Is Subliminal Learning An Easy Way To Achieve Self Improvement?

Have you ever wondered how a song got stuck in your head? Haven you ever wondered how a certain word came into your vocabulary even though you never remembered trying to use it purposefully? Could this be the effect of your unconscious exposure to subliminal learning?

Cited Research

An article in Wikipedia concerning to subliminal research highlights a series of laboratory experiments conducted by Robert Zajonc in the 1960s. In the experiments, subjects were exposed to various stimuli [Chinese characters, paintings, pictures of faces, geometric figures and auditory stimuli] for a very brief duration that could not be perceived consciously. They found that the subjects rated these objects more positively than the other characters which they had not seen. The article went on to state that subliminal effects were generally weak and unlikely to occur without controlled laboratory conditions. [1,2,3]

There are a lot of products available on the market today that claim they have subliminal messages encoded in their products. They talk about various “beats” that excite the learning centers of the brain which result in a magical acquisition of the specific subject matter.

However, the last sentence in the paragraph regarding a summary of the research above, clearly states, “that the subliminal effects were generally weak and unlikely to occur without controlled laboratory conditions.”

Scientists are finding that it is possible to accelerate the learning of some skills with the aid of subliminal learning. However, when learning complex skills such a language or mathematics, there is little evidence to support the value of subliminal learning programs.

Personal Learning Experience

It is a well known fact that we absorbed a lot of the knowledge that has shaped our personality before the age of three. The rest of our learning has been acquired through participation in the educational systems, other community institution and by experience relating to “trial and error.”

As we reach our adult years, we find some of this learning is now out dated; but continues to serves us in a negative way through false beliefs. To “unlearn” the beliefs is a task in itself. It is this author’s opinion that subliminal learning programs would be of little value in replacing our old beliefs with new desired ones. Some authors like to refer to this situation as running an anti-virus program on your computer. These programs effectively remove the viruses but they don’t install any new programs. Before the days of the computer, I liked to use the analogy of washing the blackboard. Remember how the chalk dust would adhere to the blackboard until the blackboard was almost gray if someone hadn’t taken the time to literally wash it? And how, after the blackboard washed, the new material was much clearer.

I end this article by stating, “That in the final analysis, we truly learn and retain knowledge through the conscious use of our five senses in the great and wondrous laboratory of life experience.”

[1]• ^ De Houwer, J., Hendrickx, H. & Baeyens, F. (1997). Evaluative learning with "subliminally" presented stimuli. Consciousness and Cognition, 6, 87-107.
[2]• ^ Zajonc, R.B. (1980). Feeling and thinking: Preferences need no inferences. American Psychologist, 35, 151-175.
[3]• ^ Bornstein, R.F. (1989) Exposure and affect: overview and meta-analysis of research, 1968-1987. Psychological Bulletin, 106, 265-289.

How to Make Success Not Just Obtainable but Sustainable

Each of us has a fundamental need to consistently improve our life. Our self satisfaction continues to grow as we feel that we are contributing to the well being of our family members, friends and our community through our influence and actions.

However, it is very easy to become a victim of the materialistic value belief that says the more you own the more power you have to influence others. It is unfortunate that this often becomes the benchmark we use to judge our personal success. Then we become complacent, thinking that once we have everything we our life will be perfect and filled with happiness.

But then there is the “gap effect” part of your subconscious that is always prodding you to strive for the next level. Are you on this “wheel” that that spins on its axle and goes nowhere?

Do I need to add that this is like the computer virus that can bring your computer to a halt? Likewise, this insatiable drive can bring you to a halt both emotionally and/or spiritually.

If you should need further evidence of this, look at the news items relating to the current suicides that take place frequently such as the top fashion models, the immediate family member of international political figures or “fallen” community leaders.

Were you aware that the word “success” comes from Latin and means “to advance” or “to improve”. This implies that success is a continuing process and not a “means to an end”. Stated a different way, success allows you a better quality of life; thus, moving you forward to having a better life experience. This was my lesson for the day.

This brings us to the “sustainable” concept of success.

It is impossible to sustain “inner peace” when you depend on other people or external things to make you happy. The feeling of happiness comes from the enjoyment of external things, things outside of you; and therefore, is temporary. I recommend that you stop and ponder what your feelings would be if other people were suddenly removed from your life and/or you lost your possessions.

Nor can you achieve any level of sustainable success without developing some changes in your attitude. This requires that you honestly examine and listen to your inner feelings. It is imperative that you get acquainted with yourself, i.e., “Know thyself.” And, then, endeavor to accept yourself as you are and to fall in love with that wonderful being.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

Why do we need self-improvement anyway?

Have you ever pondered self improvement and how it might change your life? This has been an active undercurrent in my life for a good number of years. With all the new thought that is being published and broadcast in the media, it is becoming even more important for me to remain diligent in addressing this issue in my own life.

By writing this web log, I have invited you to join me in this journey. In my research, I have stumbled upon several aspects of self improvement and an equal number of ways to achieve personal goals.

The main purpose of this blog is to share some of these concepts with you. Of course, the key, for you, is to find the one that enables you to break your specific weakness into small steps so that you can take one step at a time in achieving your self-improvement goal.

The one central obstacle to achieving one’s self-improvement goal seems to be
“fear”. The underlying cause of this fear can usually be traced back to lack of self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, and doubt. Just, where did these negative self-concepts originate?

If one has an open mind, one does not have to look too far. Now, comes the “sticky” question? Do you have what it takes to start reprogramming your subconscious behavior?

If you are affluent, you see a therapist/coach who effectively relieves you of some of your financial wealth in exchange for teaching you some self-hypnosis exercises and/or gives you some medication to ease your anxiety. For some, there is always the local neighborhood bar at which we drown our troubles with our friends and neighbors who are in the same life situation.

Another more viable idea is to turn to the volumes of self-improvement books and CD’s. "Been there and done that." However, after carefully spending $1,000+, I did find some very good advice that has helped me get on the road to “emotional recovery”.

If you are angry, judgmental, jealous, unhappy, et al, you have some problems that need to be addressed. Yes, a change in attitude is in order and you must take responsibility now or continue to experience the same unhappiness until you finally make a choice to take remedial action.

Now, we come almost back to the place where we began this discussion. Self improvement generally refers to improving one’s peace of mind by eliminating stress and anxiety. The stress and anxiety can be found within the intellectual, emotional, psychological or spiritual levels of one’s life or in any combination thereof.

To undertake self-improvement, one must reflect and rely on his own knowledge that has been gained through experience, self-dependence, and self-identity. It goes without saying; you must have a strong desire to embark on this journey. It is a lot easier when you have the support of family members and friends.

I invite you to join/stay with me on this journey of learning and self-exploration. It is, indeed, a rewarding journey.

Take care and have a Wondrous Christmas Holiday filled with the Blessings of Peace and Love.

Overcoming Fear and Worry

Do you ever wonder why you seem to be unable to achieve your goals or the level of success you desire? Do you come up with answers which tend to blame other people, the business climate or just the weather?

Experience has taught me that the act of blaming is the projection of the negative beliefs you are trying to ignore and hide from the outside world.

A very powerful belief and obstacle is the desire of approval and acceptance of the community of family and friends. Unfortunately, this desire of approval and acceptance will not help you achieve anything but conformity with a broken society filled with double standards. These double standards are found everywhere you look, ranging in the difference between religious groups, laws, et al.

This is not a new thought. This was built into the basic foundations of civilization to empower the people with higher intelligence with the responsibility of governing the community. When wealth became the symbol of intelligence, then everything changed. The universal values of Truth, Peace, Love and Non-violence were buried in the Struggle for Power. What you see in today’s world is the result.

The Good News is that there is another community whose members, spearheaded by scientific breakthroughs, have dedicated their lives to the power contained in the universal values of Truth and Love. Their numbers are small but growing as their discoveries are broadcast in the media each day.

By seeking this knowledge, you have short cut to a direct understanding of the un-truths that you have buried in your subconscious mind. Any information along this line of thinking encourages you to take the essential actions to remove the resulting dis-ease and unhappiness in your life; and, thereby, healing your mind and body. I have heard it said that if something does not serve you, it is an un-truth. And all un-truths are like the clutter and trash that needs to be hauled to the dump.

Are you ready to change your life?

Take care until we meet again.

The Fallacy of Time [Part 2 of 2]

Organizing Your Daily Responsibilities

As promised, here are some ideas to help you manage and achieve your daily responsibilities:

Review

Think about all the things you want to accomplish at the start of the day. Make a list if you can keep note pads handy. It will make you feel more comfortable andhis is a good way to keep track of your tasks and commitments.

Handling Interruptions

You may have several interruptions that require your attention. Take each in stride. Later, it is important to return your concentration and efforts on the prior item only. Do not give thought to any of the remaining items on your list.

Congratulate yourself upon completion of each item.


Be Creative.

Time is an element when simple creativity can be practiced with great efficiency. Plan your daily tasks around your outside commitments and appointments. There are some things you can accomplish by “multi-tasking” such as laundry, or dishes, if you have a dishwasher.

Arrange to do grocery shopping and other errands after doctor’s appointments. Or you can arrange to pick up the kids from school after shopping. This saves gasoline too. You can even do the cooking at the same time by using a slow cooker as it cooks food all by itself and doesn't require your attention.

New Tasks

When you have to do a certain task for the first time, often there is no clear direction on how it should be done. Take a few minutes to plan it out. If there is no immediacy, you can give thought to this task before going to bed at night. Often you will know how to approach it the next morning. Either way, this will save you from a great deal of anxiety/stress.

Visualize Completed Outcome

Visualize the outcome of your objective and the resulting pleasure. Think about any alternatives that you can do to make it even better. Choose the best one of these.

If there is only one option, just do it “one step at a time". A friend would often remind me, “The difficult, we do now, the impossible just takes a little longer.

There is only this one single moment called NOW. Be happy and above all, “Love yourself” ‘cuz, my friend, that’s all YOU have.

Have a Great Day and thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts with you.

Using Affirmations as a Key to Achieve Self Improvement-Part 1 of 2 - What Is An Affirmation?

Good Morning and Welcome

What Is An Affirmation?

According to Wikipedia, an affirmation is a declaration that something is true.

The familiar phrase, “I am, therefore I exist,” is attributed to Descartes as affirming one’s existence as a being. It may be a simple phrase, but it says everything about the individual being who is saying them. It indicates a confidence not commonly found among other beings.

Affirmations in Vogue

While affirmations are used in prayer, the use of affirmations became more in vogue with the New Age Movement.

Affirmation is a combination of verbal and visual techniques that succinctly describes the desired state of mind of a person. Strong affirmations can be very powerful, and can be used by almost anyone to achieve his goals and fulfill his desires. However, the power of an affirmation is often limited by the ingrained belief held by the subconscious mind. Therein lies this challenge.

Affirmation, used in the manner, is an assertion made by a person, about something or about a state of being. A person can choose the desired goals he/she wishes to attain, like “I now have a good life.” Being healthy in mind, body, and spirit can also be made possible through affirmation.

Using Affirmations

Though challenging, the use of affirmations can be a very powerful way to empower one’s subconscious. Once the habits of the subconscious are disciplined to accept one’s affirmation as being true, the conscious mind reacts accordingly with the desired reactions. By using affirmations, one is often enabled to do, to work, and to strive for more things. Affirmations are ways to help people to believe in themselves and to put their thoughts into action.

Come back next week. Our article will outline some of the basic rules you need to follow in using affirmations.

Obstacles to Self Improvement-Part 6 of 6 - Pride

Good Morning and Welcome Back

Pride is a great obstacle to Self Improvement mainly because it is considered as one of the seven deadly sins. According to Wikipedia, "In Ancient Greece, instances of pride were termed hubris because of the added connotation that pride was a crime against the gods and would result in fatal retribution. The word was also used to describe those who considered themselves more important than the gods themselves."

I see pride as an important concept that is really being misused by our culture. I see it is being used as a psychological weapon to influence the masses into buying whatever ideas/things that are being "hawked " by the media; thereby, promoting "pride" as a status symbol of materialistic ownership.

This emotion grows/evolves into some of the other feelings that are part of pride such as: arrogance, judgmental, superior, unfeeling and vain. These are feelings of separateness. There are many historical incidents to support what eventually happens when pride consumes your psyche.

What is "Pride"? It is a verb frequently used in a reflexive sense of "congratulating oneself" [Online Etymology Dictionary @2010 Douglas Harper].

Using this context, taking pride in ones work and/or pride in ones accomplishments can be a good starting point in achieving self improvement. Not only have you done something that benefited you, you have given a unique and special gift, an example, to those around you. My first mentor always reminded me, "By example do we teach."

I also find inner peace through being grateful, not only for the opportunity and experience of learning/doing, but that I was able physically and mentally to meet and achieve my goals.

Take care!! Hope to see you next week with more insights in Self Improvement techniques that you can use.