Since we’re approaching New Year’s eve it seems appropriate to review our current situation in life and consider new resolutions for the coming year. Invariably we’re prompted to make changes if we’ve experienced negative feedback from the environment in an emotional form, with or without negative situational consequences, as well as illness. In the context of PNI (Psychoneuro-immunology), illness in many cases may reflect a deep seated despair or hopeless-helplessness in some components of life.
So to get the juices going, here are two inspiring quotes:
What you don’t change, you choose ...
– Anon
If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?
– Ethics of the Fathers, 1:14
As I’ve indicated in a previous post (Two Halves make a Whole) we need to enhance those areas of the brain that contribute meaning, purpose, gratification, empathy and wellness by suppressing fear-anxiety-anger – exploiting the 3:1 ratio.
Over the years my own research and the research of others culminated in the development of the most effective approach to activating those pivotal brain areas. The approach is fundamental to my Triangles Model Applications (TMA) and requires the incorporation of the 5 Core Elements. The 5 Core Elements are:
1. Meaning, purpose and curiosity
Achieving meaning and purpose may require the review of a formal personal mission statement to identify elements which provide daily inspiration. Acknowledging personal talents, uniqueness and achievements may point us in a resourceful direction. In this regard, Viktor Frankl suggested that perhaps we shouldn’t concentrate too intensely upon what we ought be doing but rather what value the environment may derive from us exercising our unique qualities. This in itself would create lasting meaning and purpose. Curiosity is both a product of meaningful engagement as well as an inspiration to further meaningful pursuits.
2. Self-esteem and self-efficacy
Meaningful and purposeful aspirations don’t amount to much if we don’t actionize them. Obviously coaching and mentoring is invaluable in this sphere. However it is only through active engagement and bringing the elements into reality that we enhance this pivotal requirement. Naturally we will err ... repeatedly at the outset. But that’s the nature of our being. Ultimately self-efficacy feeds upon itself (Bandura) and self-esteem grows.
3. Task engagement gratification, task mastery engagement and reward gratification
The story goes that the ancient Buddhist monks used to monitor potential new recruits by observing the manner in which they carried out menial tasks. A task that is carried out mindfully and to the best of our ability, reminding ourselves of the value contribution of the action, provides personal gratification. Mastering the task boosts that gratification further. Reward completes the gratification of the engagement.
4. Achievement
Achievement contributes to the motivation of the engagement. In my research as well as in the research of others, the specific categories of achievement which spur motivation is anticipated achievement and achievement experienced which was greater than that anticipated.
5. Value contribution
Value contribution is defined as making something or someone better than before engaging. Fundamental to value contribution is a sensitivity to the environment and to others that inhabit it (empathy). Accepting that we are all ultimately connected in the extended environment it follows that enhancing the quality of life and gratification in others in the environment at large serves to enhance us all.
Copyright reserved - Ian Weinberg 2022 This discussion is based on the Triangles Model and its applications (TMA). For those seeking a deeper dive into this fascinating world, I invite you to peruse the online courses available at www.neuronostic.com – Online Mentoring Courses for the lay public and the Online Accreditation Course for professionals.