Category Archives: Self-Improvement
Power of Visualization: Achieving Goals and Enhancing Performance
“Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding.
Hold this picture tenaciously and never permit it to fade. Your
mind will seek to develop this picture.”
– Norman Vincent Peale
The desire to become the best version of oneself is a powerful driving force for those committed to self-improvement. This desire propels individuals on a quest to reach their full potential, both personally and professionally. If you aspire to improve continuously, you must embrace this journey. Striving for excellence and optimizing your performance in all areas of life should be an ongoing pursuit.
Achieving your best self does not come through shortcuts or magic solutions. The path to self-improvement is challenging, but it is far from impossible. Success in reaching your dreams and goals is attainable, but how can you get there?
Various methods and techniques can help you succeed in your endeavors. In the previous chapter, we discussed the initial steps in achieving your goals: setting clear objectives and creating actionable plans. Experts in Positive Psychology also emphasize the importance of cultivating the right mindset, executing your plans, maintaining work-life balance, adapting to change, finding a mentor, and visualizing success.
This discussion will focus on one particularly powerful technique: visualizing success.
Visualization involves creating vivid and detailed images or scenarios in your mind to help you achieve your dreams and goals (Hook, 2024). Roychowdhury (2023) defines visualization as the “creation of detailed mental images that mimic real-life experiences. It involves engaging multiple senses, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, to create a comprehensive mental representation.”
This mental technique taps into the power of imagination to mentally rehearse success, influencing your mindset and behavior. Visualization is closely related to mental imagery, explicitly focusing on creating or recalling visual images. According to Roychowdhury, the critical components of visualization include imagery control (the ability to manipulate images), imagery vividness (the clarity and detail of the images), and imagery duration (the ability to sustain the images over time).
Visualization is used in sports, therapy, and personal development to rehearse scenarios and achieve desired results. An anonymously written article explains that “visualization goes beyond mere daydreaming; it’s a focused and purposeful exercise that prepares the mind, much like physical practice prepares the body.” The article also reveals that brain studies show the same neural pathways are activated when a weightlifter lifts heavy weights and when they only imagine lifting.
An AI model explains that “visualization is a powerful tool for achieving your dreams. By mentally rehearsing success, you prepare your mind and body to perform at their best, increase your confidence, and stay focused on your goals. When combined with consistent action, visualization can be a key factor in turning your dreams into reality” (OpenAI, 2024).
Skepticism often surrounds visualization, as it may seem implausible that merely imagining success can lead to actual achievement. However, visualization is supported by scientific research, which validates its effectiveness. Hook (2024) identified Neuroscience, Epigenetics, and Psychology as the scientific foundations of this technique. Neuroscientific studies have shown that visualization activates the same brain regions as actual physical performance, affirming the claims mentioned in the earlier article. Additionally, research in epigenetics indicates that positive mental practices, like visualization, can influence gene expressions related to stress, resilience, and overall well-being. In cognitive psychology, techniques like guided imagery and mental rehearsal have been used to treat anxiety and improve self-confidence.
The notion that visualization or mental imagery can enhance an athlete’s focus, reduce anxiety, and improve cognitive performance is not just anecdotal. Scientific studies support these claims. For example, Predoiu et al. (2020) explained that visualization techniques can improve motor skills, increase muscle strength, boost self-confidence, enhance concentration, and reduce anxiety. They also noted that imagery can aid in pain management, endurance, performance motivation, and physical performance in athletes. Markova et al. (2024) found that visualization is also effective in overcoming anxiety and nervous tension, as well as reducing symptoms of depression and stress. Their research showed that adaptive coping strategies are closely linked to self-knowledge, revaluation of values, positive self-attitude, and visualization.
Visualization can also enhance learning and memory. Kosslyn et al. (2001) reviewed various findings on how mental imagery activates neural pathways similar to real perception. They concluded that visualization could be a powerful tool for enhancing memory retention and learning, especially when combined with actual practice. Fishback et al. (2003) examined whether students who visualized themselves performing well on exams were more likely to achieve their academic goals. They found that students who visualized themselves successfully completing specific tasks (e.g., studying for an exam) were likelier to engage in behaviors that led to academic success.
The literature clearly presents the variety of benefits that visualization brings. At the top of the list is enhanced performance. Athletes often turn to visualization to achieve better results in competitions. Practicing this mental technique not only improves competence but also boosts confidence. As mentioned earlier, even cognitive functions benefit from visualization. Both your body and mind perform better when you embrace this method. So, why not give it a try?
The benefits of visualization extend beyond physical and mental improvements. This mental practice can also provide emotional relief, particularly for those suffering from anxiety and depression.
The great things you will gain from visualization are not just physical and mental. You can get emotional relief from this mind practice as well if you are suffering from problems like anxiety and depression.
Moreover, visualization can significantly enhance goal setting. Several studies have explored the connection between these two constructs. For instance, Pham & Taylor (1999) compared the effects of two visualization types—outcome visualization and process visualization—on goal attainment. Outcome visualization involves picturing the successful outcome, while process visualization focuses on the steps required to achieve the goal. Their study revealed that process-oriented visualization was more effective in helping participants achieve their goals. The researchers explained that those who visualized the process were likelier to succeed than those who only visualized the outcome. Scheier & Carver (1985) found that “individuals who engaged in positive visualization were more likely to set challenging goals and persist in achieving them.” Positive visualization enhances self-efficacy and increases the likelihood of achieving challenging goals by fostering a proactive mindset and a belief in one’s ability to succeed.
The process of visualization enhances goal setting and what comes next: planning. This mental activity clarifies your vision, builds your confidence, and heightens your motivation. When setting goals, part of the process involves preparing a plan that outlines the techniques and strategies needed to pursue them. Visualization plays a role in anticipating potential challenges and responses, helping you develop the confidence to face obstacles and stay motivated in your pursuit.
Visualization is also linked to effective planning, as established by several studies. These studies have shown how visualization improves problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking—key aspects of planning. Dela Sala et al. (2010) studied how individuals use mental imagery to simulate future scenarios and plan accordingly. They found that individuals who frequently engage in visualization are better at planning and decision-making because they can mentally simulate different scenarios and outcomes, leading to more informed and strategic choices. Klein (1998) observed that “visualization is crucial in planning, especially under conditions of uncertainty, as it helps individuals mentally test and refine their strategies before implementation.” This finding was based on real-world observations of decision-makers who experienced how visualization aids in developing more effective and adaptive strategies. Sheehan & McConkey (1982) concluded that this mental process enhances the ability to organize and execute complex plans by providing a mental rehearsal space where details can be worked out before action.
The following table shows some of the visualization techniques that are being used.
Predoui et al. (2020) suggested that visualization techniques include the five major senses (touch, hearing, sight, smell, and taste) to achieve the best results.
In conclusion, visualization is a powerful and scientifically supported technique crucial to personal and professional development. By engaging in vivid mental imagery, individuals can enhance their performance, boost their confidence, and achieve their goals more effectively. Visualization is not merely a passive daydream but a purposeful exercise that prepares the mind and body for success. Whether it’s improving athletic performance, managing anxiety, enhancing learning, or strengthening goal-setting and planning, the benefits of visualization are vast and varied.
This mental practice, grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and epigenetics, proves that the mind can be trained to influence real-world outcomes. By incorporating visualization into your daily routine, you can cultivate a mindset of resilience, focus, and determination, ultimately transforming your aspirations into reality. As the evidence shows, those who visualize see their goals more clearly and find the motivation and strategies necessary to reach them. Therefore, embracing visualization is an option and a valuable tool for anyone committed to self-improvement and achieving their fullest potential.
The Crucial Connection Between Goal Setting and Planning
“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of plan, in which we
must fervently believe and upon which we must vigorously
act. There is no other route to success.”
– Pablo Picasso
In discussions of the term “goal,” it is difficult not to mention “plan” alongside it. These two constructs are seemingly conjoined like Siamese twins. Even in their definitions, goals and plans are intertwined: a goal is defined as the end toward which an effort is directed, while a plan is a method for achieving that end. When goals and plans are perfectly aligned, they create a synergy that leads to success. Thus, goal-setting and planning are critical for personal growth and development. Those who embrace self-improvement must prioritize these two essential practices.
Locke and Latham (2002) describe a goal as an idea of the future or desired result that a person or a group of people envisions, plans for, and commits to achieving. Goals are the object or aim of an action, such as attaining a specific standard of proficiency, typically within a specified time frame. In contrast, a plan is defined as “a set of actions that have been thought of as a way to do or achieve something” (Britannica, n.d.). Both goals and plans often come with deadlines, underscoring their interconnectedness.
Goal setting is the process of defining goals, and planning identifies the actions necessary to achieve those goals effectively. In reality, goal-setting and planning are inseparable. Setting goals without corresponding plans or making plans without anchoring them to specific goals is futile. Goals without a plan are like knowing where you want to go without knowing how to get there while planning without an identified goal is like setting out on a journey without a specific destination. Goal setting is the first step in the planning process; once you have established your desired goals, you can create a plan to achieve them. Planning, in turn, creates a roadmap that guides you toward achieving your goals.
To further illustrate the relationship between goal-setting and planning, we can examine the goal-plan paradigm developed by Simon Sinek, known as the Golden Circle Model. This model effectively represents the connections between these constructs and highlights their significance. The Golden Circle consists of three layers: “Why” at the core, “How” in the middle layer, and “What” at the outermost part. This paradigm emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying purpose (“Why”) before establishing the process (“How”) and the outcome (“What”).
In this model, the “Why” represents the goal—the purpose or desired outcome that forms the basis for all actions. The “How” corresponds to the plan and the organized efforts necessary to reach the goal. Finally, the “What” represents the specific outcomes or results from carefully executing the goals and plans. Although the terms “Why” and “What” might seem interchangeable, Sinek clarifies that the “Why” refers to the underlying purpose or reason for wanting to achieve an outcome. In contrast, the “What” refers to the tangible results.
Sinek strongly argues that understanding the “Why” is crucial, particularly at the organizational level. Most organizations and leaders know what they do and how they do it, but they often struggle to articulate why they do it. The “Why” is vital because it inspires and motivates leaders and followers. This insight also applies to individuals: the “Why,” or the goal, is the source of passion and commitment, providing a definite direction for organizations and individuals.
To illustrate his assertions, Sinek’s example was Apple’s Why, How, and What.
This example demonstrates that an organization’s “What”—the products or services it offers—is not the goal itself but rather the outcome of an apparent “Why.”
Setting goals and making plans are crucial to achieving success in both personal and professional realms. As Berkman (2018) explained, “Setting goals is easy; achieving them is hard.” While achieving goals may be challenging, it is not impossible. Effective planning makes goal achievement possible.
You have probably heard about SMART goals already. Goal setting involves defining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that individuals or organizations want to achieve. This is the golden rule of goal-setting.
When goals are specific, it means they are clear. They answer the questions of who, what, where, when, and why. Making the goals measurable means their progress can be tracked. Several other clear indicators are involved. Achievable goals are realistic and attainable given your current situation, resources, and time, while relevant goals are worthwhile or worth pursuing. Their purpose is clear. Time-bound means a specific deadline or timeframe for achieving the goal.
Chowdhury (2019) mentioned that researchers have made the “SMART” rule “SMARTER.” The letters E and R are appended to SMART, with the E standing for evaluative or ethical and R rewarding. He explained that interventions and executing ethical goals follow professional and personal ethics. Rewarding means that the results or goal setting brings the user a positive reward and a feeling of accomplishment.
By using the SMART/SMARTER framework, individuals and organizations can rest assured that their goals are well-defined, making it easier to plan, execute, and achieve them successfully.
After setting goals comes planning. As Antoine de Saint-Exupery says, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Without a plan, even the best goals will not come to fruition.
The activities required to achieve desired goals must be identified and organized. The planning process involves drawing a specific course of action that identifies what needs to be done, when, how, and by whom.
A good plan provides a clear roadmap. It helps simplify complex tasks and make them more manageable. It also promotes efficient use of the M resources—manpower, machinery, materials, and money. Planning enables you to foresee what resources are needed and when. It ensures that your decisions are aligned with the goals, reducing the likelihood of making decisions impulsively.
The best part of indulging in planning is that it helps you achieve work-life balance. It allows you to pursue your professional and personal endeavors without sacrificing one over the other.
The interplay between goal setting and planning is fundamental in pursuing success in both personal and professional Endeavors. Goals provide the direction, the “Why,” while plans provide the roadmap, the “How.” The synergy they create ensures that the “What”—the tangible outcomes—is achieved efficiently and effectively. When goal-setting and planning are done correctly, they transform dreams into reality and make success not just possible but inevitable.
Achieving Work-Life Balance: Strategies For Success
“You will never feel truly satisfied by work
until you are satisfied by life.”
– Heather Schuck
In this discourse, “work” refers to the professional responsibilities we either choose to embrace or are assigned, while “life” encompasses our personal existence, including inherent responsibilities and commitments we make. Achieving work-life balance is about finding equilibrium between our professional and personal endeavors, ensuring that neither is neglected at the expense of the other.
For many of us, our work or profession is a significant source of happiness and fulfillment. We derive satisfaction from applying the knowledge we’ve acquired and the skills we’ve honed through education and self-study. This sense of accomplishment, however, should not overshadow the importance of maintaining a balanced life.
Malik (2023) defines work-life balance as “the stability between the time, energy, and attention individuals allocate to their professional commitments and personal lives, including their family, social activities, hobbies, and personal well-being. It emphasizes the need to achieve a harmonious and satisfying integration of both work and personal aspects of life.”
Striking a balance between professional obligations and social responsibilities is easier said than done. It is far from a simple task, as giving equal attention to both areas of life can be challenging. Work demands can sometimes be overwhelming, leaving little time for self-care and nurturing relationships. Conversely, some individuals may prioritize personal and family matters at the expense of their workplace productivity, leading to a lack of fulfillment in their professional lives.
Achieving work-life balance is an essential skill for personal development. While it may be difficult, maintaining equilibrium between work and personal life is crucial for creating an environment conducive to growth and well-being.
When individuals learn to balance their professional and personal lives, they experience significant benefits. They can engage in self-improvement activities, such as furthering their education, learning new skills, and pursuing fulfilling hobbies. This balance also leads to better health, as reduced stress allows for engagement in activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
Moreover, a well-balanced work-life enhances productivity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. A clear focus and improved concentration naturally follow when one’s life is in harmony.
Perhaps the most valuable outcome of achieving work-life balance is improving personal relationships. Spending more time with loved ones and friends strengthens these bonds, fulfilling our intrinsic need for social interaction. As social beings, meaningful connections are vital to our happiness and well-being.
The significance of balancing work obligations and personal life makes some consider achieving it not a matter of choice but a mandatory requirement in the pursuit of success.
The importance of balancing work obligations with personal life has led many to view achieving this equilibrium not as a choice but as a mandatory requirement for success.
Work-life balance is pursued at both the organizational and individual levels. However, maintaining this balance between the demands of a job or profession and personal obligations is largely a personal responsibility. In the workplace, managers aim to eliminate factors that could reduce organizational productivity. Whiting (2024) defines work-life balance as “the amount of time you spend working compared to the time you spend pursuing activities outside of work, measured in hours, enjoyment, or mental energy.” She adds, “Your work-life balance depends not only on the time you spend physically at work but also on the energy, focus, and attention that work demands even when you’re not in the office.”
Organizations clearly benefit when they implement programs that promote work-life balance. Whiting (2024), citing studies she reviewed, notes that employees who experience a balanced approach to work and personal concerns are more engaged. This heightened engagement improves the working conditions and profitability of the organization. She also emphasizes that work-life balance within organizations results in more engaged employees and helps prevent potential burnout, which can lead to poor health, decreased performance, and a toxic work culture.
The absence of work-life balance in the workplace can result in burnout and neglect of physical health, which may lead to severe health conditions. When employees lack time to recharge, they return to work less focused and less motivated, which reduces their productivity and creativity. Their decision-making skills are also compromised, leading to suboptimal choices and outcomes.
It is evident that work-life balance significantly influences employee performance. Naithani (2010) found that employees with poor work-life balance suffer from reduced productivity and lower job performance. In contrast, Roberts (2008) emphasized that employees with a healthy work-life balance show improved job performance. The findings of a study conducted by Susanto et al. (2022) confirmed the positive relationship between work-life balance and job performance, concluding that as an employee’s work-life balance improves, so does their job performance.
Employees are fortunate if they work in organizations where leaders recognize the importance of promoting work-life balance. However, in some cases, managers may not prioritize formulating policies that create a work environment where employees can fulfill their personal commitments without sacrificing their organizational duties. In such situations, it becomes the employees’ responsibility to find a way to strike a balance between their work and personal lives. Ultimately, work-life balance can and should be achieved at the individual level.
There are telltale signs of poor work-life balance or its complete absence. The most common indicators include burnout and difficulty sleeping. Those who fail to balance their professional and personal lives often feel like they are always working, unable to relax. This constant stress can lead to strained relationships with family and friends. If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to reassess your work-life balance.
The steps to achieve work-life balance are practical and straightforward, but the challenge lies in the willingness and determination to implement them. Experts suggest that the pursuit of work-life balance begins with setting clear priorities. It is essential to identify your top priorities in both your personal and professional life, which will allow you to allocate your time and energy appropriately. Drawing clear boundaries between work and personal life is vital.
Work hours should not encroach upon the time allocated for family, hobbies, and relaxation. For those committed to maintaining this boundary, disconnecting from the internet and keeping gadgets out of reach after work is vital. Emails and calls should be restricted to work hours, ensuring that personal time remains sacred.
Another critical component is spending quality time with family. It’s not about the quantity of time but the quality of the interactions. Disconnecting from technology and being fully present is the first step toward giving your loved ones the attention they deserve. Taking a break from social media when spending time with the family is also essential.
Equally important is allocating time for yourself. Your overall well-being should be a priority because success in your professional endeavors is meaningless if it comes at the cost of your health. It is possible to be both wealthy and healthy. Taking care of yourself involves regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring sufficient sleep. Additionally, pursuing hobbies and engaging in activities you enjoy and contribute to your personal growth will further enhance your well-being.
Achieving a work-life balance is a desirable and essential component of a fulfilling life. The equilibrium between professional and personal commitments is crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being. When this balance is neglected, the consequences can be severe, affecting not only individual health and relationships but also organizational productivity and culture.
Both organizations and individuals have roles to play in fostering work-life balance. While companies can implement supportive policies and create environments promoting well-being, it ultimately falls on each person to take responsibility for their balance. By setting clear priorities, drawing firm boundaries, and dedicating time to loved ones and personal care, individuals can navigate the challenges of modern life without sacrificing their health or happiness.
In essence, work-life balance is the foundation of a successful and meaningful life. It allows us to thrive in our careers while nurturing our personal relationships and well-being, leading to a more satisfying and well-rounded existence. Striving for this balance may be challenging, but the rewards are profound and far-reaching.
On How Important Effective Communication Is
“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.”
~ Nat Turner ~
We all agree that communication is very important, especially in this era when most of our decisions are data-driven. And I think only a few (or no one) would disagree that communication skills are difficult to develop. But no matter how arduous that task is, we must work hard to acquire them.
The ability to communicate effectively is a “must-possess” skill. If somebody says that it is a “superpower,” I wouldn’t disagree, for if you can communicate effectively, you have one of the most important tools needed to succeed in whatever endeavors and undertakings you undertake.
You and I should learn how to effectively convey our ideas and feelings and divulge our intentions properly. Lest we forget, though, that communication is a two-way process. It is not just a matter of us sending or encoding a message but being able to process the response or feedback being sent back to us. Or we could be at the receiving end of the process. This means we could be the receiver instead of being the sender.
In whatever role – processing feedback or receiving a message – we need to decipher or decode efficiently.
Communication is one of the few constructs that can be found in the vocabulary of different fields of study. The said concept is a fundamental aspect of major areas related to language and literature. It is an integral part of any field that requires information to be disseminated, such as in media, business, politics, health care, and education. Even in science and math. The said subjects may be technical in nature, but they require effective communication. Without it, scientists and mathematicians cannot disseminate the necessary information and knowledge to the general public.
I cannot recall any concept that serves most (if not all) fields of endeavors other than communication. Thus, the ability to communicate is included in the list of skills a person must develop. It is a vital component of any “self-improvement” model. It is hard to imagine a personal growth and development program that does not include improving communication skills.
Communication is simply the process of exchanging information or expressing one’s ideas, thoughts, or feelings to someone else using spoken or written words or any other medium. The process involves the interplay of the main elements of communication – sender, receiver, message, channel or medium, and feedback. The interaction of the above-mentioned components is affected also by other factors – context and interference or noise.
The communication process starts with the intention to send a message (the information to be conveyed). Others refer to the messages as the subject matter of communication. The sender initiates the process. They are the source of information or the one sending the message to a receiver using a particular channel or medium.
Channel is described as the path through which an encoded message is transmitted from a sender to a receiver. The message can be relayed through written or verbal (electronic or personal) means. Messages sent electronically may come either in audio or video formats. The receiver is tasked to understand or decipher the message they receive, after which they are expected to send feedback to complete the communication process.
Feedback is the receiver’s response to the message. Giving feedback reverses the communication process, where the receiver becomes the sender and vice-versa. When you communicate, you, as the sender, naturally expect a favorable response. For that to happen, you must ensure your message is clear and easy to understand. And your message will be easier to understand if you make it concise. You must deliver your message in the shortest (but complete) way possible. Clarity and conciseness are the hallmarks of an effective message. They help avoid ambiguity and confusion.
To ensure the success of the communication process, you also need to consider the factors that affect it. When the sender conveys the message and the receiver gives feedback, the environment or situation should be set to help the communication achieve its intended purpose. Dham (2023) explained how context and noise could disrupt the process of communication. He explained that the “context provides the backdrop against the communication. This includes the physical, social, psychological, and cultural environment in which the interaction occurs. Context influences how the message is interpreted and helps establish shared meanings between the sender and receiver. Noise, on the other hand, refers to any interference or distortion that affects the clarity of the message during the communication process. It can be external, such as background noise or technical glitches, or internal, such as language barriers, cultural differences, or emotional distractions. Minimizing noise is crucial to ensuring the message is accurately transmitted and received.”
Understanding how the process works is a prerequisite to effective communication. If you succeed in creating a synergy among the main elements of communication and are able to control the effects of the other factors, you will reap great dividends. It will enable you to deliver a message or convey information accurately and efficiently, ensuring mutual comprehension and avoiding misunderstanding.
Communicating effectively is as important as the other self-improvement skills you need to pursue success, happiness, and wealth. It is required when interacting with others in both professional and personal environments. Communicating effectively is an essential skill whose development you cannot take for granted. Through a good communication approach, effective and meaningful interactions can be effected.
Communication plays a fundamental role in both our professional endeavors and personal undertakings. Whatever those endeavors or undertakings may be, they all involve interpersonal relationships that can only be nurtured when we establish connections with other people.
On a personal level, we need to establish communication with our loved ones and friends. It helps build a stronger connection with them and resolve conflicts or disagreements. Effective communication is the foundation of successful friendships, including romantic relationships. It promotes intimacy, trust, and mutual understanding.
Any professional pursuits also require the development of the ability to communicate. You cannot find a job or succeed in business if you are incapable of self-expression. We have been told countless times that in order to succeed, we should be able to communicate.
In the workplace, effective communication plays a significant role. If you are a leader or manager of any enterprise, you must be ready to articulate the goals and objectives of the organization and make the members cooperate in their pursuit. The members should be provided with clear direction and motivation so they can all work together for the organization’s success. Teamwork and collaboration can be achieved through effective communication.
Even if you don’t like to work for any organization in the workplace and you’re planning to establish a business of your own or be a freelancer, you still need to develop the ability to communicate. Working alone, sometimes, means having to work harder. The business of selling products and services by yourself would require stronger efforts in persuading potential customers.
Effective communication is a prerequisite to any successful business endeavor, whether doing it with an organization or by yourself. Remember that it is also essential in the pursuit of happiness, for it helps build meaningful relationships.
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Dham, M. (2023). Elements of Communication Process. PrepBytes Blog. https://www.prepbytes. com/ blog /basics-of-communication/elements-of-communication-process/
Longevity: The Race To 100
Longevity should be viewed as a product of the efforts of people to reach their full potential. To say that living as long as people can is the result of them giving their physical bodies the maximum care is tantamount to considering a person as a mere physical specimen. A person has not just a body but a mind and a spirit. In psychology, an individual is considered a physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual being. I believe that only when people can strike a perfect harmony among these different aspects of being can they hope to have a shot at longevity. How long do you want (or expect) to live?
The Tree That You Are and The Fruits That You Bear
Water the fruit trees, and don’t water the thorns.”
– Rumi
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.”
That one was from St. Luke, and it’s only one of the many quotes where trees and fruits are used figuratively to bring beauty to an idea that a writer or speaker wishes to convey, emphasize, and clarify.
Obviously, the “tree” in that bible verse refers to you and me. And what about the fruits? They are our thoughts, words, and actions and their outcomes. Could there be other fruits? I believe there’s none. The things we think, say and do and their eventual consequences or results are the fruits of the tree that we are. There’s nothing else that would come from us through which we can be judged or valued as a person.
We think (consciously or subconsciously) first before we say or do something. I refer to it as the “think-say-do” process. After processing an idea or a situation (or any other kind of stimulus) in our minds, we decide what actions to take or words to say thereafter. That’s our response. You may call it a decision.
“Each tree is recognized by its own fruits.” Thus, you should be careful of what you think and the decision you make afterward. They are manifestations of the kind of person you are… and have consequences or results. I don’t know if there can be an argument against that assertion.
You have first-hand knowledge of how you think and decide. You are aware of the kind of fruits you produce. What about their outcomes? The fruits you bear result in the reputation you build for yourself in the community where you belong and among your colleagues, peers, friends, and loved ones. Imagine reputation as the basket where your fruits – the decisions you made in the past – are stored. What people say (and think) about you is your reputation. Your reputation is the consequence of your speech and actions.
Sometimes, even if you say and do good and always try your best to make the right decisions, some people will treat you negatively. Don’t mind them. Their reactions are boomerangs that would harm them, not you.
Whatever you have accomplished at this stage in your life are also consequences of your past decisions. Your resume is also a basket of the fruits you produced. If people would scrutinize your resume, what would they see? What they see are your fruits. Success is one big and ripe apple in the apple tree. It is the end goal of all our personal and professional pursuits.
But there’s a fruit sweeter than success – happiness. That’s what simple people with simple dreams who don’t have a curriculum vitae to show try to grow in their tree. You would even hear people with grand dreams say they aim for success because they want to be happy. Their success is the source of their happiness, while for the simple folks I mentioned earlier, the simplicity of their life and desires makes them happy.
Reputation, success, and happiness – the products of the decisions you make – are the fruits of the tree you become.
The kind of fruits you would bear depends on the kind of tree you grow into. Good fruits will spring out of your branches and twigs if you are a good tree.
Bear in mind that you have control of the process of becoming who you are. Yes, no one else is in control of it. We call that process self-improvement. The tree that would sprout from that transformation is your “best self.”
Only when you become your “best self” that you will start bearing the good fruits.
The journey into becoming your “best self” begins with one simple step – rejecting any excuse to not become the tree you wish to be and bear the fruit you desire.
Education comes next. We nourish the tree called “self” through education. And it’s going to be long and tedious. It’s actually lifelong. Remember what Aristotle said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” But with education, I don’t mean just formal schooling. Schools are not the only place where learning can be had. Learning comes in many shapes and forms.
Learning makes you better than you were yesterday.
Sometimes we feel discouraged when all the efforts we put into self-improvement seemingly do not bear fruit. We need to be patient. Rousseau tells us that patience is bitter, but the fruit is sweet. Moliere added, “The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.”
There’s one more fruit that your tree will eventually bear – wisdom. You know it’s there when you realize that growing the tree is more exciting than harvesting its fruits. What you will become – your best self – is beyond your reputation, more glittery than success, and more overwhelming than happiness.
MAD’S Workshop
MAD’s Workshop is the new name of my other YouTube channel, the same name I adopted for my Facebook page, websites, and other social media platforms I am using. A workshop is a place where artists and artisans go to either create or hone their skills. My YouTube channels and websites are my workshops.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClipzKFSgZI-TwfR8gi88aA
This channel features my creative and academic works in English and Filipino. It is also one of the platforms I am using in sharing my expertise as a teacher as well as my experiences as an expat working and living in South Korea. I also post here videos of my lectures in subjects I teach and video recordings of my talks/speeches in seminars/conferences where I get invited as speaker/discussant/lecturer.
I have varied interests – language, literature, education, educational management, social sciences, research, and personal growth and development. I write stories, poems, essays, plays, academic and sports articles, movie reviews, and social commentaries. I also create videos for some of my written works in English and Filipino. They are the ones I publish on this channel. I also publish here the same videos I post on my other YouTube channel – “The Road to Self-improvement.”
M.A.D. LIGAYA
M.A.D. L I G A Y A 