“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” – Steve Jobs
Let’s clear one thing up first before moving on… Yes, there are missions and objectives that are binary – Think military! There are systems that must be developed and built in sequence in order to function – Think engineering! There are many other examples… However, these are intrinsically separate from that of creativity, innovation and cooperation.
Review from last week..
GAP– The Gap is a space between our current situation and the ideal. It can be an uncomfortable place; when we are in The Gap, we often feel unsuccessful and disappointed in ourselves. This lack of confidence can lead us to become disenchanted and demoralized.
GAIN – The Gain is a term I use to describe the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment we get when looking back at how far we’ve come. We can measure our progress from where we began to where we are now and be proud that, despite any setbacks or challenges along the way, we have achieved great things. This boosts our confidence, making us feel good about ourselves and our abilities. By taking stock of the progress we’ve made, The Gain can help to remind us that, no matter what comes our way, it is possible to succeed if we keep pushing forward.
The hedonic treadmill is something that many of us can relate to – no matter what happens in life, we often find ourselves back at the same point of contentment over time. Whether it’s an unexpected windfall or a significant loss, our level of happiness eventually returns to its normal baseline.
This psychological theory helps explain why people can become accustomed to certain life experiences and why it’s so hard for us to make lasting changes. Even if we experience a big change in our lives, the hedonic treadmill ensures that the effects are usually short-term – eventually we return to our usual level of happiness.
It is about perception and perspective –
The traditional education system has been designed to control and confine us in a world of uniformity and compliance. We are taught to listen, absorb and regurgitate information without questioning the source or purpose, simply because it is deemed ‘right’. Through this pedagogical approach, our freedom to think critically and objectively is stifled; we become robots, unable to form our own perspectives and beliefs. We are taught to be good workers, but not necessarily creative thinkers or problem-solvers.
At the same time, this system of education sets us up for a lifetime of servitude within the capitalist economy – we become ‘economic investments’ that simply put in their hours and turn out a predictable product. We are expected to conform and blindly accept orders, unaware of the possibilities that lie outside the accepted framework of ‘normal’ life.
Point of Reference Using a Rescue System
Success and progress in a mechanical advantage system are typically measured using the amount of effort saved compared to lifting or moving the item directly without any tools or machines. For example, if it takes 10N of force to move an object with your hands, but only 5N when using a lever as part of a mechanical advantage system, then you have saved 5N worth of effort. This means that you have achieved success with your use of the mechanical advantage system in this instance. Other measurements such as speed and accuracy may also be taken into consideration when measuring progress within a mechanical advantage system.
Does this really work for us as individuals? Of course not! Why? – Because outcome based “destiny” is not what we are created for, and yet we are expected to be as such.
Consider these 3 reference points?
- What are the reference points you measure yourself against?
- Why did you choose those particular reference points?
- How do you define and measure success for yourself?
Do you measure yourself in the same manner you’d measure the success of a given mechanical advantage system? Do we measure ourselves in the same manner or method as we’d measure a mission?
Self-determination theory posits that autonomy is a core factor in motivation and overall well being. Autonomy can be thought of as taking ownership of your life, decisions, and circumstances. It involves having a sense of freedom to make your own choices without external constraints or expectations. When people are more autonomous in their lives, they tend to be more self-determined and have better psychological health.
Self-determination can be an incredibly powerful tool. It’s the idea that we are in control of our own lives and that we have the power to make decisions for ourselves. When you’re self-determined, you don’t measure your success against external standards; instead, you set your own goals and strive to achieve them. Self-determination can help you build confidence and resilience, as well as a sense of purpose in life. It can also help you develop positive coping skills and make decisions that are good for your health and wellbeing. Ultimately, self-determination is about having the courage to be yourself and pursue your own path. It’s an invaluable skill that will serve you well throughout life.
Living in GAP means there is no way to measure success without quantifiable and verifiable measurements. Is this an absolute statement? True or False… See ?
We are created individuals… designed and intentioned to be creative and free. We are not machines built in and around levers and planes – although the mission of the “system” is to do just that. Free or slave!
4 Questions – Change your reference point (if needed) to be internal, where you measure your own progress.
- Are the reference points you measure yourself again external or internal?
- How often do you compare yourself to others?
- How much time do you spend on social media?
- Are you self-determined and free?
Always appreciate the progress and achievements you’ve made with any new goal.
I will continue this into the next blog piece… Filtering your life is critical. Hint! – – Consider the T-Method (for our riggers) as a filtering process in order to make sure you are on the right path. The T- Method will serve us a guide that aligns with our values.
Peace on your Days
LAnce
