Rocket Science

It must be understood that either nothing is rocket science, or everything is.

Both approaches are equally relevant:

The first approach is relevant when approaching a task without much understanding of it. If one treats a task as a rocket science then it would be impossible to try it with an open mind.

However, treating a task as a rocket science is important if you want to better yourself at it. At this point, all its components need to be analysed and understood.

The two approaches must be kept independent. The first relates to actual execution and is very important to start with while the second is analytical.

Getting What You Want

If you are not getting something that you "want", the reason why you're not getting it could be a strange truth: you don't actually want it.

It seems a bit difficult to understand, but recent observation reveals to me that in many situations, men stop "wanting" something when they realise that it is difficult to get. They may crib about it, but the truth is that they don't want it.

The simple solution, whenever you find yourself not getting what you want, is to clearly say to yourself, "I want (to) _______ ". Mean it.

Trust me: if you do this, more often than not, you get what you want. Or you may realise that you don't want that thing. In any case, you'll be at peace.

Troubleshooting 101

When dealing with difficult situations, we often try to "think differently".

Well, "thinking differently" might allow us to see the situation in a new light, thereby directing us to the manner in which the situation can be changed.

But really, the situation can only be changed by doing something. Until one actually does something, thinking differently can only alter the character of the situation in our mind. It cannot alter the situation itself.

A change in perception or thinking does not directly change situations, but a change in what we do does.

The Minds of "Great Men"

Some personalities, such as politicians, statesmen, certain intellectuals, bureaucrats, diplomats and perhaps businessmen must possess the following mental abilities to function well.

They should have two distinct modes: on and off. When they are on, their mind is working superbly, taking in a lot of data, making sense of it consciously and sub-consciously and generating good output according to the requirements of the situation. In some cases, this means that they are making good split second decisions, whereas in some cases (such as intellectuals) it means that they are just processing a lot of data really fast, making sense of it and re-presenting it or synthesising it. This basically means that their mind works, to use an analogy i would not prefer but would give a good idea of what i mean, like a brilliant supercomputer.

Obviously, experience helps this computer. With time, several ideas and concepts will have firmly settled in their mind so that they can be taken as given without having to delve deeply into them. This further speedens up the process. It must be noted, however, that even these ideas must be re-evaluated from time to time, a topic which we will not deal with now.

The off mode is a mode in which they totally detach themselves from their job at hand and allow their mind to totally relax. This mode is as important as the on mode, as this is literally the only time when the mind gets to relax. This mode includes periods of sleep and other times of relaxation such as some time taken for a jog, etc.

This mode is very important! It is very often at this time, when the mind is not actively working on an issue, that all that info is sent for detailed archiving and reprocessing to the subconscious sectors of the mind. This process, by making the data and ideas more consistent, increases the clarity, clears the proverbial fog and thus facilitates better, clearer and original thinking based on the material already evaluated. Further, doing other activities stimulates different areas of the nervous system, which can influence the original ideas by rubbing off a different angle onto them. This means that it increases creativity. It is no wonder that, true or untrue, Aristotle got a great idea while having a bath while Newton got some idea while sulking near an apple tree. Similarly, another great scientist got some amazing ideas on chemical bonds while dreaming of snakes..

In the off mode, one must totally dedicate one's attention to staying off and doing whatever else one is doing... it must be strictly off!

Why I highlighted certain personalities at the start is that I think that these people spend extraordinarily large amounts of time in the "on" mode. This is a testament to their energy, stamina and mental fitness. One has to admit that our politicians, however crooked, are extremely fit mentally and very hard working. Some of them, especially people such as the PM, the President, etc, are "always on".

Believe me, you won't get anywhere without this!

Don't Work Alone!

I have discovered that even in some sports and other professions where work has to be mostly done alone, it is better to work side by side with somebody.

The problem is one of motivation. I've realised that you are most motivated when your energy levels are high and least motivated when your energy levels are low. So really motivation rarely helps when you need it the most :) It is only the most highly motivated can actually work consistently, even when they're low.

As for us mortals, it's better to work with someone. When your motivation is low, the other person can prod you into working even when you don't want to. And you can prod him or her into working when he's down. It sort of balances the spirit....