Self-Improvement Archives

Maxwell Maltz’s Psycho-Cybernetics—Book Overview

What is Maxwell Maltz’s Psycho-Cybernetics about? How can applying Maltz’s cybernetic principles help you reprogram your mind for success? In his book Psycho-Cybernetics, Maxwell Maltz explains how thinking of your mind as a machine can improve your self-image and dramatically increase your ability to feel successful and happy. Maltz argues that you can program your mind to achieve success and happiness in the same way that you’d program a machine to achieve certain goals. Below is a brief overview of his key ideas.

“How” and “Why” Questions: Which Are More Valuable?

Are “how” or “why” questions more valuable? Which one is more often used in the education system? Although asking both “how” and “why” questions is necessary, “why” questions are more important because they get the recipient thinking. “Why” questions are slow and difficult and increase one’s critical thinking skills. Sadly, they’re not asked enough in schools. Here’s why “why” questions are such valuable learning tools.

The 3 Levels of Engagement: Play, Test, and Practice

What are the three levels of engagement? Which level is the most effective for learning a skill? According to Angela Duckworth in Grit, the three levels of engagement are play, testing, and deliberate practice. Duckworth thought that deliberate practice was the only way to really improve at something, but many experts disagree and say that play and testing are just as important. Continue reading to learn more about the three levels of engagement, according to Angela Duckworth.

Habits of Success: Progress Slowly but Surely

Do your habits help or hinder your progress towards your goals? What are some things you could do on a consistent basis to get closer to your goal? A habit is an action repeated over time until it becomes automatic. Good habits that create your desired results are crucial for success because when completed consistently, they automatically get you closer to achieving your goals over time. In this article, we’ll explore the science of creating habits of success.

Analogical Thinking: Connecting the Unconnectable

What is analogical thinking? How can analogies be used to solve complex problems? In his book Range, David Epstein explains why analogical thinking is a valuable problem-solving tool. Using analogies can help you solve complex problems because it helps you make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Keep reading to learn how analogical thinking can help you yield new ideas by connecting the unconnectable.

How to Identify Your Circle of Competence

What is the meaning of a circle of competence? Why must you know what you are good at? Charlie Munger defines your circle of competence as an area of expertise that matches your skills and experience. It is the subject area you are good at. Knowing your area of expertise helps you recognize where your boundary is and avoid dabbling in ventures that will lead to failure. Read more about the importance of knowing your circle of competence.

Psycho-Cybernetics: Review, Context, Critical Reception

Is Maxwell Maltz’s Psycho-Cybernetics worth reading? How can applying Maxwell’s cybernetic principles help you realign your behavior for success? Psycho-Cybernetics is based on the theory that your mind functions according to cybernetic principles—you can program your mind to achieve success and happiness in the same way that you’d program a machine to achieve the results that you want. Maltz suggests a number of methods to help you to consciously: raise awareness of your current self-image, release your limitations, build your self-confidence, and increase your ability to achieve success. This Psycho-Cybernetics review covers the book’s context, background, and critical reception by

How to Program Your Mind for Success

Is it possible to condition yourself for success? How can you make yourself act in ways that are conducive to your goals? According to Maxwell Maltz, the author of Psycho-Cybernetics, your mind works similar to a machine. Therefore, he argues, you can program yourself to act in a goal-oriented way—the key is to learn to use your imagination constructively. In this article, we’ll explore how to program your mind for success, according to Maltz.

Expect the Best: Belief Unfolds Opportunity

Do you consider yourself an optimistic person? Do you always bank on the best possible outcome even if all odds are against you? The basic factor of succeeding in anything is learning to believe it’s possible. William James summed it up with this famous quote: “Our belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking is the one thing that ensures a successful outcome.” Here is how expecting the best can actually draw the best to you.

How to Plan Your Goals: The 2 Steps to Success

Do you want to know how to plan your goals and follow through? What do you think is the main obstacle? Most people have at least some idea of the goals they want to achieve. The challenge comes in creating a realistic and actionable plan on which they can follow through. In his book The Sligh Edge, Jeff Olson lays out a two-step process for planning your goals: 1) design a representation of your goal, and 2) create a blueprint for carrying it out. We’ll explore both of these principles below.