Defining a personal mission statement is crucial for providing direction and purpose in life. It helps to ensure that time and efforts are spent on meaningful activities, reflecting on life's finite nature.

Understanding the Importance of a Life Goal

A clear life mission guides decisions and aligns daily actions with long-term goals. It helps in creating a strong foundation for a purposeful life, as emphasized by Stephen Covey in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

The Role of a Life Mission

1. Keep a DiaryEngage in free writing to explore feelings and values. Regularly review these entries to identify key life decisions and personal insights.2. Find a Role ModelIdentify and study individuals whose lives inspire you. Analyze their qualities and values to help define what you aspire to embody in your own life.3. Self-DefinitionReflect on your passions, strengths, and aspirations. This self-assessment helps in setting realistic and meaningful goals that align with your true interests.

Methods to Discover Your Mission (Part 1)

4. List Your ValuesClarify your core values through journaling or psychological tests. Use these values as a foundation for your personal mission statement.5. VolunteerGain practical experience by volunteering. This allows you to explore different paths and understand what resonates with you without long-term commitment.6. Create an Ideal PortraitWrite lists about how you want to excel in various roles (e.g., family member, professional). This exercise helps align your actions with your ideal self.

Methods to Discover Your Mission (Part 2)

Formulate a mission statement by clearly stating what you want from life and how to achieve it. Use positive language, refine the statement over time, and place it somewhere visible for daily inspiration.

Crafting Your Personal Mission Statement

Reassess your mission based on personal experiences and evolving priorities. For example, shifting focus from career achievements to nurturing family relationships can realign your mission with what truly brings happiness.<a href="https://substack.com/@oneweek1?utm_source=profile-page">You can subscribe me on Substack, I've wrote about my path in the post about mission</a>

Reflection on Personal Goals

I've searching for some time for real exercises to clarify a mission. Don't forget to follow, if this theme is valuable for you. 

Have you ever wondered what legacy you’ll leave behind? The thought might seem daunting, but considering what you’d want on your gravestone can profoundly clarify your life mission. It’s a stark…

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Productivity

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Philosophy

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Personal Development

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Motivation & Inspiration

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Mental Health

How to Create a Personal Mission Statement That Truly Reflects Your Life Goals

Have you ever imagined how discovering the true essence of who you are could transform your life? Alan Watts’ “The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are” challenges us to explore this profound question. Watts argues that our perception of ourselves is distorted by cultural and social taboos that prevent us from understanding our true nature. In this text, we will explore the central concepts of the book, its philosophical and psychological foundations, and the transformative impact it can have on our lives.

Introduction

First published in 1966, “The Book” addresses the idea that our identity is rooted in an illusion of separation. Watts suggests that we see ourselves as isolated entities, disconnected from the universe, which generates internal and external conflicts. He uses Vedanta philosophy to explain that the “self” is actually an integral part of the whole. Understanding this context is crucial to appreciating the depth of Watts’ ideas and their relevance in the modern world.

Background Information

From a philosophical standpoint, Watts draws on principles from Vedanta and Zen Buddhism. He argues that our sense of separation is an illusion created by the mind. Vedanta teaches that everything is a manifestation of the same universal principle, and Zen Buddhism emphasizes the importance of living in the present and recognizing the unity of all things. By integrating these philosophies, Watts offers a new perspective on identity and existence, challenging us to question our deepest beliefs.

Philosophical Perspective

Psychologically, Watts explores how our perception of identity is shaped by social and cultural conditioning. He argues that the sense of alienation and anxiety many of us feel is a result of disconnection from our true nature. Watts suggests that by recognizing our unity with the universe, we can overcome these psychological barriers and achieve a state of peace and understanding. This psychological approach is fundamental to understanding the transformative impact of Watts’ ideas.

Psychological Insights

The main concept of “The Book” is that our identity is an illusory construct. Watts argues that the sense of being a separate “self” is an illusion that prevents us from perceiving our true nature. He uses the metaphor of the ocean and waves to illustrate that, just as waves are part of the ocean, we are part of the universe. This understanding can lead to a profound transformation in how we see ourselves and interact with the world.

Self-Perception and Society

Watts presents his ideas through an engaging narrative that combines philosophy, psychology, and spirituality. He uses practical examples and metaphors to make the concepts more accessible and relatable. Through stories and analogies, Watts guides the reader on a journey of self-discovery, challenging us to question our perceptions and embrace a new understanding of who we are.

Several key factors support the effectiveness of Watts’ ideas. First, the integration of Eastern and Western philosophies offers a holistic approach to understanding identity. Second, the use of metaphors and stories makes complex concepts more accessible. Finally, the emphasis on mindfulness and meditation provides practical tools to apply these ideas in daily life.

Adopting Watts’ ideas can have a profound impact on our lives. By recognizing our unity with the universe, we can overcome feelings of alienation and anxiety, achieving a state of peace and understanding. This new perspective can transform how we relate to ourselves and the world, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Implications

In summary, “The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are” offers a powerful and transformative vision of human identity. By challenging us to question our perceptions and embrace our true nature, Watts guides us on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Embracing these ideas can bring numerous benefits, from reducing anxiety to fostering a greater sense of connection and purpose. So, why not explore this journey and discover who you really are?

Conclusion

A revelatory primer on what it means to be human and a mind-opening manual of initiation into the central mystery of existence, by “perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West" (Los Angeles Times). At the root of human conflict is our fundamental misunderstanding of who we are. The illusion that we are isolated beings, unconnected to the rest of the universe, has led us to view the “outside” world with hostility, and has fueled our misuse of technology and our violent and hostile subjugation of the natural world. To help us understand that the self is in fact the root and ground of the universe, Alan Watts provides us with a much-needed answer to the problem of personal identity, distilling and adapting the Hindu philosophy of Vedanta.

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Religion & Spirituality

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Mindfulness

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Books

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Meditation

Alan Watts

The Book

"If you have nothing good to say, remain silent. Each time you open your mouth to speak, you're letting others know the state of your mind & what's in your heart. If your heart is filled with bitterness, it will come out in your words. Be mindful of what's going on inside you!"

" We are not created to please creation but rather to please the creator. "

" You don't have to be good at something in order to enjoy it. "

" You are trying to understand madness with logic! This is not unlike searching for darkness with a torch.

" Dont grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form. "

" A lot of people become unattractive once you find out how they think. "

" A fool is known by his speech; a wise man by silence. "

" Don't be afraid to start over again. This time, you are not starting from scratch, but from experience. "

" Do not disturb yourself by imagining your whole life at once.

" Just because you pain is unbearable, doesn't mean that your behaviour is acceptable. "

" No one is perfect Charlie brown. That's why pencils have erasers.

" The bravest people don't mind looking like cowards.

" Who are we to judge other when we walk imperfectly ourselves. "

These quotes will start getting you thinking about life...

Quotes that will get you thinking.

Death is often seen as the end of life, but it is actually a transition to another dimension of existence. It is only seen as a creation of the unaware, as those who truly understand know that it is simply a part of life itself. 
 Death may be scary, but with awareness, it can be embraced as a natural process, leading us to the next stage of our existence. In the end, it is a reminder to truly live life to the fullest and embrace all that it has to offer.

The Deeper Meaning of Death

Whatever happens in your life, you did not come here with an investment. You came empty-handed. You cannot lose in this life. See how wonderful it is!

Welcome to Your Life

You must understand that there is no such thing as your Universe. Your Universe is an illusion.

You might not think about this much, but life and death goes much deeper than what we can comprehend.

Death is a taboo in most societies in the world. But what if we have got this completely wrong? What if death was not the catastrophe it is made out to be but an essential aspect of life, rife with spiritual possibilities for transcendence? For the first time, someone is saying just that. n this unique treatise-like exposition, Sadhguru dwells extensively upon his inner experience as he expounds on the more profound aspects of death that are rarely spoken about. From a practical standpoint, he elaborates on what preparations one can make for one's death, how best we can assist someone who is dying and how we can continue to support their journey even after death. Whether a believer or not, a devotee or an agnostic, an accomplished seeker or a simpleton, this is truly a book for all those who shall die!

Sadhguru is the founder and head of the Isha Foundation, based in Coimbatore, India. The foundation, established in 1992, operates an ashram and yoga centre that carries out educational and spiritual activities. Sadhguru has been teaching yoga since 1982.

Sadhguru

Death

" Patience can cook a stone ."

" Until the lion learns how to write, the story will always glorify the hunter. "

" The easier the path, the easier to slip in it. "

" When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends. "

" A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor. "

" Patience is bitter, but it's fruit is sweet. "

" A kind word can open a iron wall.

" You have to do your own growing, no matter how tall your father was.

" A half truth is a whole lie. "

" A wise never knows everything. Only the fool does. "

" Change how you see and see how you change.

" Be the master of the mind, not mastered by the mind "

" The one who teaches is a giver of the eyes.

" To know the road ahead, ask the ones coming back. "

" There is a deep sea between saying and doing. "

Proverbs

You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine."

Procrastination

"Pretending that our future self will do the work for us tomorrow, next week, or next year. It gets even worse when we perceive our future self in a completely unrealistic way. We see our future selves as better, stronger, and wiser than we currently are"

sciencefiction

Science Fiction

problemsolving

Problem Solving

Thibaut Meurisse

Immediate Action

A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another.

When we look at a thing, we must examine its essence and treat its appearance merely as an usher at the threshold, and once we cross the threshold, we must grasp the essence of the thing; this is the only reliable and scientific method of analysis.

The revolutionary war is a war of the masses; only mobilizing the masses and relying on them can wage it.

In approaching a problem a Marxist should see the whole as well as the parts. A frog in a well says, “The sky is no bigger than the mouth of the well.” That is untrue, for the sky is not just the size of the mouth of the well. If it said, “A part of the sky is the size of the mouth of a well”, that would be true, for it tallies with the facts.

In approaching a problem a Marxist should see the whole as well as the parts. A frog in a well says, “The sky is no bigger than the mouth of the well.” That is untrue, for the sky is not just the size of the mouth of the well. If it said, “A part of the sky is the size of the mouth of a well”, that would be true, for it tallies with the facts.

We the Chinese nation have the spirit to fight the enemy to the last drop of our blood, the determination to recover our lost territory by our own efforts, and the ability to stand on our own feet in the family of nations.

It is well known that when you do anything, unless you understand its actual circumstances, its nature and its relations to other things, you will not know the laws governing it, or know how to do it, or be able to do it well.

War is the highest form of struggle for resolving contradictions, when they have developed to a certain stage, between classes, nations, states, or political groups, and it has existed ever since the emergence of private property and of classes.

In class society, everyone lives as a member of a particular class, and every kind of thinking, without exception, is stamped with the brand of a class.

If a man wants to succeed in his work, that is, to achieve the anticipated results, he must bring his ideas into correspondence with the laws of the objective external world; if they do not correspond, he will fail in his practice. After he fails, he draws his lessons, corrects his ideas to make them correspond to the laws of the external world, and can thus turn failure into success; this is what is meant by “failure is the mother of success” and “a fall into the pit, a gain in your wit”.

The Marxist philosophy of dialectical materialism has two outstanding characteristics. One is its class nature: it openly avows that dialectical materialism is in the service of the proletariat. The other is its practicality: it emphasizes the dependence of theory on practice, emphasizes that theory is based on practice and in turn serves practice.

The system of Party representatives and of political departments, adopted for the first time in China, entirely changed the complexion of these armed forces. The Red Army, which was founded in 1927 and the Eighth Route Army of today have inherited this system and developed it.

Weapons are an important factor in war, but not the decisive factor; it is people, not things that are decisive. The contest of strength is not only a contest of military and economic power, but also a contest of human power and morale. People necessarily wield military and economic power.

History shows that wars are divided into two kinds, just and unjust. All wars that are progressive are just, and all wars that impede progress are unjust. We Communists oppose all unjust wars that impede progress, but we do not oppose progressive, just wars. Not only do we Communists not oppose just wars; we actively participate in them. As for unjust wars, World War I is an instance in which both sides fought for imperialist interests; therefore,the Communists of the whole world firmly opposed that war. The way to oppose a war of this kind is to do everything possible to prevent it before it

In seeking victory, those who direct a war cannot overstep the limitations imposed by the objective conditions. Within these limitations, however, they can and must play a dynamic role in striving for victory. The stage of action for commanders in a war must be built upon objective possibilities, but on that stage they can direct the performance of many a drama, full of sound and color, power and grandeur.

Taken as a whole, the Chinese revolutionary movement led by the Communist Party embraces the two stages, i.e., the democratic and the socialist revolutions, which are two essentially different revolutionary processes, and the second process can be carried through only after the first has been completed. The democratic revolution is the necessary preparation for the socialist revolution, and the socialist revolution is the inevitable sequel to the democratic revolution. The ultimate aim for which all communists strive is to bring about a socialist and communist society.

Revolutionary culture is a powerful revolutionary weapon for the broad masses of the people. It prepares the ground ideologically before the revolution comes and is an important, indeed essential, fighting front in the general revolutionary front during the revolution.

The masses are the real heroes, while we ourselves are often childish and ignorant, and without this understanding, it is impossible to acquire even the most rudimentary knowledge.

Communists must listen attentively to the views of people outside the Party and let them have their say. If what they say is right, we ought to welcome it, and we should learn from their strong points; if it is wrong, we should let them finish what they are saying and then patiently explain things to them.

A Communist must never be opinionated or domineering, thinking that he is good in everything while others are good in nothing; he must never shut himself up in his little room, or brag and boast and lord it over others.

Often, correct knowledge can be arrived at only after many repetitions of the process leading from matter to consciousness and then back to matter, that is, leading from practice to knowledge and then back to practice. Such is the Marxist theory of knowledge, the dialectical materialist

history

History

politics

Politics

Quotes by Mao Zedong

He start by explaining what government is and how it functions, making a clear distinction between society and government. He describes society as a positive force that emerges from people's shared feelings, whereas government is a necessary evil that exists only to prevent people from being bad. In other words, government is needed only when people can't be good on their own. Since the purpose of government is to keep people free, the best kind of government is one with the fewest rules. In contrast, the English constitution is overly complicated and simply legalizes existing injustices.

Paine offers a deeper critique of royalty and inherited power, arguing that everyone should be treated equally. He contends that the Bible shows royalty to be un-Christian, prone to violence, and deserving of abolition. Hereditary succession is even worse because it imposes corrupt rulers on future generations, making leaders who are proud and indifferent to the needs and desires of the people. Paine supports his argument with a long list of wars, rebellions, and battles over succession in England, which he cites as further proof that the practice is unjust.

Critique Of Royalty

He then gets to the core of his case in the section titled "The Present State of American Affairs," where he asserts that his arguments are based on nothing but common sense. Paine declares that the time for hoping for peace is over because Britain has taken up arms, and it's time for a new way of thinking. He argues that it's a mistake to believe that things will always stay the same just because America prospered when it was close to Great Britain—it's like saying a child must always eat baby food.

The Present State of American Affairs

Moreover, political and religious refugees from all over Europe, not just England, came to live in the United States, so America's strong trade and business resources will strategically benefit the country more than Britain's military protection ever could. Britain's continued military protection will only drag America into wars with other countries.

Paine then appeals to the emotions of his audience, made up of ordinary Americans, accusing them of being cold and uncaring if they don't sympathize with the people of besieged Boston. He insists that anyone with human feelings who looks at Britain's recent actions should conclude that a split is the only just and fair course of action. Even if peace could be made with Britain, Paine warns that King George III would set himself up as an authoritarian leader of the United States, which would ultimately ruin the country in the long run, even if peace could be achieved in the short term.

On Ordinary Americans

Where there are no distinctions there can be no superiority, perfect equality affords no temptation.

Paine offers suggestions for how an independent America could be governed in the future, such as establishing a Continental Congress and charter and allowing each colony to choose a president in turn. The government, he argues, should prioritize the security of property, freedom, and the right to practice religion. Paine also discusses practical steps that an independent America would need to take, such as building a navy.

Independence

He highlights America's strengths, noting that it is young and the right size—neither too small nor too large and diverse—for creating and implementing a new government. Paine concludes that until America takes the initiative to seek freedom, the need will only grow, and the situation will worsen.(end)

In later versions of Common Sense, Paine adds responses to a speech by King George III, which he calls a piece of villainy. In the appendix, he reiterates arguments against the claim that America is not ready for independence, asserting that the United States now has enough military experience to fight for independence and that delaying the effort will only make it harder. He warns that the longer it takes, the more likely it is that a mob mentality will take hold, preventing America from forming a good constitution.

Finally, Paine counters a Quaker objection to rebellion, arguing that Quakers should oppose unprovoked British aggression just as much as they oppose American revolt. If they don't, their pacifist stance is inconsistent and amounts to unwelcome interference.

Published anonymously in 1776, the year of the American Declaration of Independence, Paine's Common Sense became an immediate best-seller, with fifty-six editions printed in that year alone. It was this pamphlet, more than any other factor, which helped to spark off the movement that established the independence of the United States. From his experience of revolutionary politics, Paine drew those principles of fundamental human rights which, he felt, must stand no matter what excesses are committed to obtain them, and which he later formulated in his Rights of Man.

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

Thomas Paine

Common Sense

"Your worst sin is that you have destroyed and betrayed yourself for nothing."Crime and Punishment

"The darker the night the brighter the stars. The deeper the grief the closer is God." Crime and Punishment

"The best way to keep a prisoner from escaping is to make sure he never knows he's in prison."

Timeless Wisdom from Dostoyevsky

Stop following me. I am now going alone, and you should also go alone!Perhaps you are deceived by me. Guard yourself and think for yourself. This is the important message of the book. In the next chapter, I will show you why.

Zarathustra

When someone is following you, their perception of reality has changed.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">They are viewing the world through your eyes. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Believing your perception.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Living by your rules.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">And most importantly, they stop discussing important topics with you.</li></ul>

Why Would Anyone Not Want Followers?

Depart from me, and guard yourselves against Zarathustra! and better still: be ashamed of him! Perhaps he has decieved you.

What if I gave you a map? Would you know where the mountains and rivers are, or where the forests are located? Not particularly!You would only see a map that was made by someone else. So your perception is influenced by the rules and beliefs of others. Until you see the reality through your own eyes, your perception is not truly your own.

Map of the World

Nietzsche is not advising us to not take advice and opinions from others. He is simply reminding us to think independently and see the whole situation through our own eyes.Make choices based on our own opinions, ideas, and research. Always strive to think as best as you can. Do things based on your own best thinking.

Important Message

“To go wrong in one's own way is better than to go right in someone else's.”

“Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking...”

Thus spoke Zarathustra. Friedrich Nietzsche wrote a surprising sentence. Zarathustra, the main sage of the book, tells his FOLLOWERS to STOP FOLLOWING him. BUT WHY?

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ABOUT
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In this video, I talk about Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, not following anyone, and trusting yourself.

In a letter to his sister, Nietzsche wrote, “if you wish to strive for peace of soul and pleasure, then believe; if you wish to be a devotee of truth, then inquire.”

When you follow a person, you stop following the truth.

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FURTHER READING
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Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche: https://geni.us/F2e2PqR

NOTES
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(1) Videos are just my opinion, for entertainment and informational purposes. Just some things to think about—not advice.

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Nietzsche - Follow No One, Trust Yourself

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