The mind is an awesome and wonderful part of creation. Every day we use it: in our moving about, in a our daily plans, to learn, and to work. Not one day goes by without our using our minds. And yet in all this daily activity we can still see that some minds possess a sharpness about them that others do not. Why is this so? Is it because some are just born that way? Perhaps. But for many others it is because they set about the hard work of improving their minds and their character.
A hard chore indeed when we consider the many, varied ways in which one could improve their mind. The goals of improvement are many and the means to achieve those goals are considerably more. But if one were to take it slowly and realize that better thinking does not happen overnight, this, coupled with good discipline, would begin a journey that not only would sharpen the power of the mind, but improve the character and reputation of the person as well.
Yet having this mind set alone would accomplish very little unless acted upon. To achieve this sharpness of mind, I propose the following four areas for consideration:
1. To strengthen your concentration.
2. To improve your overall memory.
3. To learn to think logically.
4. How to speak effectively.
It has been said your mind is like a sun beam that, while beautiful, is scattered. But concentrate its light with a magnifying glass onto a single spot and you will ignite a fire. So it is with your concentration. Very little can deter the one who has such power of focus.
To focus on your work would greatly improve your accomplishments and give you more time for other things as well. This is not to say that it is wrong to let your mind wonder in times of relaxed or casual moments. But in times when focus is demanded, will your mind wonder about and accomplish nothing or will you bend its power to do many and greater things?
For a series of exercises designed to strengthen your concentration see the following article:
Improve you Memory
We have all had times of testing when the answer is on the tip of our tongue, but just can’t remember the answer and end up feeling sheepish. Improving your memory will not only help in such times, but accomplish many other goals as well, such as, better grades and less study time, memorizing longer pieces of literature and music, such as the book of Proverbs or the song for your recital, or the speech you have to give at your next gathering of peers.
Dynamic Memory and Study Skills Course, audio lectures by Brad Voeller
Memory Mechanics: How to Memorize Anything by Gary DeMar.
Think Logically
The gullible accomplish little, but to the one who thinks comes the power to change the course of history. History has taught us this and our admiration goes to these who contributed to the ideas of our culture. While not everyone can rise to such heights of admiration, those who think rightly will themselves contribute to the ideas that are good and true. For history has also taught us that ideas have consequences, and if we do not learn how to think rightly about ideas we must learn to accept the consequences that will come. This is the importance of thinking. This is also the danger. For all men think, but few think rightly.
Habits of the Mind by James Sire.
The fear of public speaking is regularly rated as one of the top fears in America today, even above the fear of death. Yet to speak effectively is a valuable tool, one that should be developed. You may never have to speak before an audience, yet even in conversation, speaking well will improve your status and people will greatly value your opinion.
Secrets of the Great Communicators
video course by Jeff Myers.
The Art of Public Speaking
by Pro. John R. Hale, from The Great Courses.
Keep in mind as you take this journey, sharpness of mind can improve your reputation or destroy it. To flaunt about these skills to prove yourself as better than others will only hurt you and all your work will be for little. But if you combine this skills with good character and moral fiber, not only will you make friends, but gain respect from others as well.
-- William U.
May there be a Road.
No comments:
Post a Comment