the belief that their life events are mainly due to their personal characteristics (motivation or abilities). People who have an internal locus of control typically have a more positive self-evaluation. Furthermore, they tend to perform very well in most employment situations, are more successful in their careers, are more prosperous, and are better suited to be in leadership positions. They are more content with their jobs/careers, can deal better with stressful situations, and tend to be motivated by performance-based rewards.

External Locus of Control: Those with an external locus of control are of the belief that their life events are mainly due to their luck, fate, or external conditions. People with an external locus of control are of the opinion that their life’s outcomes are beyond their control, however, they do have control over the results of the tasks that they perform.

Having said that, is an internal locus of control more desirable?

Psychologically, it is perceived to be healthy if one is able to extend control over their life events. So it would be natural to expect that an internal locus of control is more desirable. Those with an internal locus of control can also be referred to as having "self-agency", "personal control", "self-determination", etc. According to research, males generally have an internal locus of control and people generally develop an internal locus as they grow older. People in higher organization positions also tend to have an internal locus, but that does not mean that an external locus is bad. Those with an internal locus have been found to be psychologically unstable, who might lack competence, efficiency, and in extreme cases can turn neurotic, anxious, and depressed. It is very important that internals have a realistic sense of their circle of influence in order to truly experience the “success” associated with this personality trait.

References:

McShane, S. L., Tasa, K., & Steen, S. L. (2021). 1. In Canadian organizational behavior. essay, McGraw Hill Ryerson.

Neill, J. (n.d.). What is Locus of Control? Retrieved from https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/What%20is%20Locus%20of%20Control%20by%20James%20Neill.pdf

Coffee is one of the most significantly traded commodities on the planet. An average person consumes almost three hundred milligrams of coffee daily. It is a psychoactive stimulant known to fuel most of our work, and many of us rely on it to keep ourselves alert while having a lazy day. 

We all know coffee makes us less sleepy, but how is that?

Adenosine is an organic compound found within the brain and, over the day, builds up and makes the human body feel tired and relaxed. The natural sleep process flushes this compound from the brain to eliminate the accumulated tiredness, giving us a refreshed feeling. However, adenosine is not completely flushed out of our system when this pattern is abruptly broken, which is why we feel tired, lazy, and sleepy. 

As the human body ages, a measurable decline in our neurocognitive abilities is associated with normal aging and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the consumption of coffee can avert these neurodegenerative disorders. When we drink coffee, the caffeine enters the body and brain, which block the effects of adenosine, resulting in increased sharpness and alertness.

According to studies, the consumption of coffee has multiple benefits. It decreases the risk of suffering from Parkinson's disease by 25-30%, keeps type 2 diabetes in control, and reduces Alzheimer's dementia. According to a John Hopkins University research, participants who were given 200 milligrams of caffeine tablets were showing signs of enhanced memory. 

"We've always known that caffeine has cognitive-enhancing effects, but its particular effects on strengthening memories and making them resistant to forgetting has never been examined in detail in humans," said senior author Michael Yassa, an assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences at Johns Hopkins University.

However, as you know, caffeine can also have quite an adverse effect on our sleep as it effectively blocks the accumulation of adenosine. Caffeine can highly downsize the time we spend in profound, restful sleep. If consumed close to bedtime, it can completely disrupt & imbalance your sleeping pattern, immune system, muscle repair pattern, creativity. Sleep deprivation leads to a deficiency in learning, problem-solving and emotional connection. 

According to Matthew Walker, if the human body sleeps less than 6 hours per night, time to physical exhaustion declines by 10% to 30%, and aerobic output is consequentially lowered as well. 

So how does one combat these adverse effects and reap their benefits?

According to a study, caffeine, when consumed 6 hours before bed, reduces a human body's sleep by 1 hour per night. So always remember that coffee is great for taste, increasing long-term memory, capacity to burn fat, and improving reaction time, but it should never come at the cost of your sleep. As a coffee fanatic myself, the sweet spot to sip coffee would be between 10 am to 2 pm. 

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]]>How does coffee affect your brain?ProductivityShasheen BandodkarSat, 15 Jan 2022 17:04:00 +0000https://healthybyte.net/productivity/does-reading-change-your-brain600a61aba3706134b7274171:6327ce4bbf3447529ef0d6e8:61e11eb0b0c23562aa2a23bc

Immersing yourself in reading a good book can make your brain come alive. Reading improves memory and empathy and makes one feel positive and productive. According to science, the temporal lobe is one of the brain's most essential and exciting parts. And wouldn't it be? After all, 17% of the cerebral cortex belongs to the temporal lobe. Out of all primates, humans have the most prominent temporal lobe, which enables us to perform visual, auditory, vestibular, linguistic, and olfactory functions.

Reading and writing rewires the brain and has changed human civilization through continuous evolution. The first time a human may have acquired the ability to read or speak a language was approximately 200,000 years ago. The brain's temporal lobe provides public speech perception, enables communication, and is responsible for listening. If you don't read, you might be missing out on a brain-boosting habit.

So how does reading affect your brain? What exactly does happen when you see a word and want to read it?

The left fusiform gyrus recognizes the word, a part of the brain developed in literate people. The eyes process the word to the occipital lobe at the back of the brain. Therefore, the word and its letters can be identified in any font, case, or typeface as a symbol, not as patterns or shapes. The meaning and pronunciation of a word can be deciphered subsequently in the language areas of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Even after you finish reading, your brain can stay active. This active state can last for several days after reading; this state of mind is known as "shadow activity."

Focused reading, such as studying for a test, can increase blood flow within the body, resulting in improved cognitive ability. Reading, therefore, has tremendous effects on physical and mental health. When incorporated as a bedtime ritual, reading can help reduce stress and anxiety and help one sleep better. Reading can thus help build better relationships, have a healthy social network and live a longer life. A child can develop qualities such as empathy, rationality & moral judgment can be obtained. The more one reads, the better the affinity between optical and vocabulary parts of the brain.

Reading can improve your brains' capability to process information faster and enhance many areas of your life. Here are some book recommendations

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]]>Does reading change your brain?Personal DevelopmentDr. Karishma D'SaSat, 08 Jan 2022 13:30:00 +0000https://healthybyte.net/productivity/self-care-self-love600a61aba3706134b7274171:6327ce4bbf3447529ef0d6e8:61d7d884e83ee176dfbb949f

Stress has become very normal in this fast-paced life that we lead. Stress when coupled with other emotions like anxiety, depression, or apathy can be very difficult to deal with. According to the Mental Health Foundation, “Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure” (Last updated 17 September 2021). Stress is our body’s natural response to pressure caused by life events or situations. It is triggered when we encounter novel or unexpected situations that threaten us, or when we feel out of control of the situation we are in. The body releases cortisol in response to stress which triggers the production of adrenaline and other physiologically active substances. These hormones impact the body’s normal functioning, affecting the heart, salt-water balance, sugar content, and sometimes may even depress the nervous system in extreme cases.

Self-care and self-love are very important to help overcome everyday stress. Self-love can mean different things to different people. For starters it could mean:

• Being kind to yourself

• Being true to your feelings

• Setting healthy boundaries for yourself

• Prioritizing your wants and desires

• Forgiving yourself

For others, self-love is another way to care for themselves. This would mean:

• Listening to signs your body gives

• Eating and drinking healthy foods

• Taking breaks from work

• Indulging in something relaxing like a spa or nice warm bath or that nice cup of camomile tea to calm the nerves

Self-love involves accepting just as you are in the present moment, accepting your emotions, and putting your physical as well as emotional and mental well-being at the forefront. Self-love enables you to lead a more fulfilling life because your inner world would be in charge of your outer world, rather than the other way around. Before you think of expecting love and respect from others, learn to give that to yourself. Some people often equate self-love with selfishness, but that is far from the truth. If you have this perspective, you will find it very difficult to love yourself. Hence you must delete that belief from your mind. It is absolutely fine to put your needs first.

Reasons why self-love is important:

1. Motivates you to make healthy life choices

2. Helps you fill the gaps that external love cant

3. If you do not love yourself, it will severely impact your ability to be successful and have a positive outlook on life

4. Helps you get rid of toxic relationships in your life

5. Helps reduce negativity and depressive mindset

Finally, I would like to leave you with some food for thought: “No one is responsible for your happiness but you and the choices you make, and self-love and care can play a major role in that”.

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]]>Self Care= Self LovePersonal DevelopmentDr. Karishma D'SaSat, 25 Dec 2021 14:00:00 +0000https://healthybyte.net/productivity/what-is-gaslighting600a61aba3706134b7274171:6327ce4bbf3447529ef0d6e8:61c671b86a4afe2809db7f95

The term “Gaslighting” has been gaining a lot of traction in recent times but has in fact been around for a really long time. It is a form of psychological or emotional abuse that can cause the victim to question their judgments and reality. This form of abuse is most common in romantic relationships, but can also be observed in controlling friendships or among family members or co-workers too. How it works is by undermining a person’s perception of reality. It makes you constantly second guess yourself, your memories, and your perception of situations. After interacting with the gaslighter, you may be left with a feeling of doubt….. if there is something really wrong with you. It can lead to a serious deterioration of your mental health.

The term originated from a 1938 play by Patrick Hamilton, known in America as "Angel Street" and later adapted by Alfred Hitchock into the film "Gas Light" by Alfred Hitchcock. In this suspense flick, a manipulative husband convinces his wife into thinking that she is losing her mind by making subtle changes in her environment, including gradually dimming the flame on a gas lamp. Not only does this trick her into believing that she is going insane, but he also abuses and controls her, making her cut all ties with her family and friends. As a result, the wife is stuck in a constant saga of second-guessing herself, feeling neurotic, hypertensive, and out of control of the situation. Since this movie was an accurate portrayal of the toxic and manipulative nature that some people tend to use, psychologists and counselors started calling this type of abusive behavior as “gaslighting'“.

These are some of the warning signs to be aware of:

1. Lying: Lying is the basis of a gaslighter’s destructive behavior and they are habitual, if not pathological liars. They will not own up or change their stories even if they are called out for it, or if proof of the deceit is provided. Even when you are aware that they are lying, they are quite convincing, causing you to second-guess the situation yourself.

2. Discrediting You: Gaslighters could possibly spread false rumors and gossip about you behind your back. They might pretend to be concerned about you in front of you while telling others that you are emotionally unstable or “delusional”. Unfortunately, the tactic always ends up being successful, with many people ending up siding with the bully without knowing the other side of the story. The gaslighter might also make you believe that others have a certain bad perception about you when in reality the people would probably not have uttered a word against you.

3. Trivializing your Emotions: This move gives the gaslighter to assert power over you. They might pass statements like “you are overreacting”, “why are you so sensitive?” or “calm down”. When you are dealing with a person who tries to downplay your feelings, thoughts or beliefs is when the self-doubt starts to creep in. In the event that you do realize that this is not right and try confronting the gaslighter, the situation might twist into a conversation where they make you believe that you are the cause for their bad behavior, or for making you do stuff that you do not approve of. They claim that if only you behaved differently, they would not treat you the way that they do.

4. Using Compassion as a Weapon: On occasions when you confront the gaslighter for their inappropriate attitude, they will try to use kind words to soothe you down. Something like "You know how much I love you. I would never hurt you on purpose." are words that would tame down the heat for that moment, but are meaningless, if the behavior is repeated over and over again.

5. Altering reality: A gaslighter is in the habit of retelling stories with a slight variation to make you question your memory of what happened. For instance, if your abusive partner pushed you against the wall and you are having a discussion about it later, they may change it up a bit and say you stumbled and they tried to steady you, which resulted in you tripping and falling into the wall. It is the slight changes in the details that make all the difference between reality and altered reality.

To conclude, you should not feel like you are responsible for what you are experiencing. The person gaslighting you is influencing your thoughts, behavior, and choices. With healthy choices and boundaries, you can finally reach a place where you will be ready to move away from the toxic relationship.

Whenever we sit down to write something like a blog or to create something like a video or music we’re often paralyzed by a force stopping us from starting writing that first word, typing that first page, or filming that first video. Most of us have two lives, one is the life we live and the second is the unloved life within us, and between the two is the thing called the ‘Resistance’ which is the secret to overturn this paralyzing force known as procrastination. The book “The War of Art“ describes the way you can change your decision-making ability and stop being a chronic procrastinator by beating the resistance. The book is divided into three important parts which address:

• Know Thy Enemy

• Becoming a professional

• Banishing the Ego

The first part focuses on knowing thy enemy which in this case is the resistance you face when you want to start doing a task or are taking up a challenging project. This resistance is actively working against us to stop us from doing the things we want to do. It does not stop us from binge-watching a Netflix movie or playing our favorite video game instead it stops us from being constructive with our lives. Resistance isn’t the thing that’s holding you back from cleaning the desk but instead is the force that holds you back from being creative or entrepreneurial or any activity that requires some level of risk-taking. Whenever you try to go up against this resistance, you will come up against a hill of procrastination that you will have to beat. But what fuels resistance is “Fear”, the fear of losing out, the fear of not succeeding, and so on. Resistance is activated by fear and it gains strength whenever we give in to that fear creating a vicious cycle that leads to the resistance to perform that activity even stronger. But as the book mentions fear is a good thing because as you feel scared about doing something it usually means you should just do that thing you have in mind. In a way, resistance is the compass that points towards the things in our life that are most important for us to do. The more resistance you experience, the more important your un-manifested art or project or enterprise is to you.

The more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it  -   Steven Pressfield 

Now that you know your enemy which is resistance and know what it is you need to figure out ways of dealing with it which lead to the second part which is becoming a professional. The idea of being professional stems from the idea of “An amateur vs A professional“. An amateur acts of inspiration and mood and only does things whenever he/she feels like doing it with being committed. Their goals are generally more focused on fun, money, and status with society. Instead, a professional shapes him/herself to their work as a priority committed to succeeding by following their inner drive and motivation. A professional’s goal is often driven by their passion and the only way we can deal with our resistance is by becoming one. A key takeaway from this is that a professional does not do the work for the sake of doing the work but takes pride in doing it. if your treat any idea/project as a professional you show up to work and perform the task daily, you work through adversity and are always open to criticism because you want to improve and you understand that fear when performing any task is just part of the work you do. If you are a professional with your work, you will understand that facing resistance is a daily struggle, and no matter what you have to overcome it. So treating our creative and entrepreneurial project as a professional does not mean it takes over our lives, it just means that we are approaching it with a bit more of a professional mindset instead of just winging it.

Once we become professional, the next thing we need to do is banish the ego which leads to the third part of the book that focuses on the constant battle between the self and the ego. When you are led by your ego, it focuses on maintaining your status in the eye of the world and how external events affect us. Everything seems to be superficial which gives into resistance. When we are led by “self”, we are led by the deepest form of who we are which is focused on our dreams, visions, intuition, and aspirations. For example, if I write a blog thinking in mind that this blog should reach 10k post views, it makes the process much more difficult and output-driven whereas if I write a blog expressing my ideas and consistently focus on churning out ideas once every single week it makes the process so much easier and input is driven which means that the goal I’ve set for myself is within my control.

These three parts can be a good base model for getting better at decision making as in, in your life you might never regret doing the things you scared of but you might always regret not doing the things you are scared of.

Reference:

I got my references from the book “The War of Art“ by Steven Pressfield and it has a great perspective over better decision making and battling inner resistance.

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]]>Beat the resistance to express your creativityProductivityShasheen BandodkarSun, 05 Dec 2021 13:37:00 +0000https://healthybyte.net/productivity/what-is-eudaimonia600a61aba3706134b7274171:6327ce4bbf3447529ef0d6e8:61ac452bd2a73714c777c2fa

Eudaimonia is a Greek word that interprets a state or condition of "Fulfillment," which can also be termed happiness. 

The state Eudaimonia comes from the philosophies of Plato, an Athenian philosopher that believed eudaimonia depends on virtue, and virtue is the most critical and dominant element of this state. It means that even if a man can serve his desires, his deficiency of inner harmony and unity impede any chance of attaining eudaimonia. 

Plato had four concepts for making life feel more fulfilled. 

• Think More: Often, we humans seldom give ourselves time to think thoroughly and reasonably about the life we live and how to guide them. Sometimes you may go along with the flow of popular opinion. The flaw here is that these popular opinions can sometimes be deceptive and edge us towards the wrong values, careers, and relationships. The solution to Plato's belief is that one should know themselves and examine their ideas rather than act and make an impulsive decision. If you strengthen your self-knowledge, you are less inclined to get pulled around by feelings.

“True love is a form of Admiration” - Plato

• Let your lover change you: A person you are together with or desire to be with should have good qualities which you lack. Being with the right person helps us grow to our full potential. According to Plato, "A couple shouldn't love each other exactly as they are right now but should be committed to educating each other and enduring challenging moments in life."

• Decode the message of Beauty: Everyone likes and wants beautiful things, but no one ever questions why we like them or want them? According to Plato, beautiful objects mutter essential truths about the good life. One finds things attractive when they unconsciously sense the qualities they need but are missing from their lives. This message is decoded clearly within an art form and is precisely why art is subjective. Art can be beautiful, gentle, and calming to some, while it can be ugly and damaging to others.

• Reform Society: Plato's book "The Republic." focuses on several changes that should be made to society that can aid breed fulfilled people. It matters who people admire because a person with reach and power can influence your ideas, manner, and outlook over life itself. Therefore, society should consist of distinguished people by their history of public service, humility, including mere habits to live life, and their distaste for the spotlight. The book also sheds light on ending democracy and tells us how rarely people think before voting and are governed by second-rate rulers. It would be vital to prevent people from voting until they can think rationally. Otherwise, a government would be a mob ruling over.

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]]>What is Eudaimonia?Personal DevelopmentDr. Karishma D'SaSat, 06 Nov 2021 13:30:00 +0000https://healthybyte.net/productivity/the-pygmalion-effect600a61aba3706134b7274171:6327ce4bbf3447529ef0d6e8:617ebe510af454239abc9182

Robert Rosenthal first discovered the Pygmalion Effect during his study in the year 1964 at Harvard. It is also known as the Rosenthal Effect, but Robert named it Pygmalion Effect after the Greek sculpture Pygmalion. The story goes that the Sculptor fell in love with the ivory statue of a woman he made, with the Gods, bringing her to life just for him to marry. His expectations aided in breathing life into the sculpture, which aligns with Rosenthal’s Pygmalion Effect. Our expectations have the power to alter reality.

Rosenthal challenged test subjects to coach rats through a maze. Half the group of subjects were told that their rats were extremely intelligent, while the other half were told that their rats were dumb, but in reality, all the rats were pretty much the same. During the experiment, the “intelligent” rats outperformed the “dumb” ones. This proved that the expectations of the test subject coaches influenced the performance of their respective rats. Rosenthal then went on to apply this theory to a Californian school to a class of elementary kids. Some teachers were told that they had exceptionally intelligent students and some average students. All the students had already done an IQ test and were found to be of average intelligence. However, at the end of the academic year, those students who were “exceptionally intelligent” to the teachers outperformed the others.

The Pygmalion Effect or Rosenthal Effect can best describe a phenomenon whereby higher expectations lead to a higher performance outcome. It can be best understood by a circle in which our beliefs about someone else’s abilities influence our actions towards that person. This action has a counter effect on that person’s beliefs about themselves. These beliefs about themselves influence their actions towards us, reinforcing our beliefs about that person. This is pretty much an unending cycle of events that keeps repeating itself.

For example, if a teacher expects student A to do well in her subject, she will go all out and help him in his studies. She would probably give the student extra practice exercises, extra coaching, and even explain his mistakes more elaborately to make sure he has completely understood the concept. Conversely, she would not spend as much time with the other students in the class because they are expected to be average by her. She has a preconceived notion that Student A is outstanding in her subject, and thereby her expectations from the other students are lower. This gives rise to a self-fulfilling prophecy, wherein low expectations create a hostile environment and bring out lower performance outcomes. On the other hand, high expectations create a positive and encouraging environment that yields higher performance outcomes.

Rosenthal later summarized the Pygmalion effect as “the phenomenon whereby one person’s expectation for another person’s behavior comes to serve as a self-fulfilling prophecy” (American Psychologist, Nov. 2003, p. 839).

At every age, human beings try to arrange their thoughts about what is ultimately real? How can one explain what the world consists of? One might think this might be an investigation of the cause of different things, events related to the big-bang, and this investigation is known as Metaphysics. 

Metaphysics is the science of being that exists in so far as it exists. It is a structured way of thinking of the most fundamental explanations of the world that you might encounter in your daily life. So then the question begs, why do things exist? Metaphysics considers Beings and every characteristic that constitutes them, such as the nature of the being, their properties, material constitution, simple changes, contingencies, and their relations among beings from every angle. 

Every human being has a body, and it is the vessel that we use to inhabit our human form. So do we exist because of our material body? Or do we live because we have a living soul? Or do we exist because our parents gave us life? Or do we exist because of our dependence on the larger physical cosmos that surround us in various shapes and forms every second? or do we exist because of god? How does one explain these phenomena? This is what metaphysics is all about. 

To explain these phenomena, you must spot the differences between the different natural substances around us. How is one distinguished from the other? For example, a human is different from a whale. We can distinguish them by their various properties, such as both are mammals, have complex sense organs, are conscious living things, etc. However, humans are very rational where we can think, use language to communicate and make decisions, etc. These kinds of characteristics reveal various things such as what those things are, their essence towards life, and explaining why or how they exist.

Since you can understand what contrasts different beings, how about questioning what unites them or what they all have in common. What is fundamentally familiar in everything you see around you could be a human, a whale, trees, stars, concreate, artifacts, etc.? Everything that exists in the universe has been somehow, shape, or form is unified, true, good, which makes it desirable and beautiful, pleasing, and has a certain kind of harmony around it. 

Metaphysics is used to study the things of this world by an honest and critical assessment. If you were thinking about anything that I just wrote about above, your doing metaphysics  

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