Category Archives: past life list

04/2/08

Neuro Linguistic Programming, A Way To Change Behaviour?

I came across the term ‘Neuro Linguistic Programming’ (NLP) again recently. I have a rough idea of what it means and saw it in effect on the Tyra Show.

Neuro Linguistic Programming is a means for changing behaviour, which are deep-set in the subconscious. To learn and unlearn behaviour.

Before having a clearer idea on what it was, I thought it was a cheater’s way of doing things. The results would be there but it’d be impermanent. I was wrong.

In NLP, it is proposed that behaviour was learnt at a young age. When you found an effective way of doing things, you replicated it till it became habitualised. Thus, based on that proposition, if you can unlearn certain defected behaviour, things could change. In other words, you are not stuck the way you are.

This knowledge can be applied to unlearn phobias, anxiety, depression triggers and so on. That’s why I’m interested in it.

Before, I had only two solutions to changing behaviour. They were either meditation or the 14 days of replicating a new habit. Meditation to change was time consuming and the 14 days technique required hard core persistence. Both could work hand in hand. But I’m too impatient and hasty. NLP was said to give quicker results.

If I hadn’t considered NLP, I would be meditating with a cockroach in front of me to dispel my fear of them. I’m not joking here. However, that would require myself to be a more accomplished meditator to prevent myself from running out of the room screaming.

Anyway, allow me to find out more about Neuro Linguistic Programming techniques, try them and then tell you if they work.

Logen L.

03/30/08

Learning to Persevere

A while ago I wrote about how perserverance and motivation are interdependent. To depend on one without the other will be ineffective to success.

Now, I have a confession. I’m the kind of person who solely relies on motivation. Motivation, meaning being mindful of the task’s purpose. Once I lose focus on that purpose, I tend to give up. It is only when I lack the option to give up, that I endure and persist on.

Therefore, knowing the only way I’d persevere is to remove the option of giving up, I made it a point to announce my goals for the holidays. I had hoped by putting my reputation on the line (reputation of being true to my word), I’d finally take action. However, I’ve hit a snag. I still lazed off and lost focus.

Anyway, I’ll take this opportunity to train myself to persevere and always be mindful of my task’s purpose. And watch fewer episodes of Naruto Shippuden each day. Hehe.

Logen

03/12/08

Is Motivation or Perseverance More Important

I’ve taken a 7-day stint on my goals. It’s this procrastination syndrome I suffer from.

Nonetheless, I shall take this failure as a break and reflect. At the very least, this serves as a reminder for the following.

Motivation for change is a powerful driving force. However, it is temporary. Once the mind is disillusioned by time and obstacles, motivation ceases. Therefore, the only other driving factor to keep one’s momentum is perseverance.

The more I think about it, it seems perseverance, as a force, is equal to motivation. They complement each other. Motivation is the reason behind one’s goal. Perseverance is the mysterious force, which drives one, even when there is no indication of success.

Of motivation and perseverance, one without the other, is a sure path to failure. Without motivation you have no purpose and no goal; without perseverance, you give up before succeeding.

Logen

03/2/08

Have You Seen Something But Failed to Notice It

There are moments in life, I’m sure, when you get too encumbered by thoughts. As a result, you do not live in the present moment; to see but not notice; to hear but not listen. Remember the last time you looked at a book, but none of the words made way into your brain?

Just this evening I was dining in at Botak Jone’s. I was served my meal, and the waiter clearly asked for $14. I rummaged through my wallet and then handed him two $10 and two $2 notes ($24). About to dig into the food, he politely told me that I had given him ten dollars over.

What the heck? I heard him say $14 for sure. But somewhere along the way, it seemed correct to overpay.

I will no doubt be more alert in the future, but it seems that I’m blur by habit. When out with friends, talking while crossing the road, I rely on them to look out for traffic. On a few occasions, someone had to pull me back to prevent myself from flying.

Anyway, I’m hoping Vipassana meditation can help with organising my perspective. This form of meditation reminds one of the transient nature of life, and the importance of letting go. Furthermore, there are studies that have shown meditation to be effective in developing astuteness.

Logen

03/1/08

Benjamin Franklin Tells You To Change Your Habits

Everyone knows who Benjamin Franklin is. Better known as an inventor who flew a kite during a terrible storm, he was also one of the founding fathers of the United States.

However, my focus is neither his scientific nor patriotic contributions. Quite the contrary and seemingly insignificant, it is his “life-list” that is of interest.

When he was twenty, Benjamin Franklin developed a plan. He wanted to attain moral perfection and therefore wanted to cultivate 13 different virtues. Each week he focused on working at one virtue.

At the end of the 13 weeks devoted to the 13 virtues, he’d repeated the cycle. Hence, moving closer and closer to his goal of moral perfection.

If you’re trying to change or inculcate new habits. Here’s what I’m trying to illustrate from this tale.

  1. Focus on a few goals at one time
  2. Practice Makes Perfect

—
1. Focus on a few goals at one time

The power to change lies with the amount of focus we give. Usually, we’d take on more goals than can be handled, at one time. Needless to say, the only result is being overwhelmed and feeling smotheringly incompetent.

When we undertake too many enterprises of equal priority, it becomes difficult to focus.

Focus on few goals at a time. Change gradually by breaking each goal into small steps. You will want to do things at a manageable pace; not an overwhelming pace.

2. “Practice makes perfect“

Consider this cliche, because it is true. Eugene had kindly reminded me that an average human takes 14 days to form a habit. 14 days of repetition is what it takes.

Repetition was a key feature in Franklin’s quest for moral perfection. He repeated the cycle of 13 virtues perpetually, just to make it a part of his lifestyle.

It is easy to make change. The question is: can you maintain it? Make use of repetition to form habits, which eventually will handle the job of maintenance.

—

If you think about it, the Benjamin Franklin model of developing virtues can be used if we seek to change any habits. Weight-loss, for example, seeks to lose weight through (presumably) healthy eating habits and exercising.

Logen L.

02/28/08

Waste Not The Sands of Time

Contrary to school days, I’ve taken to handling life at a sedate and relaxed pace. I don’t recall the last time when I stopped my mental banter, just to appreciate the purple evening sky coupled with the scent of rain. To truly contemplate circumstance without being affected personally.

Purple Skies

While I may be relaxing, I have not become unproductive with time. After all, time is the essence of life, without which, life wouldn’t exist at all.

The issue I face, however, is procrastination. In a previous blog entry, for instance, I explicitly intended to design the layouts for both Justice Tribunal and Logish Paradox. Yet I avoided the two and instead, designed my uncle’s website. I noticed on several occasions that I have a knack for doing so; avoiding my written plans and doing something else.

I did some pondering and could only guess that the fear of failure is acting up. I’m subconsciously afraid of letting myself down, especially when I planned certain things and announced them in the blog.

Then again, for me to confess this fear, makes it sound ridiculous. And it is. I can only work at it. Success is never a result of inaction.

Logen

02/23/08

Holiday With a Sense of Achievement

I was alone at Swensen’s just now, celebrating the end of the exams. I go there always to savour my favourite desert: a scoop of Peanut Buttercup ice cream placed atop a slab of crispy walnut brownie.

Logen at Swensen's with Harris and Yanna

While waiting for it, I briefly listed my holiday plans, some of which are in line with m life list. I truly need to utilise this break to feel a sense of achievement and relaxation.

This was what I wrote:

  • Declutter room by the end of Saturday
  • Portrait drawing
  • Improve my working memory
  • Meditate once a day
  • Read “Memoirs of A Geisha” (it has been sitting on my shelf for 2 years)
  • Pen a short story
  • Prepare my community that stands against discrimination (Justice Tribunal)
  • Design a new theme for this blog

That’s it. The key is to prevent myself from being overwhelmed.

Anyway, I’m determined to give you worthy updates on Logish Paradox. I shall plan and research for my entries on discrimination.

Logen