difference engine

“I don’t know what’s the matter with people: they don’t learn by understanding, they learn by some other way – by rote or something.

First let me clarify, this self help article is not about metaphysical concepts such as the meaning of life. What I have to say here will help you acquire a true understanding of whatever you learn at work, school and in life itself.

A concept is simply the way we organize and interpret our experiences. Whether we understand them or not our concepts reveal to ourselves in our daily actions. Once we understand this, our daily actions become explainable. Our life really changes only when we truly understand the important life changing concepts such as discipline, sacrifice, love and so on. True learning comes from true understanding. The ultimate result of learning.

I was initially attracted to self help books because of hope. Below are two other examples I share from personal experience about important life altering concepts. Imagine the impact on our life once we acquire a true understanding of them. For example sharing my personal insights and knowledge of life changing techniques developed from more than 15 years of reading self help books. The other was becoming a professional project manager at work. Reflecting on this I truly got to understand and internalize some important concepts the project management profession such as communication and risk management. Visuals are a great way to establish connections and acquire true understanding. It can be applied to any concepts.

After reflection, this is my preferred way to seek a deeper understanding. Some of my early posts were on self help books, family, my Toastmaster contests, vacations etc. I now post on my personal insights acquired from life experiences and reading various self help books and topics. I also review key concepts from distinctive self help books and programs.

To impart wisdom, in any area of life from the sciences to the art of living, that is truly understood and internalized.

The Difference Between Knowing And Understanding

Our values influence how we make decisions and effectively run our lives. Values can be instilled in us or we can choose to adopt them. Our values can change. The important thing to know is that when we have strong values, and positive values, they will be integral to our achieving what we want in this life.

Values are not goals. Values are the base upon which we run our lives.

Values are the bedrock of your walking the path of life. By writing them down, it is a way to keep our values present in our lives.

As you articulate what is right, you will become more clear on your values.

Some people like to set a few overriding values, with supporting values.

To use the example above, an overall value could be “I am financially stable”. I doubt that I would have done that, if I had not “lived” this value.