In the quest for a fulfilled and prosperous life, many stumble upon the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the book "It Works" by RHJ. Originally published in 1926, this literary gem, unveils a clear and definite common-sense plan for accomplishing dreams. As we delve into the profound teachings of this masterpiece, we embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of success, wealth accumulation, and the attainment of genuine happiness. Photo by Skyler King on Unsplash The Silent Power Within At the core of this transformative philosophy lies the belief in an omnipotent force—the subjective mind, referred to as Emmanuel or God in us. The author, a highly successful individual with a penchant for generosity, attributes all accomplishments to the silent working out of a simple yet powerful truth. This truth, shrouded in the depths of our subjective minds, provides an easy, open road to a larger, happier life. Decoding the Secret of Desirable Possessions The perennial question—wha

In the ever-evolving landscape of life, we encounter obstacles that challenge our resolve, test our mettle, and demand resilience. Drawing inspiration from the profound wisdom of Stoicism, we embark on a journey to explore the timeless principles that guide us through adversity, illuminating the path to triumph. Photo by Mark Fletcher-Brown on Unsplash Seeing Clearly: The Discipline of Perception Embracing Obstacles as Opportunities In the realm of Stoicism, the discipline of perception is akin to a lens through which we view challenges. An ancient Zen story sets the stage—a king places a boulder on a road, and only one man perceives it as an opportunity. This narrative echoes the Stoic principle that within every obstacle lies a chance to elevate our condition. This perspective shift is not mere positivity but a strategic approach to navigate the intricacies of life. Learning from Rockefellers and Apollo Astronauts John D. Rockefeller's foray into finance during the Panic of

Chronic shame, a complex and corrosive emotion, can be immobilizing and often underlies profound pain, anxiety, and depression. This emotional state, akin to a cancerous tumor, grows from the wounds of trauma and the scars of betrayal. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of chronic shame, exploring its sources, its impact on individuals, and most importantly, how to break free from its grip. Photo by tabitha turner on Unsplash Sources of Toxic Shame 1. Childhood Trauma One of the primary sources of toxic shame emerges from traumatic experiences, abuse, and humiliation during early childhood. The child internalizes a sense of Badness, a belief that something is fundamentally wrong with them. This internalization is a coping mechanism, a way to gain a semblance of control in an otherwise uncontrollable situation. 2. Fear of Ostracization The second major source of toxic shame arises from the fear of being ostracized from a group. Human beings, inherently social creatures

Our reality is intricately woven with the threads of our identity, serving as the lens through which we perceive and engage with the world. Unbeknownst to many, the power and influence of identity shape our beliefs, thoughts, and actions. This article delves into the profound concept of identity shifting, exploring its roots in neuroscience and providing practical steps for a positive transformation. Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash Understanding Identity Shifting Through Neuroscience Identity shifting finds its foundation in the dynamic nature of our brains, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. The brain's ability to rewire and restructure neural pathways based on thoughts and behaviors over time underlines the transformative potential of actively shifting our identity. A classic study on London cab drivers illustrates how intentional behaviors can physically alter the brain's structure, showcasing the tangible connection between identity shifts and changes in behavior a

Welcome to the realm of mastering social interactions, where every encounter is an opportunity to teach people how to feel positively about you. In this guide, we'll delve into the nuances of presenting yourself confidently, with a focus on non-verbals, tone, expression, body language, and eye contact. Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash The Blank Slate Syndrome In the realm of initial interactions, we all start as blank slates to others. The first impressions we make are crucial, and while snap judgments based on appearance are inevitable, many factors contributing to those judgments can be proactively addressed beforehand. Proactive Impressions: A Strategic Approach Dressing the Part Your physical appearance, dress, and carriage play significant roles in shaping those initial impressions. Investing thoughtful consideration into your attire and grooming allows you to passively exert influence throughout the encounter, freeing you to focus on other aspects of the int

In our daily lives, we often encounter situations where we witness or hear something problematic — comments, actions, or behaviors that make us uncomfortable. These moments may challenge our moral compass, yet more often than not, we remain silent. Why? The answer lies in the complex interplay of psychology, social dynamics, and our innate human tendencies. Photo by pure julia on Unsplash This article delves into the psychology of inaction, exploring why individuals, even good people, sometimes fail to speak up when confronted with problematic behavior. We will dissect the underlying factors that foster silence and offer strategies for overcoming this inertia to create a more proactive and compassionate society. The Power of Silence Picture this: you’re sitting in a crowded room, an office meeting, or a public transport vehicle, and someone says or does something that raises red flags. You recognize the issue, but instead of voicing your concerns, you remain silent. It’s a scenario th

In the ever-evolving landscape of online content, where the cacophony of shallow clickbait articles often drowns out meaningful discourse, it’s essential to delve deeper and explore topics that truly matter. This article seeks to peel back the layers and reveal the core values that steer my writing on Medium. These values are not just principles I adhere to; they are the bedrock upon which I construct my articles. Join me on this journey as we explore the three pillars that shape my writing: Controversy, Honesty, and Truth. Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash Controversy: Navigating the Divide In an age where echo chambers seem to multiply, my aim is not to provoke controversy for its own sake or to shock and awe. Instead, I embrace controversy as a means of fostering dialogue around divisive issues. Society’s polarization has reached an alarming crescendo in the last decade, with people retreating into isolated bubbles of like-minded individuals. The cornerstone of a thriving dem

In a world where we’re constantly chasing productivity, where the value of a person seems to be measured by their work ethic, and where the boundaries between work and personal life have blurred beyond recognition, it’s time to ask some critical questions. Why are we overworked, overstressed, and constantly dissatisfied? Why do we keep reaching for a bar that keeps rising higher and higher? And what is this “Cult of Efficiency” that seems to be ruling our lives? Photo by Fuu J on Unsplash In this exploration, we’ll delve into the transformation of work and leisure, the impact of the Industrial Revolution, and how our attitudes toward work have evolved. But most importantly, we’ll examine how we can break free from the chains of overwork, overdoing, and underliving. The Cult of Efficiency: A Century-Old Dilemma Bertrand Russell, nearly a century ago, coined the term “Cult of Efficiency.” He observed that as a species, we were losing the ability to relax and enjoy life without the inces

In a world filled with unprecedented challenges, from pandemics to extreme weather events and terrorism, the need for preparedness has never been more apparent. As the Dr. Tom Frieden reveals, a highly experienced physician trained in public health epidemiology, internal medicine, and infectious diseases, emphasizes the importance of individual and community action to reduce the impact of public health emergencies. This article delves into the key takeaways from the insightful conversation and offers a structured approach to building resilience for such emergencies. Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash Government’s Role: Protecting the Collective The first and foremost responsibility lies with the government. While individual responsibility is crucial, a robust government plays a pivotal role in safeguarding its citizens. This encompasses several aspects: 1. Public Health Programs A strong public health program is the bedrock of any resilient society. It involves organized community effort

Unemployment is rarely a situation anyone actively seeks out. It’s often perceived as a predicament, an involuntary state of affairs. However, let’s shift our perspective for a moment. What if, instead of viewing unemployment as a dark season of life, you saw it as an opportunity for self-care, growth, and personal development? In this article, we’ll explore seven habits that can help you not just survive but thrive during unemployment. Photo by Benjamin Disinger on Unsplash Introduction: Unemployment and the Gift of Time Unemployment is challenging, there’s no denying that. But it’s also a period of your life when you find yourself with an abundance of free time. In the hustle and bustle of a full-time job, free time is often a scarce and cherished resource. When you’re unemployed, the script flips, and you have a unique gift — the gift of time. During this session, we’ll delve into seven habits tailored for the highly unemployed and others who want to make the most of their free tim