"The Practicing Mind" by Thomas M. Sterner emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process rather than the end result for personal and professional growth. Sterner advocates for present moment awareness, setting process-oriented goals, and cultivating discipline through small, consistent actions. He teaches embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and redefines success as engagement and progress in the journey, offering a transformative approach to mastering skills and achieving lasting satisfaction.

IDEA

<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Present Moment Focus: By concentrating on the task at hand, without the pressure of the end goal, we can achieve a state of flow, making our work more enjoyable and effective.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Process Over Product: Sterner argues that focusing on the process, the 'doing' rather than the 'having done', not only makes the journey more fulfilling but also leads to better outcomes.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Cultivating Discipline Through Small Steps: By breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps and focusing on each step at a time, we build discipline and make progress without the overwhelmed.</li></ol>

The KeyWords

Consider the act of listening to music. When fully engaged, you're not just waiting for your favorite part of the song; you're immersed in every note, every beat as it happens. This immersion is what Sterner advocates for in every task we undertake—finding the rhythm and melody in the process itself.

1. STAYING PRESENT

Mindfulness in Action: Sterner suggests that the key to staying present is integrating mindfulness into daily activities. This means being fully aware of what you are doing at the moment, observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment, and gently guiding your focus back to the task at hand whenever it wanders.

1.a. Staying Present: Mindfulness

Single-Tasking: In a world that often praises multitasking, Sterner champions the opposite. Focusing on one task at a time not only improves the quality of work but also anchors you in the present moment, making it easier to maintain mindfulness.

1.b. Staying Present: Single-Tasking

Use of Reminders: Physical or digital reminders can serve as prompts to bring your attention back to the present. This could be a recurring alarm, a post-it note on your desk, or a specific symbol on your phone that, when noticed, reminds you to assess your focus and realign it with the current task.

1.c. Staying Present: Use of Reminder

Routine as Ritual: Transforming routines into rituals can imbue mundane tasks with a sense of purpose and presence. For example, making your morning coffee can become a ritualistic moment of mindfulness, where each step, from grinding the beans to pouring the water, is done with full attention and appreciation.

1.d. Staying Present: Routine as Ritual

Start Small: Choose a routine task you do daily and commit to performing it with full mindfulness for a week. Pay attention to every detail and sensation, and notice when your mind starts to wander.Expand Gradually: As you become more comfortable, start expanding it to those you find less enjoyable. Notice how this changes your relationship with the task and the quality of your engagement.Reflect and Adjust: At the end of each day, reflect on your moments of presence and distraction. What triggered the loss of focus? What brought you back? Use these insights to refine your approach

1.e. Implementation: Staying Present

To further enhance your ability to stay present, exploring mindfulness meditation can be incredibly beneficial. Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer offer guided meditations specifically designed to cultivate present-moment awareness. Additionally, reading "Wherever You Go, There You Are" by Jon Kabat-Zinn can provide deeper insights into mindfulness practice in everyday life.

1.f. Implementation: Staying Present ~ 2

Imagine planting a garden. Your ultimate goal might be to have a lush, blooming space, but the process-oriented goal focuses on the daily watering, weeding, and care of each plant. In this approach, the joy comes not just from seeing the flowers bloom but from the daily interaction with the earth and the nurturing of each seed.

2. PROCESS-ORIENTED GOALS

Defining Process-Oriented Goals: Unlike traditional goal-setting, which fixates on a future outcome (e.g., "I want to run a marathon"), a process-oriented goal emphasizes the steps taken to get there ("I will dedicate 30 minutes to running each day"). This shift in focus helps maintain motivation and reduces the pressure often associated with achieving big goals.

2.a. Process-Oriented Goals: Defining

Breaking Down the Process: Sterner advises breaking down the overall process into manageable, daily or weekly tasks. This breakdown makes the goal less daunting and provides clear direction on what to focus on in the present, fostering a sense of accomplishment with each step completed.

2.b. Process-Oriented Goals: Breaking Down the Process

Embracing the Present: Central to this approach is the cultivation of a mindset that finds value and fulfillment in the current task, regardless of its direct link to the end goal. This mindset encourages a deeper engagement with the task at hand, improving both the quality of the work and the personal satisfaction derived from it.

2.c. Process-Oriented Goals: Embracing the Present

Reframe Your Goals: Take a goal you're currently working towards and reframe it. Ex: instead of setting a goal to "lose 10 pounds," set a goal to "eat healthily and exercise for 30 minutes every day."Establish Daily Intentions: Each morning, set specific, process-oriented intentions for the day. These should be small, achievable tasks. Writing these down can help.Reflect and Adjust: End each day with a brief reflection on what you accomplished. Acknowledge your efforts and successes, and if something didn't go as planned, consider what adjustments can be made to better align the next day.

2.d. Implementation: Process-Oriented Goals

For those interested in deepening their understanding of process-oriented goals and mindfulness in goal setting, "Mindful Work" by David Gelles offers insights into how mindfulness practices can be integrated into work and life for greater focus and satisfaction.

2.e. Implementation: Process-Oriented Goals ~ 2

Picture discipline as a muscle. Just as muscles grow stronger with regular exercise, your discipline strengthens each time you choose to engage in a task, especially when it's challenging or when you're tempted by distractions. Sterner guides us to see each moment of choice not as a hurdle but as an opportunity to build our discipline muscle.

3. CULTIVATING DISCIPLINE

Setting Realistic Expectations: Sterner advises starting with a clear understanding that discipline doesn't develop overnight. It's a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Acknowledge your current limits and set realistic, achievable goals that stretch your capabilities without overwhelming you.

3.a. Cultivating Discipline: Realistic Expectation

Small, Consistent Actions: Focus on small actions that can be consistently performed. Consistency is key in building discipline. For instance, if you aim to write a book, commit to writing a single paragraph or page daily. Over time, these small actions accumulate and build a strong foundation of discipline.

3.b. Cultivating Discipline: Small, Consistent Actions

Self-Compassion: It's essential to approach this process with kindness towards yourself. When you falter, instead of harsh self-criticism, offer yourself compassion and view setbacks as natural steps in the learning curve. This approach reduces the fear of failure and encourages persistence.

3.c. Cultivating Discipline: Self-Compassion

Identify a Keystone Habit: Choose one small habit that you believe will have a positive ripple effect on your discipline. This could be making your bed each morning, a simple task that sets a tone of accomplishment.Track Your Progress: Use a journal or an app to track your daily adherence to this habit. Monitoring your progress not only provides motivation but also offers tangible evidence of your growing discipline.Reward Incremental Success: Set up a system to reward yourself for milestones reached. Rewards reinforce the behavior you want to continue and make the process enjoyable.

3.d. Implementation: Cultivating Discipline

To complement Sterner's insights, consider exploring "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. Clear's work delves into the science of habit formation and how tiny changes can lead to remarkable results, aligning well with Sterner's emphasis on small, consistent actions in building discipline.

3.e. Implementation: Cultivating Discipline ~ 2

A potential misconception about "The Practicing Mind" is the idea that focusing solely on the process means disregarding goals entirely. However, Sterner does not advocate for the abandonment of goals but rather suggests a reorientation of how we engage with them. The key is to use goals as directional markers while investing our energy and attention in the day-to-day tasks that move us toward those goals.

Blind Spot

Imagine yourself as a sculptor, with a block of marble in front of you. Your task is to chisel away, bit by bit, to reveal the masterpiece within. This process is not about the final sculpture but about each stroke of the chisel, each decision you make, and how you engage with the material in front of you. "The Practicing Mind" mirrors this approach, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the process rather than being fixated on the end result

In those times when we want to acquire a new skill or face a formidable challenge we hope to overcome, what we need most are patience, focus, and discipline, traits that seem elusive or difficult to maintain. In this enticing and practical book, Thomas Sterner demonstrates how to learn skills for any aspect of life, from golfing to business to parenting, by learning to love the process. Early life is all about trial-and-error practice. If we had given up in the face of failure, repetition, and difficulty, we would never have learned to walk or tie our shoes. So why, as adults, do we often give up on a goal when at first we don’t succeed? Modern life’s technological speed, habitual multitasking, and promises of instant gratification don’t help. But in his study of how we learn (prompted by his pursuit of disciplines such as music and golf), Sterner has found that we have also forgotten the principles of practice — the process of picking a goal and applying steady effort to reach it. The methods Sterner teaches show that practice done properly isn’t drudgery on the way to mastery but a fulfilling process in and of itself, one that builds discipline and clarity. By focusing on “process, not product,” you’ll learn to live in each moment, where you’ll find calmness and equanimity. This book will transform a sense of futility around learning something challenging into an attitude of pleasure and willingness.

productivity

Productivity

mindfulness

Mindfulness

timemanagement

Time Management

books

Books

meditation

Meditation

Thomas M. Sterner is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Thomas M. Sterner has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Thomas M. Sterner's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Thomas M. Sterner

The Practicing Mind

You have questions about mindfulness and meditation.Mindful has the answers.

Getting Started with Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis.

What is Mindfulness?

Whenever you bring awareness to what you’re directly experiencing via your senses, or to your state of mind via your thoughts and emotions, you’re being mindful. And there’s growing research showing that when you train your brain to be mindful, you’re actually remodeling the physical structure of your brain.

Mindfulness & Brain 

The goal of mindfulness is to wake up to the inner workings of our mental, and physical processes.

Meditation is exploring. It’s not a fixed destination. Your head doesn’t become vacuumed free of thought, utterly undistracted. It’s a special place where each and every moment is momentous. When we meditate we venture into the workings of our minds: our sensations (air blowing on our skin or a harsh smell wafting into the room), our emotions (love this, hate that, crave this, loathe that) and thoughts (wouldn’t it be weird to see an elephant playing a trumpet).

What is Meditation?

Mindfulness meditation asks us to suspend judgment and unleash our natural curiosity about the workings of the mind, approaching our experience with warmth and kindness, to ourselves and others.

Be kind to yourself 

Mindfulness is available to us in every moment, whether through meditations and body scans, or mindful moment practices like taking time to pause and breathe when the phone rings instead of rushing to answer it.

How do I practice mindfulness and meditation?

Practicing Mindfulness has drastic outcomes in our life and can alter the way you persive the world.!

Learn how to get started with mindfulness. We'll show you how to start, feel better, reduce your stress, and enjoy life a little more.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

health

Health

mentalhealth

Mental Health

Awareness comes easily for some people, but not everyone can achieve it. Some may need guidance from others because they never take the time for themselves to think and reflect. Instead, they seek external answers and pursue pleasure, neglecting the importance of looking within.
 Awareness is the key to change; without it, one cannot transform themselves or the world.

Awareness

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Religion & Spirituality

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

habits

Habits

Awareness is the key

Spending Time is the first ever step to falling in love.The more of quality time you spend with your notes....deeper will grow the bond...

How To Fall In Love With "Studying"?

Every subject, topic or sub-topic may demand a different technique of studying. So avoid the monotony of just reading...and get creative with good study techniques like:1. Memory palace2. Mind maps3. Flash cards4. The Question Approach5. Example oriented etc

Methods

I know I sound dumb, but hear me out for once.(I have tried it) (but still many will diagree)I am damn motivated to sit for an extra hour of study if I have my favourite set of color pens, highlighters & post it's. So sometimes being materialistic can crave you to study more :)

Be Materialistic

Being perfect at studying is impossible. So have benchmarks for yourself to pose an image of perfection in your mind.For eg: I am done, if I complete this chapter before noon.

Create The Illusion Of Perfection

"A man is known by the company he keeps""He becomes like the people he's surrounded by". If company has such a huge impact, then why not surround with people better than you at studying?If you avoid socializing, atleast try following good study with me youtube channels to join their live sessions.

Surround With Pros

We tend to forget why we started.Once you recall why you started the course, you will be internally motivated to achieve that procrastinated task.Romanticizing will become a waste of time then;)

Ans The "WHY"

The more you stretch the more it'll get flexible.Being romantic with studies is not as hard as it sounds. Practicing daily on fixed times can help create a connection with a subject you hate lately

Stretching

1. Try focusing on reproduction of learning....to be exam ready.2. Don't waste money on candels/other sh*t....instead create ambiance by keeping your study space clean.3. Try ambient music/ natural soundtracks for asthetic focus.4. Join study communities like "Study together", "Forest", etc.

Pro Tips

If you gotta do it anyways, then why not do it with a smile?

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Career

strategy

Strategy

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Love & Relationships

How to romanticize studying?

When meeting someone new, be open to getting to know them.When you learn something about that person, don't compare yourself to them and don't be quick to judge.

Assume The Best About New People

If someone does something that makes you irritated or angry, don't blow up on them. Try to imagine what they are feeling and be more empathetic.Treating others with kindness is easier than you think if you just pause and take a breath.

Give Them The Benefit Of The Doubt

When you encounter someone else that has contradicting beliefs or motives, try to imagine yourself from their point of view.Ask yourself: Why would they think that?Understand where they are coming from and you will become a much more empathetic person.

Imagine Yourself in Their Shoes

Learning to stand in somebody else's shoes, to see through their eyes, that's how peace begins. And it's up to you to make that happen. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world.

One thing to note as a person is how you sound when you talk. It's better talking face to face rather than texting because of tone. Tone matters a lot. You could tell someone:"Your coat looks nice"And that person could perceive that as either being genuine or sarcastic, depending on your tone.Be mindful of your tone and how you sound, and that will make you a better person in general.Also keep in mind that other people may say something rude, but it might not be intentional. If they aren't blatantly insulting you, try giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Tone

If you've just reached the end of this post, know that you are already a more empathetic person. You've taken the steps to become a better person, and in the process, might have become a happier, more loving person. Enjoy life and spread joy! Thanks for reading!

The End

Quick tips to become friendlier and more empathetic

Let’s start by debunking the myth that fun has a one-size-fits-all definition. Your idea of enjoyment may differ greatly from what is considered popular, and that’s totally fine. If you find delight in reading kids' books, savouring every word with enthusiasm, then go for it! It’s time to let go of societal norms and embrace your true self without apology.

Embrace Your Version of Fun

Life can be overwhelming sometimes, but it's important to take a break and have some fun. Don't be afraid to act silly and embrace your inner child. Here are some reasons why it's important to lighten the mood with some lighthearted moments: <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Silly moments can relieve stress and bring a sense of joy and relaxation.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Being goofy can bring people together and create a sense of camaraderie.</li></ul>So go ahead, tell a funny joke, do a silly dance, or just let loose and have some fun. Life is too short to always be serious!

Lighten the Mood with Silly Moments

Do you ever feel stuck in a rut? The same old thing every day can be a creativity killer. Expand your mind by stepping out of your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to try something completely new. Embrace the unknown and you may just discover hidden treasures.

Wander Off the Beaten Path

Starting a collection might seem like a long-forgotten pastime, but it has a unique appeal. You can collect anything from teacups to stamps, and it gives you a sense of enjoyment and purpose. It's also a way to create a special space for yourself, filled with items that bring you joy. Your collection can be a representation of your interests and personality. Add to it whenever you find something that catches your eye, and let it be a reminder of your journey and growth. So go ahead and start curating your collection today!

Curate Your Own Collection

In today's busy world, it's important to make time for play. Whether it's trying new things, being silly, or pursuing personal interests, play adds balance and joy to our lives. Don't forget to embrace your definition of fun and let your inner child out. Make the most of life and enjoy every moment! <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Carve out time for play, silliness, and personal pursuits.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Embrace your definition of fun.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Let your inner child out during silly moments.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Venture into the unknown and try new things.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Create your collection of happiness.</li></ul> Life is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated. So go ahead, play on!

The Importance of Play in a Balanced Life

In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, forgetting the importance of play and lightheartedness. Today, I am here to remind you of the vitality of embracing fun, being silly, going off the beaten path, and even starting your unique collection.

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Reading & Writing

creativity

Creativity

travel

Travel

Discover Joy: Embrace Fun, Laughter, and Unexpected Adventures

The conclusions of the previous Meditations that Rene Descartes or "I" and "God" both exist eventually lead to another problem: "If God is perfectly good and the source of all that is, how is there room for error or falsehood?"In other words, "If God is perfect then why there is a mistake in the world?"(This meditation IV is dedicated to answer that specific problem.)

Rene Descartes tries to resolve this in four ways; One from the concept Great Chain of Being and Three from the Misuse and Limitation of his Abilities.

Rene Descartes states that God's perfect goodness is relative to His perfect being. On the extreme opposite end of the scale is complete nothingness and where the evil relies. He states that the location of the Humans is in-between these two extremes.Being human is being less "good" than God, but more "good" than Evil. Therefore, error or mistake is only the absence of what is correct and right.

The Great Chain of Being

Limitation of AbilitiesMisuse of one's own PerspectiveMisuse of Divine Gifts

The Misuse and Limitation of Abilities

Rene Descartes states that there is a possibility that his limited knowledge prevents him from understanding why God chose to create him so he could make mistakes.Therefore, there might be a reason but because of our limited knowledge, it is ncomprehensible.

Limitation of knowledge

Rene Descartes suggest that what may seem like a mistake or error on an individual or specific level might actually be perceived as flawless when considered within the broader context of the entire creation established by God.Therefore, the perspective that sees beyond isolated instances of error to appreciate a larger, harmonious picture of existence may have a different significance or as Rene Descartes considered as "Error Free"

2. Misusage of Perspective

"For something that seems imperfect when viewed alone might seem completely perfect when regarded as having a place in the world."

The two Divine Gifts are the Understanding (Intellectual Gift) and Will (Freedom) both of these gifts are in a perfect condition. Rene Descartes realized that error occurs when he practice or exercise his understanding and will. Therefore, the gifts of God (understanding and will) both remain good and perfect so do God itself as the giver of these and the error only occurs when we misuse it.

3. The Misusage of Divine Gifts

(At the end of Meditation IV, Rene Descartes settled the problem. He made the error of humans and imperfections of it, is compatible to the existence of a perfect being called "God")

Summary of Meditation IV. Of the True and the False.

philosophy

Philosophy

Descartes' Meditation IV

If you happen to have a bad interaction with someone else, don't beat yourself up by saying that it was your fault. Maybe that person was having a bad day. You didn't do anything wrong.

Don't blame yourself for everything

Forgiving others not only makes them feel better, but also makes you feel a lot better too. Instead of bottling up useless anger, release it and turn it into something good!

Forgive yourself and others

If you work hard all day and don't have any breaks, make some time for yourself. You matter more than anything, so give yourself some space to relax and take a quick break. Even if that means just taking a slightly longer bath or spending a weekend in the great outdoors. Let yourself live life to the fullest!

Have fun

Quick tips for self love

"Your self-worth sets the standard for the love you invite into your life."

"Be a masterpiece of self-love, and watch as others paint their affection accordingly."

"The love you cultivate within reflects the gardens of love you'll blossom in."

"Radiate self-love; it's the magnet that attracts genuine affection."

"Treat yourself with the love you deserve, and others will follow your lead."

"The love you give yourself becomes the melody that others dance to in your presence."

Love yourself a bit more

Life is made of years, months, days and moments. To control your life you need a control over moments....speaking of moments why not focus on mornings first.Well, I am not here to convince you the "why", but to show you the "how".

How To Own Your Morning?

Doesn't matter how many hours you sleep, what matters is how sound it is. It is (scientifically) preferred to sleep in multiples of 90 minutes (I tried it....it makes a difference).Also avoid lucid dreaming as it deteriorates quality of sleep.

1. Quality Sleep

"Failing to plan is planning to fail". Atleast have a to do list in mind to get stuff done for the next day.Be realistic and practical....to avoid underachievement demotivation.

2. Prior Day Plan

I may sound orthodox, but still hear me out. Atleast a 10 min morning stretch can have a massive impact on the body.

3. Exercise

As humans certain things are standard that are to be done every morning. If you miss out on any one of this it can affect the rest of the day, viz p00ping, bathing, breakfast, hydrating. Never compromise any of it.(except bathing during winters sometimes;)

4. Routine Tasks

Let's come to the main part of the morning where you do the most tough task of the day for your intellectual growth/ knowledge building/ career enhancement. This can include reading newspaper, books, attending lectures,journaling, studying the most tough topic in the syllabus, finishing off that office work, etc.This shall complete your morning routine :)

5. Eat That Frog

1. Waking up early is recommended, though not compulsary. If you really wanna change waking up time, try it for 21 days to make it a habit.2. Waking up to see the surnrise is always worth it, trust me.3. This article is useless without self discipline from within you, rest is taken care of by the power of compounding.

Pro Tips😎

I genuinely follow these 5 things every morning.....but I am really curious about what else do you include in your morning routine?

How do I own my Morning?

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