- Adopting a realistic view of life

(Extract from Chapter I)

A major obstacle to developing an effective and satisfying way of living has been our tendency to rely on mysticism, unfounded beliefs, outdated myths, or beliefs not based on objective reasoning for the decisions or choices we make. If we base our judgments on faulty interpretations of reality, or act according to misleading concepts or inaccurate information, it is inevitable that our actions are going to be less than ideal. To live in a way that is practical and effective, we must follow reliable and down-to-earth concepts, and the easiest way to do this is to be guided by the results of scientific research.

In our constant struggle for adaptation and evolution, we owe it to ourselves to update our beliefs and dispositions to make them more suited to our modern world and current life demands; living according to out-of-date information and values will inevitably result in a burdened lifestyle.

Effective Thinking incorporates fourteen Principles (see Chapter 1) that are intended to help you become acquainted with the latest developments in evolutionary psychological theory and practice.

These Principles form the theoretical framework and foundations for Effective Thinking. Each Principle is based on thorough research and current theory, and they portray life as it really is, without obscuring it by mysticism or tenuous beliefs. If you choose to adopt this realistic view of life, you will be equipping yourself with the means to compete better in society, be more productive, interact with others more effectively, and travel through life more in comfort. By understanding and accepting some of the limitations that living imposes on us, you will also become better at making decisions and dealing with difficulties.

Adopting a realistic view of life means that you cease to rely on dubious and obscure precepts; instead, you take up strategies that are more useful. You take your mind and your attitude to a new level, from where you can participate more fully in creating your own destiny, take responsibility for your future, and write your own fate.
As you read through the Effective Thinking Principles, you will notice that they include information to update your personal views, making them more realistic and pragmatic. They equip you with background knowledge that you will find invaluable when you begin to apply the Effective Thinking strategies.


"Principle 1 of Effective Thinking states that we have a purpose in life: to achieve goals. It implies that absolutely everything we do is in pursuit of a specific result, even though we might not always be consciously aware of our objective."

“Your intentions and efforts are controlled by the goals you are consciously or unconsciously attempting to achieve, and you select these goals yourself through your own free will, even if you are unaware you are doing so.”

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