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unfounded beliefs, outdated myths, or beliefs not based on objective reasoning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demands; living according to out-of-date information and values will inevitably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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