Psychoanalysis Defended and Critiqued

Sigmund Freud was dubbed "the central imagination of our age" by Harold Bloom, but his critics focus on his scientific pretensions. It is widely accepted that psychoanalysis is a system of ideas, even though some of its tenets are testable and have been experimentally tested and invariably found to be false or uncorroborated. Freud is also accused of generalizing his own perversions and reinterpreting his patients' memories to fit his preconceived notions of the unconscious. 

Feminists accuse Freud of casting women as "defective" (naturally castrated and inferior) men, and culture scholars mock and condemn his suffocating authoritarianism and frequent and convenient conceptual reversals. Psychologists are mocked for their profession's lack of rigor, its literary and artistic qualities, the lack of empirical support for its assertions and foundations, the ambiguity of its terminology and ontology, and the scorn of "proper" scientists in the field.

Psychological "theories" do not account for the world, and are more concerned with "healing" than with predictive feats. Therapies are concerned with function, order, form, and ritual, and the interaction between the patient and the therapist is a microcosm of society. Both psychological and scientific theories are products of their times, and are influenced by contemporary values, mores, events, and interpellations. 

Psychoanalysis was a Kuhnian paradigm shift when it was elaborated, and its failure to generate a wealth of testable hypotheses and account for neurology discoveries does not diminish its significance. In terms of their subject matter, physics, both relativity theories and string theories were and still are in the same position.

Karl Jaspers distinguished between the scientific activities of Erklaren and Verstehen in 1963. Psychoanalysis is a branch of psychology, not a theory, and is ambiguous and self-contained. It is based on circumstantial evidence and is supported by epistemic accounts, beginning with the master himself. The ambiguity of psychoanalysis is another barrier to establishing its scientific value, as it is unclear what constitutes a cause and what constitutes an effect. Juan Rivera is correct that Freud's claims about infantile life cannot be proven, and Grunbaum repeatedly asserts that the theory's etiological claims are epidemiologically untestable.

However, this misses the point and goal of psychoanalysis: to provide an organizing and comprehensive narrative of human psychological development that is non-tendentious and persuasive. It depends on whether we want to treat it as science or as an art form.

"In fact, I am not a scientist at all... By temperament, I am nothing more than a conquistador, an adventurer."

(Sigmund Freud, letter to Friedrich Fleiss, 1900)

"If you bring forth that which is in you, that which you bring forth will be your salvation".

(From St. Thomas' Gospel)

"No, our science is not a mirage. But it would be an illusion to believe that what science cannot provide us with cannot be obtained elsewhere."

"The Future of an Illusion" by Sigmund Freud

Freud was dubbed "the central imagination of our age" by Harold Bloom. It has long been established that psychoanalysis is not a scientific theory in the strictest, most rigorous sense of the term. However, the majority of Freud's critics (including Karl Popper, Adolf Grunbaum, Havelock Ellis, Malcolm Macmillan, and Frederick Crews) focus on his - long-debunked - scientific pretensions.

Today, it is widely accepted that psychoanalysis is a system of ideas, even though some of its tenets are testable and have been experimentally tested and invariably found to be false or uncorroborated. It is a cultural construct as well as a (possible) deconstruction of the human mind. Despite its aspirations, psychoanalysis is not and has never been a value-neutral physics or dynamics of the psyche.

Freud is also accused of generalizing his own perversions and reinterpreting his patients' memories to fit his preconceived notions of the unconscious. Psychoanalysis as a form of therapy has been chastised as a crude form of brainwashing in cult-like settings.

Feminists accuse Freud of casting women as "defective" (naturally castrated and inferior) men. Culture scholars reveal the Victorian and middle-class origins of his theories about suppressed sexuality. Historians mock and condemn his suffocating authoritarianism and frequent and convenient conceptual reversals.

Many of these diatribes would have been attributed by Freud to his critics' defense mechanisms. Projection, resistance, and displacement all appear to be important. Psychologists are mocked for their profession's lack of rigor, its literary and artistic qualities, the lack of empirical support for its assertions and foundations, the ambiguity of its terminology and ontology, the scorn of "proper" scientists in the "hard" disciplines, and the constraints imposed by their experimental subjects (humans). These are the very flaws that they attribute to psychoanalysis.

Indeed, psychological narratives, particularly psychoanalysis, are not "scientific theories" by any stretch of the imagination. They are also unlikely to become ones in the future. Instead, they are organizing principles, similar to myths, religions, and ideologies.

Psychological "theories" do not account for the world. They describe reality and give it "true", emotionally-resonant, heuristic, and hermeneutic meaning at best. They are more concerned with "healing" - the restoration of harmony among people and within them - than with predictive feats.

Therapies are more concerned with function, order, form, and ritual than with essence and replicable performance. The interaction between the patient and the therapist is a microcosm of society, encapsulating and reifying all other forms of social interaction. It is more structured, to be sure, and it is based on a body of knowledge gleaned from millions of similar encounters. Nonetheless, the therapeutic process is nothing more than a well-attested insightful and informed dialogue.

Both psychological and scientific theories are products of their times, offspring of the civilizations and societies from which they arose, context-dependent and culture-bound. As a result, their credibility and longevity are always in doubt. Contemporary values, mores, events, and interpellations influence both hard-edged scientists and thinkers in the "softer" disciplines.

The distinction between "proper" dynamics theories and psychodynamic theories is that the former asymptotically aspire to an objective "truth" "out there," whereas the latter emerge and emanate from an inner, introspective truth that is immediately familiar and serves as the bedrock of their speculations. Scientific theories, unlike psychological "theories," must be tested, falsified, and modified because their truth is not self-contained.

Nonetheless, psychoanalysis was a Kuhnian paradigm shift when it was elaborated. It completely and dramatically broke with the past. It created an abnormally large number of new, unsolved problems. It proposed new methodological procedures for accumulating empirical evidence (research strategies). It was established through observations (however scant and biased). In other words, it was experimental rather than theoretical. It served as a frame of reference, a conceptual sphere within which new ideas could emerge.

Its failure to generate a wealth of testable hypotheses and account for neurology discoveries does not diminish its significance. In terms of their subject matter, physics, both relativity theories and string theories were and still are in the same position.

Karl Jaspers distinguished between the scientific activities of Erklaren and Verstehen in 1963. Erklaren is about matching up causes and effects. Verstehen is the ability to grasp connections between events intuitively and non-causally. Psychoanalysis is about understanding, not explaining. It is a hypothetico-deductive method for gathering information about events in a person's life and generating insights about their relevance to his current state of mind and functioning.

So, is psychoanalysis a science, a pseudo-science, or something else entirely?

Psychoanalysis is a branch of psychology, not a theory. It's full of neologisms and formalism, but it, like Quantum Mechanics, has many incompatible interpretations. As a result, it is ambiguous and self-contained (recursive). Psychoanalysis determines which hypotheses can be tested and what constitutes its own falsification. In other words, it is a meta-theory in psychology: a theory about generating theories.

Furthermore, psychoanalysis theory is frequently confused with psychoanalysis therapy. Conclusively demonstrating that the therapy works does not establish the veridicality, historicity, or even usefulness of the theory's conceptual edifice. Furthermore, therapeutic techniques evolve much faster and more significantly than the theories that ostensibly yield them. They are "moving targets" that self-modify, rather than rigid and replicable procedures and rituals.

The ambiguity of psychoanalysis is another barrier to establishing its scientific value. It is unclear, for example, what constitutes a cause in psychoanalysis - and what constitutes an effect.

Consider the unconscious critical construct. Is it responsible for our behavior, conscious thoughts, and emotions? Is there a "ratio" (explanation) provided? Or are they simply manifestations of inexorable underlying processes? Even these fundamental questions are not addressed in classic (Freudian) psychoanalytic theory. So much for claiming to be a scientific endeavor.

Psychoanalysis is based on circumstantial evidence and is supported by epistemic accounts, beginning with the master himself. It relies on common sense and prior experience. It makes statements like, "given X, Y, and Z reported by the patient, doesn't it stand to (everyday) reason that A caused X?" or "We already know that B causes M, that M is similar to X, and that B is similar to A. Isn't it reasonable to believe that A is the cause of X? ".

Later in therapy, the patient confirms these insights by feeling "right" and "correct," that they are epiphanous and revelatory, that they have retrodictive and predictive powers, and by reporting his reactions to the therapist-interpreter. This acclaim confirms the narrative's probative value as a basic (if not primitive) form of explanation that provides a time frame, a coincidental pattern, and sets of teleological aims, ideas, and values.

Juan Rivera is correct that Freud's claims about infantile life cannot be proven, even with a Gedankenexperimental film camera, as suggested by Robert Vaelder. It is also true, as Grunbaum repeatedly asserts, that the theory's etiological claims are epidemiologically untestable. However, these failures miss the point and goal of psychoanalysis: to provide an organizing and comprehensive narrative of human psychological development that is non-tendentious and persuasive.

Should such a story be testable and falsifiable, or should it be rejected (as the Logical Positivists insist)?

It depends on whether we want to treat it as science or as an art form. This is the circularity of the anti-psychoanalysis arguments. If Freud's work is regarded as the modern equivalent of myth, religion, or literature, it does not need to be tested to be considered "true" in the most profound sense. After all, how much of nineteenth-century science has survived to this day?

Characteristics of Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are characterized by persistent, unwavering, obstinate, and insistent behavior. They are self-centered, preoccupied with themselves, repetitive, and boring. They seek to manipulate and exploit others, have a diminished capacity to love or intimately share, have poor social skills, and are emotionally unstable. They are characterized by rigid and persistent patterns of traits, emotions, and cognitions that are stable and all-encompassing rather than episodic. Personality disorders contribute to unhappiness and are often associated with mood and anxiety disorders.

The majority of patients are ego-dystonic and dislike and resent who they are, how they act, and the harmful and destructive effects they have on those close to them. They have alloplastic defenses and an external locus of control, leading to paranoid persecutory delusions and anxieties. Cluster B personality disorders (Narcissistic, Antisocial, Borderline, and Histrionic) are mostly ego-syntonic, despite significant character and behavioral deficits, emotional deficiencies and lability, and wasted lives and squandered potentials. 

There is a distinct difference between patients with personality disorders and those with psychoses, with the former suffering from no hallucinations, delusions, or thought disorders. Patients with personality disorders are also fully oriented, with clear senses, good memory, and a sufficient general knowledge fund.

Psychology is an art form rather than a science. There is no "Theory of Everything" from which all mental health phenomena can be derived and falsifiable predictions can be made. Nonetheless, common characteristics of personality disorders can be identified. Most personality disorders share a set of symptoms and signs (as reported by the patient) (as observed by the mental health practitioner).

Patients with personality disorders have the following characteristics in common:

They are persistent, unwavering, obstinate, and insistent (except those suffering from the Schizoid or the Avoidant Personality Disorders).

They believe they are entitled to, and vocally demand, preferential treatment and access to resources and personnel. They frequently complain of multiple symptoms. They engage in "power struggles" with authority figures (such as physicians, therapists, nurses, social workers, bosses, and bureaucrats) and rarely obey orders or follow rules of conduct and procedure.

They believe they are superior to others or, at the very least, unique. Many personality disorders are characterized by exaggerated self-esteem and grandiosity. Such people are incapable of feeling empathy (the ability to appreciate and respect the needs and wishes of other people). They alienate the physician or therapist in therapy or medical treatment by treating her as inferior to them.

Patients with personality disorders are self-centered, preoccupied with themselves, repetitive, and thus boring.

Personality disordered individuals seek to manipulate and exploit others. Because they do not trust or love themselves, they have a diminished capacity to love or intimately share. They have poor social skills and are emotionally unstable.

Nobody knows whether personality disorders are the tragic result of nature or the sad result of the patient's environment's lack of nurturing.

However, most personality disorders begin as problems in personal development in childhood and early adolescence. They become full-fledged dysfunctions after being exasperated by repeated abuse and rejection. Personality disorders are characterized by rigid and persistent patterns of traits, emotions, and cognitions. In other words, they rarely "evolve" and are stable and all-encompassing rather than episodic. By "all-pervasive," I mean that they have an impact on every aspect of the patient's life: his career, interpersonal relationships, and social functioning.

Personality disorders contribute to unhappiness and are frequently associated with mood and anxiety disorders. The majority of patients are ego-dystonic (except narcissists and psychopaths). They dislike and resent who they are, how they act, and the harmful and destructive effects they have on those close to them. Nonetheless, personality disorders are large-scale defense mechanisms. As a result, few patients with personality disorders are truly self-aware or capable of life-changing introspection.

Patients with personality disorder frequently have a slew of other psychiatric issues (example: depressive illnesses, or obsessions-compulsions). They are exhausted by the need to control their destructive and self-defeating impulses.

Personality disorder patients have alloplastic defenses and an external locus of control. To put it another way, rather than accepting responsibility for the consequences of their actions, they tend to blame others or the outside world for their misfortune, failures, and circumstances. As a result, they succumb to paranoid persecutory delusions and anxieties. When they are stressed, they attempt to anticipate (real or imagined) threats by changing the rules of the game, introducing new variables, or manipulating their environment to conform to their needs. They regard everyone and everything as mere means to an end.

Patients with Cluster B personality disorders (Narcissistic, Antisocial, Borderline, and Histrionic) are mostly ego-syntonic, despite significant character and behavioral deficits, emotional deficiencies and lability, and vastly wasted lives and squandered potentials. On the whole, such patients do not find their personality traits or behavior objectionable, unacceptable, disagreeable, or alien to themselves.

There is a distinct difference between patients with personality disorders and those with psychoses (schizophrenia-paranoia and the like). Unlike the latter, the former suffer from no hallucinations, delusions, or thought disorders. Subjects with Borderline Personality Disorder, on the other hand, experience brief psychotic "microepisodes," usually during treatment. Patients with personality disorders are also fully oriented, with clear senses (sensorium), good memory, and a sufficient general knowledge fund.

Commit to Happiness

Make a personal commitment to be happy no matter what life throws at you. It is up to you to decide whether to wallow in despair or move on. The thought of receiving similarly kind and affectionate responses should not motivate one's friendly and caring behavior toward others. People have the freedom to act in whatever way they see fit, but they must accept responsibility for their own actions and not wallow in self-pity. 

There are numerous reasons to be thankful and others will like you based on who you are. Punishment and revenge provide no satisfaction, and in order to be happy, we must not be overly concerned with others.

Why not make a personal commitment today to be happy no matter what life throws at you? You must admit that you have no control over far too many things. The only thing you can do is stop letting them scuff your spirit.

Others cannot take your happiness away from you. It's something you'd have to dispose of on your own.

There will be times when things do not go exactly as planned. Your coworker's best friend may turn out to be a power-hungry corporate animal who backstabs you at every turn. Someone else may get the promotion you worked so hard for. Your partner could decide to leave me the day before we're supposed to go on vacation together. A market crash could cause you to lose the majority of your savings.

These are the kinds of things that can happen to even the most loving, compassionate, cautious, and reasonable person. However, after the initial pain and shock, the choice of whether or not to wallow in despair is entirely up to you. You can allow misfortune to consume the majority of your life, or you can choose to leave the past behind and move on.

The thought of receiving similarly kind and affectionate responses should not motivate one's friendly and caring behavior toward others. You know yourself best, and no matter how reasonably and responsibly you live your life, there will be people who do not agree with you or share your motivations.

People have the freedom to act in whatever way they see fit. I don't have the authority to decide whether or not their behavior is acceptable. They, like you, must accept responsibility for their own actions. By wallowing in self-pity, you are simply carrying on the work for them long after they have dealt their blow. You must decide that you will not allow these people to disturb your mind in any way.

There are numerous reasons to be thankful. There are still unexplored experiences that can provide enrichment and meaning. Others will like you because of who you are, not because of who you are. You are denying yourself the satisfaction of enjoying what this life has to offer if you spend your time being resentful and unhappy.

There are enough unhappy people in the world who constantly punish themselves and others in an attempt to find redress and compensation. However, retaliation and revenge provide no satisfaction. It's a waste of both time and energy.

"In order to be happy, we must not be overly concerned with others."

Personality Disorders in the Cluster B

Personality Disorders in the Cluster B. The DSM-IV-TR (2000) defines Personality Disorders in the Cluster BA as an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates from the expectations of the culture. There are ten distinct personality disorders in the DSM (Paranoid, Schizotypal, Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-compulsive) and one catch-all category, Personality Disorders NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). Clusters are not valid theoretical constructs and have never been rigorously tested or verified. Cluster B includes Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Histrionic Personality Disorder, and Schizotypal Personality Disorder. Borderline is characterized by emotional lability, self-image is volatile, self-worth is erratic, affect is unpredictable, and impulse control is impaired.

Narcissistic and Antisocial are characterized by fantasies of grandiosity, brilliance, perfection, and power. Histrionic is characterized by a desire for attention, but it is usually limited to sexual conquests and displays of the histrionic's ability to seduce others.

A personality disorder is defined as "an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individuals culture (and is manifested in two or more of his or her areas of mental life:) cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning, or impulse control," according to the DSM-IV-TR (2000).

A pattern like this is rigid, long-term (stable), and recurring. It appears in all aspects of life (it is pervasive). It is not the result of substance abuse or a medical condition (such as head trauma). It makes the subject dysfunctional "in social, occupational, or other important areas," causing distress.

There are ten distinct personality disorders in the DSM (Paranoid, Schizotypal, Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-compulsive) and one catch-all category, Personality Disorders NOS (Not Otherwise Specified).

Personality disorders that share significant similarities are classified as clusters.

The Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders are all part of Cluster A (the Odd or Eccentric Cluster).

Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders are included in Cluster B (the Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Cluster).

Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-compulsive Personality Disorders are all included in Cluster C (the Anxious or Fearful Cluster).

The Clusters are not valid theoretical constructs and have never been rigorously tested or verified. They are merely a convenient shorthand and thus provide little additional insight into the personality disorders that comprise them.

We begin our tour with Cluster B because the personality disorders it contains are common. You are far more likely to have encountered a Borderline, a Narcissist, or a Psychopath than a Schizotypal.

First, a summary of Cluster B:

Instability characterizes Borderline Personality Disorder. The patient is an emotional roller coaster (this is called emotional lability). She (the majority of Borderlines are women) struggles to maintain stable relationships and dramatically attaches to, clings to, and violently detaches from an apparently endless stream of lovers, spouses, intimate partners, and friends. Self-image is volatile, self-worth is erratic and precarious, affect is unpredictable and inappropriate, and impulse control is impaired (the patient's frustration threshold is low).

The Antisocial Personality Disorder is characterized by a contemptuous attitude toward others. The psychopath disregards or actively violates the rights, choices, wishes, preferences, and emotions of others.

The Narcissistic Personality Disorder is built on fantasies of grandiosity, brilliance, perfection, and power (omnipotence). The narcissist lacks empathy, is exploitative, and obsessively seeks narcissistic supply (attention, admiration, adulation, fear, etc.) to bolster his False Self - a fabricated "person" aimed at inspiring awe and extracting compliance and subservience from others.

Finally, the Histrionic Personality Disorder is characterized by a desire for attention, but it is usually limited to sexual conquests and displays of the histrionic's ability to irresistibly seduce others.

Characteristics of Soul

 

The most important details in this text are the three elements of a flower: the surface, the root, and the flower spirit. The surface is nurtured, protected, and born from the ground, while the root grows from the ground up and into the sky above. The root is the plant's connecting feature, and the root is our singular ability to live and grow in ways that no one else has, is, or will ever be able to. The flower spirit is the radiance and color that it emits, which can be felt when looking at a flower. A flower's spirit is the life force that flows within and through it, and it is the essence of a flower that corresponds to your spirit.

Take the time each spring to notice how a part of you is opening up to new life, and cultivate these inner qualities of attention until they take root and flourish in our daily lives. We create a presence of awareness by opening like the pedals of a flower to the world around us, and the beauty or lack thereof in full bloom touches the lives of everyone around us.My children remind me of the joy of anticipating new life at the start of spring.

They will usually see a flower or two that has made its way through the soil to another world. Nature's ability to evolve transforms what begins as a seedling or bulb.

An awareness, an identity, and the ability to grow beyond what we appear to be lie dormant within each of us. Every moment, we are challenged by others and circumstances to create a life that is greater than our current state of living.

Moving toward our highest good necessitates our willingness to let go of what we know in favor of what can be known in and through us. You and I are a part of the Created Order that we see around us, and we are participants in Creating Order from what we have been given to care for.

With this in mind, consider how our soul can be described in terms of the characteristics of a flower:

1. The Surface.

A flower is nurtured, protected, and born from the ground. Long before we can see it, life is taking root inside the earth's womb. Because we can't see a flower that has been planted in the ground, it doesn't mean that no life is being created. To be fully connected and rooted in the world we have been given, we must be full participants in it.

2. The root.

The stem grows from the ground up and into the sky above. This part of the flower serves as the plant's connecting feature. We exist in this world but are not fully a part of it, much like humanity. This gives our lives a sense of sacredness. It is our singular ability to live and grow in ways that no one else has, is, or will ever be able to.

The third element is the flower.

A flower in full bloom illuminates all the life that has come before it. Life is created by the radiance and color that it emits. Take note of how you feel when you look at a flower the next time you see one. You may feel your heart open and fill with joy. Alternatively, you may notice increased energy and clarity in your vision as a result of being blessed with great beauty.

4. The Flower Spirit.

A flower's spirit is the life force that flows within and through it. It is the essence of a flower that corresponds to your spirit. This part of you opens from within and merges with the spirit of a flower. It is the same energy that flows through you. You begin, like a flower, to radiate your own soul from the essence of your own being.

Take the time each spring to notice how a part of you is opening up to new life. We grow from the inside out, just like flowers. What shines in our lives began within us. We cultivate these inner qualities of attention until they take root and flourish in our daily lives. What we attend to or hold our attention on within us creates the growth that follows.

We create a presence of awareness by opening like the pedals of a flower to the world around us. The beauty or lack thereof in full bloom touches the lives of everyone around us. The world illuminates the seeds of awareness that have been contained within us for so long as our inner patterns of attention move through us. A life is born here. It is our soul's life.

Can't Give Up Gambling? Don't put your money on it

Some people who are obsessed with gambling may put more than money at risk. They could be jeopardizing their health, happiness, and the welfare of their family.

According to experts, problem gambling is defined as gambling behavior that causes a disruption in any major area of a person's life. It is estimated that 2 to 3% of the US population has a gambling problem. It can strike men and women of any age, race, or religion, regardless of social standing.

Some of the warning signs to look out for are:

Compulsively gambling and unable to stop

Gambling to recoup your losses

Lying to conceal gambling time or unpaid debts.

Fortunately, an organization is working to make assistance available. The National Council on Problem Gambling is the national advocate for problem gambling programs and services for problem gamblers and their families.

Its mission is to raise public awareness of pathological gambling and to ensure that treatment for problem gamblers and their families is widely available. It also runs the Problem Gambling Helpline Network, which provides a nationwide resource link.

"A problem gambler does not need to wait until they've 'hit rock bottom' before seeking help," says Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. "Anyone can call our Helpline. When their problem becomes your problem, you can call the Helpline to find out what resources are available."

One self-described problem gambler who sought assistance from the Helpline described its services as invaluable. Sandy Yakim, a 55-year-old teacher whose gambling increased following a series of personal setbacks, said the Helpline provided her with emotional support as well as information, counseling, and advice on how to get help.

Yakim stated, "I've been sober for over a year now. My savings account is funded. I can do some shopping. Life is good, I'm happy, and I've rediscovered my joy. The Helpline is extremely useful. They offer a shoulder to cry on, but more importantly, they offer advice on how to get help."

Can a Dream Predict the Future?

Since the first dreamer awoke and wondered what their visions meant, humanity has been fascinated by dreams. All we have to do is pay attention to and get to know our dreams. Dreams can provide us with insight and comprehension into our personal lives. They can also contain messages about the future. When we have a dream that we believe is prophetic or has a "meaning," we face the difficult task of interpreting what the dream means.

Dream symbols frequently have very specific meanings, but these meanings can vary greatly from person to person. To comprehend the significance of the symbols in our own dreams, we must first gain a better understanding of ourselves.

A lot has been written about dreams and their meanings or purposes. Since the first dreamer awoke and wondered what their visions meant, humanity has been fascinated by dreams. We have looked to our dreams for signs of what our future holds since ancient times. The first written dreams that we know of date back to 4000 BC. The earliest texts on dreams that we have are primarily texts on their religious and spiritual significance.

Most people will sleep for roughly one-third of their lives. Our dreams are a real part of who we are, but they are often ignored. Dreams can provide us with insight and comprehension into our personal lives. They will assist us in comprehending our past, present, and sometimes future. All we have to do is pay attention to and get to know our dreams.

Dreams can contain messages about the future.

We all have different kinds of dreams. Our dreams frequently contain imagery from our most pressing thoughts and/or personal experiences. Our dreams, on the other hand, can be unique at times. If we let them, our dreams can communicate with us. All we have to do is listen.

There are two kinds of prophetic dreams, in my opinion.

Those that come from our "deeper" self, who is far more aware of certain things than we are on a conscious level, and those that may have come from a "outside" source.

Here's an example from one of my own dreams:

I had a dream about dying. The only thing I remembered from the dream was seeing a hand laying in gravel. The ring on the hand was the most noticeable feature. It was my engagement ring. Without a doubt, I recognized it. Despite the fact that this was the only image I could recall from the nightmare, I knew it was about a death. When I awoke, I could feel it strongly. I'd almost forgotten about the dream's events, but the emotions lingered.

The ring was an Army Boot Camp ring designed to look like a class ring. I never wore it again after having the dream. I eventually sold it to a friend who had gone to the same boot camp as me. A few years later, I got a phone call. My friend had been killed. He was discovered laying in the dirt and rocks with that ring on his hand.

Did my dream foretell this event? It's a possibility, in my opinion. What was the dream attempting to convey to me? I assumed the dream was about my demise. I also assumed that the ring was somehow involved in my death. I stopped wearing the ring as if it would prevent the predicted death. Maybe the dream was just telling me that my friend would die with that ring on his finger.

When we have a dream that we believe is prophetic or has a "meaning," we face the difficult task of interpreting what the dream means. Dream symbols frequently have very specific meanings, but these meanings can vary greatly from person to person. That is why we should not rely too heavily on definitions found in Dream Symbol Dictionaries.

To comprehend the significance of the symbols in our own dreams, we must first gain a better and deeper understanding of ourselves. We must learn to understand what these symbols mean to us because that is how our dreaming mind perceives them.

A symbol can be anything in your dream. A snake is an example of a dream symbol. To different people, a snake can mean many different things. They, like all other dream symbols, can have different meanings for different people at different times in their lives. You must also consider the symbol in the context in which it appeared. What other symbols did you see in your dream?

Creating your own dream symbol dictionary is the best way to gain a better understanding of what your dream symbols mean to you. Keep a dream journal as detailed as possible. Not only should you write down a narrative of what happened, but you should also record your feelings and emotions. As you continue to write in your journal and re-read previous entries, you will notice parallels between your dreams and your life. You will gradually be able to recognize what the symbols in your dreams are trying to tell you.

Personality Disorder Axes

Personality disorders are just the tip of the iceberg. They are built on a foundation of causes and effects, interactions and events, emotions and cognitions, functions and dysfunctions. The DSM analyzes, classifies, and describes these data using five axes. The DSM acknowledges that the clinician's first impression of the patient is at least as important as any "objective" data gathered during the evaluation phase. The diagnostician's assessment of "the individual's overall level of functioning" is fraught with ambiguity and bias.

Personality disorders are just the tip of the iceberg. They are built on a foundation of causes and effects, interactions and events, emotions and cognitions, functions and dysfunctions that all contribute to the patient's identity.

The DSM analyzes, classifies, and describes these data using five axes. The patient (or subject) presents himself to a mental health diagnostician, who evaluates him, administers tests, fills out questionnaires, and renders a diagnosis. The diagnostician employs the DSM's five axes to "make sense" and meaningfully organize the data gathered during this process.

Axis I insist on him naming all of the patient's clinical mental health issues that aren't personality disorders or mental retardation. Thus, Axis I includes issues that are first diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adolescence; cognitive problems (e.g., delirium, dementia, amnesia); mental disorders caused by a medical condition (for example, dysfunctions caused by brain injury or metabolic diseases); substance-related disorders; schizophrenia and psychosis; mood disorders; anxiety and panic; somatoform disorders; factitious disorders; dissociative disorders; sexual paraphilias; eating disorders;

In the following articles, we will go over Axis II in depth. It includes personality disorders as well as mental retardation (an intriguing combination!).

Axis III is used to record medical conditions that affect the patient's mental health and state of mind. Some psychological problems are caused directly by medical issues (hyperthyroidism causes depression). In other cases, the latter coexist with or aggravate the former. Almost all biological illnesses can alter a patient's psychological makeup, behavior, cognitive functioning, and emotional landscape.

However, the machinery of life - both body and "soul" - is both reactive and proactive. It is influenced by one's psychosocial situation and environment. Life crises, stresses, deficiencies, and insufficient support all work together to destabilize and, if severe enough, ruin one's mental health. Death in the family or of a close friend; health problems; divorce; remarriage; abuse; doting or smothering parenting; neglect; sibling rivalry; social isolation; discrimination; life cycle transition (such as retirement); unemployment; workplace bullying; housing or economic problems; limited or no access to health care services; incarceration or litigation; traum

Finally, the DSM acknowledges that the clinician's first impression of the patient is at least as important as any "objective" data gathered during the evaluation phase. Axis V allows the diagnostician to record his judgment of "the individual's overall level of functioning". This is, admittedly, a broad mandate fraught with ambiguity and bias. The DSM recommends that mental health professionals use the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale to mitigate these risks. Simply administering this structured test forces the diagnostician to rigorously formulate his views and to eliminate cultural and social prejudices.

The therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker now has a complete picture of the subject's life, personal history, medical background, environment, and psyche after going through this lengthy and complicated process. She is now ready to proceed with the formal diagnosis of a personality disorder, with or without co-morbid (concurrent) conditions.

But, what exactly is a personality disorder? There are so many of them, and they all seem to us to be either similar or dissimilar! What are the strands that connect them? What characteristics are shared by all personality disorders?

Do You Have Mind Control? So why not?

Do You Have Mind Control? So why not?.Everything you do could be a response that perfectly fits into someone else's plans. Advertisers, politicians, spouses, and other manipulators use fear, anger, threats, and frustration to gain control of you. The solution is to do something deliberate and positive that is NOT a reaction to the outside environment. "Perfected Mind Control - The Unauthorized Black Book of Hypnotic Mind Control" is not about evil and control, but rather about personal liberation. Throughout the book, I encourage the reader to practice the hypnotic processes on themselves first in order to fully grasp the power.

How can you tell if you're being controlled by your mind?

It's an intriguing question that you can ask at a party or among your friends.

The truth is that you don't know. In fact, everything you do could be a response that perfectly fits into someone else's plans.

If you accept that possibility, you could simply give up and accept the fact that YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ANYTHING, but there is a better option.

It's as simple as asking yourself, "Am I acting or reacting?"

If you are reacting, you are responding to something outside of your control and attempting to regain control, which could be a sign of mind control.

Nobody enjoys feeling powerless and out of control.

What is the solution? To do something deliberate and positive that is NOT a reaction to the outside environment.

I emphasize the word "positive" because an intentional negative/destructive act must act on or destroy something that already exists. It is something to which you are responding.

This is much more difficult than it appears because it necessitates four qualities that most "sheeple" find difficult to implement. They are as follows:

1) Considered.

In general, people dislike thinking. That is why we have an unconscious (reactive) mind, which performs the majority of our actions for us. Most of us rely on it excessively or incorrectly, allowing it to dictate our every move by allowing our emotions to guide us. Advertisers, politicians, spouses, and other manipulators are well aware of this and frequently use fear, anger, threats, and frustration to gain control of you. Thought necessitates determining what your best emotional response would be.

2) Originality.

Creativity can be difficult because it necessitates action that is unrelated to any external stimulus. This, of course, requires thought, but one can train their unconscious mind and themselves to be extremely creative. Consider what Salvador Dali was capable of. Nothing he did in the field of art could be easily compared to anything that came before him. The same could be said for his life.

3) Take action.

It takes effort to take action. People (sheeple?) prefer to react rather than act in order to conserve energy. What they don't realize is that taking creative action in the way described generates energy. To return to Salvidor Dali, his life was FULL of energy that he created. When his peers in the highbrow field of art attempted to control him, he would respond by creating a new form of performance art. In doing so, he would perplex those attempting to influence him while entertaining everyone else.

4) Bravery.

What is the point of bravery? Because when people realize they can't control you through fear and anger, they will escalate their efforts through threats and possibly violence.

It is not easy to break free from any form of mind control. But nothing so satisfying comes easily.

When I wrote "Perfected Mind Control - The Unauthorized Black Book of Hypnotic Mind Control," I wanted to appeal to people's most primal desires for control while also transforming the entire process into one of creating greater freedom, flexibility, and joy. Throughout the book, I encourage the reader to practice the hypnotic processes on themselves first in order to fully grasp the power.

Any wise person would realize that "Perfected Mind Control - The Unauthorized Black Book of Hypnotic Mind Control" is not about evil and control, but rather about personal liberation.

Are you afraid of dying?

Are you afraid of dying?. The majority of scholars believe fear is the most common reaction to death. Indifference was the word mentioned only once in a student's term paper outline. Those who have not completed all of their goals believe they should live until they have done so. Psychology is interested in people's motivations for their actions. Suicide is a sign of a very weak personality and should be closely monitored by family and friends.

When a person is trapped in a corner with no way out, he or she can give up and leave this world. Suicide is a terrible sin and no one has the right to commit it.

In your spare time, you relax in your armchair and read an exciting book. The clock abruptly strikes ten, and you carefully listen to each one. It appears that the last seconds of your life are passing you by, and a strange feeling appears deep within your gutter, but you are unable to define what it is. When you think of death, you get this feeling. So, what exactly is the truth? What do you think about the eventuality of that moment?

Many studies in psychology have been conducted to determine the most common reaction to death. The majority of scholars believe it is fear. Another emotion was mentioned only once in a student's term paper outline. Indifference was the word. We can figure out what causes the emotion. It certainly depends on a person's personality and outlook. Those who have not completed all of their goals believe that they should live until they have completed all of their goals in this life. When people imagine how they will die, they become afraid of death. Is it going to hurt? How will I react? They are outsiders because they are convinced that communication will bring them a slew of severe maladies, so they isolate themselves in their own little worlds. Love can also play a role. You will not agree to shorten your life if you know there is someone who loves you more than anything else and will not agree to leave you. Finally, a couple of factors can be found in those who are willing to die and desperately want it to happen quickly. This is also a good topic for a term paper. Psychology is very interested in people's motivations for their actions.

Why are people ready to bid farewell to life? There are several reasons for this. If a person is tragically unhappy and finds nothing in his or her life to satisfy him or her, he or she will commit suicide. This is a sign of a very weak personality, and if discovered, they should be closely monitored by family and friends. Because of extreme circumstances, a person may decide to commit suicide. When a person is trapped in a corner with no way out, he or she can give up and leave this world because the situation is unbearable. When a person has suffered a significant loss, he or she is also ready to commit suicide. This is the simplest way for them to end the pain inside and rejoin whomever they have lost. People who are mentally ill can also commit suicide. They don't consider what they leave behind because their brain functions are disrupted. They decide to relieve themselves of the misery their ill mind creates when they have a clear conscience. Those who already know they don't have much time left may have suicidal thoughts, though some may value every second left over anything a normal human can imagine. Suicide is a terrible sin, and no one has the right to commit it, because we were given a life and are not to waste it, even if difficulties arise. Those who are brave, open-hearted, and successful are not afraid to look her in the eyes and are always ready to do so. Those who do not think about it are indifferent, while those who are stressed and constantly think about it will eventually become afraid. It is better to accept the future rather than try to deceive yourself. You will perish one day. Isn't it preferable to die happy?

An Overview Of Hypnosis

Hypnosis involves two people - the subject and the hypnotist. The hypnotist induces the subject into a trance-like state and attempts to elicit a response from her. Some argue that hypnosis cannot be used on people who have a strong will. Proponents of hypnosis claim that people with strong willpower make excellent subjects.

Hypnosis is a state of mind in which an individual's thoughts and behavior are controlled. Hypnosis involves two people: the person being treated is known as the subject, and the person conducting the experiment is known as the hypnotist. The hypnotist induces the subject into a trance-like state and attempts to elicit a response from her. Hypnosis is one of the most contentious disciplines in the world. There are numerous theories associated with this field of study. The basic debate revolves around the state aspect - one school of thought contends that hypnosis is a state of mind, while the other contends that it is not.

According to state theory practitioners, the mind can be transformed into a different setting. In other words, the practitioner can transport the subject's mind to another plane and control it. According to non-state theory, hypnosis can be observed as a culmination of focus or attention and does not always result in the transformation of the mind to another state. However, knowing that hypnosis is a process of induction and observation of the effects is sufficient.

There are numerous myths and misconceptions about hypnosis. Some argue that hypnosis cannot be used on people who have a strong will. Proponents of hypnosis disagree, claiming that people with strong willpower make excellent subjects. This is due to their higher level of intelligence.

Lot of research has been done on hypnosis. This scientific research stems from psychological research. Hypnosis is frequently regarded as a subfield of psychology. Scientists have been trying to figure out the best way to hypnotize someone. Some have succeeded using words, while others have used triggers such as a clock or a pendulum.

Hypnosis is being used to treat patients in a variety of settings. One such discipline is hypnotherapy. Some practitioners use this technique to help patients with psychological issues. Another application of hypnosis is clinical hypnosis.

Physical and mental illnesses, according to clinical hypnosis practitioners, can be treated and cured with the help of clinical hypnosis. Mass hypnosis is used for religious ceremonies or magic shows. Forensic hypnosis is hypnosis used in forensic science. It is not only used in procedures, but it is also legally recognized.

A Brief History of Hypnosis

Evidence of hypnotic-like phenomena seems in lots of historic cultures. The author of Genesis appears acquainted with the anaesthetic energy of hypnosis while he reviews that God positioned Adam "right into a deep sleep" to take his rib to shape Eve. Other historic information advocate hypnosis became utilized by the oracle at Delphi and in rites in historic Egypt (Hughes and Rothovius, 1996). The current records of hypnosis starts withinside the overdue 1700s, while a French health practitioner, Anton Mesmer, revived an hobby in hypnosis.

1734-1815 Franz Anton Mesmer became born in Vienna. Mesmer is taken into consideration the daddy of hypnosis. He is remembered for the time period mesmerism which defined a procedure of inducing trance thru a chain of passes he made together along with his palms and/or magnets over people. He labored with a person`s animal magnetism (psychic and electromagnetic energies). 

The scientific network finally discredited him notwithstanding his substantial fulfillment treating loads of ailments. His successes angry the scientific established order of the time, who organized for an legit French authorities investigating committee. This committee blanketed Benjamin Franklin, then the American ambassador to France, and Joseph Guillotine, a French health practitioner who added a never-fail tool for bodily setting apart the thoughts from the relaxation of the body.

1795-1860 James Braid, an English health practitioner, at first against mesmerism (because it had emerge as known) who ultimately have become interested. He stated that treatments have been now no longer because of animal magnetism however, they have been because of suggestion. He evolved the attention fixation technique (additionally called Braidism) of inducing rest and known as it hypnosis (after Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep) as he notion the phenomena became a shape of sleep. 

Later, realising his error, he attempted to extrade the call to monoeidism (which means impact of a unmarried idea)however, the authentic call stuck. 1825-1893 Jean Marie Charcot a French neurologist,disagreed with the Nancy School of Hypnotism and contended that hypnosis became definitely a manifestation of hysteria. There became sour competition among Charcot and the Nancy group (Liebault and Bernheim). He revived Mesmer`s idea of Animal Magnetism and recognized the 3 degrees of trance; lethargy, catalepsy and somnambulism.

1845-1947 Pierre Janet became a French neurologist and psychologist who became first of all against using hypnosis till he located its enjoyable outcomes and merchandising of healing. Janet became one of the few folks that persevered to expose an hobby in hypnosis all through the psychoanalytical rage.

1849-1936 Ivan Petrovich Pavlov - Russian psychologist who really became extra targeted at the have a look at of the digestive procedure. He is understood usually for his improvement of the idea of the conditioned reflex (or Stimulus Response Theory). In his conventional experiment, he educated hungry puppies to salivate on the sound of a bell, which became formerly related to the sight of food. He became offered the Nobel Prize for Physiology in 1904 for his paintings on digestive secretions. Though he had not anything to do with hypnosis, his Stimulus Response Theory is a cornerstone in linking and anchoring behaviours, especially in NLP.

6 Ways to Overcome Shyness and Increase Your Confidence

Motivation is the driving force behind positive life changes. Here are 5 top tips to help you boost your motivation. Make a vision board and fill it with images of your desired outcomes. Get angry about where you are now if you want to change your life for the better. Time is one of your most valuable resources, and it is also a non-renewable resource.

If you want to effect change, you will need to invest a significant amount of time. You have valuable time that you can put to better use by investing in yourself. Are you a shy person? Do you have trouble dealing with people or situations? Then I've got some good news for you.

You don't have to be shy and you shouldn't be insecure. There are a few techniques that anyone can use to overcome shyness and gain confidence. If you are having trouble hearing, say so and move so that you can hear. Participate in activities that make you feel excited and good about yourself. Learn to play or master a musical instrument, or take singing lessons. Exploring things that excite you is an excellent antidote to shyness. 

Are you a shy person? Do you have trouble dealing with people or situations? Then I've got some good news for you. You don't have to be shy, and you shouldn't be insecure and fearful of being judged with every step you take.

Winning the battle against shyness requires practice, but the end result is increased confidence and self-esteem. Wake up feeling good about yourself, ready to face the world with confidence and security, knowing that no amount of shyness can prevent you from achieving your goals.

There are hundreds of books on how to overcome shyness and gain confidence, but there are a few techniques that anyone can use. Here are six techniques to help you overcome your shyness:

1. Every morning, as soon as you wake up, face a mirror and say aloud "I'm in great shape! I'm in great shape! I'm in great shape!" Repeat this affirmation at least ten times per day until it becomes ingrained in your subconscious mind. To begin, if you are self-conscious, lock yourself in the bathroom. The results will astound you.

2. Have a positive self-image. Put on your best face. Dress up more frequently. This gives you a boost of confidence and self-esteem. Simply knowing that you look good will boost your confidence and reinforce to others that there are aspects of you worth getting to know.

3. Take at least one risk per day. It's very energizing, and facing fears and taking risks helps you gain confidence and self-esteem. Begin with small risks and fears and work your way up to bigger ones. Nothing is impossible for you. Be confident in the knowledge that change can only help you grow and boost your self-esteem.

4. If you're in a one-on-one conversation or with a large group of people, let them know you're shy. This keeps them from misinterpreting you, and they are far more likely to invite you into the conversation rather than leaving you to listen and wish you could contribute.

Following a conversation in a noisy room is difficult for many people, including myself. If you are having trouble hearing, say so and move so that you can hear. People value honesty and vulnerability, and as a result, you will attract more honest people into your life.

5. Everyone faces rejection at some point in their lives. It is rare that you will be rejected. Remember that everyone has different likes and dislikes if you are rejected, such as if you ask someone out on a date. You might be drawn to one type of person but not to another. The same is true for other people, and you are most likely not their type. That in no way diminishes your worth. Accept it and trust that you will overcome it. Never take it personally, and remember that if people reject you, it is because of their own preferences, not because of who you are. You have the same right to reject others based on your preferences.

6. Participate in activities that make you feel excited and good about yourself, or start a hobby that relaxes you. This can range from gardening to Tai Chi to Karate. Learn to play or master a musical instrument, or take singing lessons. Take a risk and do something that excites you. Exploring things that excite you is an excellent antidote to shyness.

How Great is the Strength of Your Belief?

What exactly do you want? Often, people have no idea what they want; they only know what they don't want. Make use of all available resources, including books, CDs, courses, and people. Maintain your focus on the desired outcome at all times. I challenge you to look at your goals through the eyes of a child.

Maintain a positive attitude. Believe in yourself and what you're capable of. There is no turning back when your desire to succeed outweighs the pain, fear, or frustration of failing. Remember that anything is possible if you believe.

Be cautious of what you believe because that is what you will encounter. Your belief system is a one-of-a-kind mechanism. It is propelled by desire and guided by your thoughts and actions. In other words, the strength of your belief determines your success.

What exactly do you want? Often, people have no idea what they want; they only know what they don't want. Now is a good time to assess your objectives and determine the desired end result. Put your goals in writing and keep them visible throughout the day. Read them on a regular basis to keep them fresh in your mind.

• Be observant. Investigate and learn everything you can about how to achieve your goal. Make use of all available resources, including books, CDs, courses, and people. People, yes. Speak with as many people as possible who are already successful in your desired field. Inquire, inquire, inquire about what they did to achieve success. Do not restrict your contacts to people you already know. Introduce yourself by phone or mail, explain why you're contacting them, and request a tip. The worst-case scenario is that they ignore you. The best case scenario is that they become your mentor and provide support and encouragement. Many of the people you contact are likely to give you at least one useful tip. This is the least expensive and most rewarding method.

• Be distinct. Then, take what you've learned and embellish it to create your own creative process. Consider how you can approach your goal in a unique manner. Dare to be unique. Don't be afraid to experiment. What have you got to lose? Make a list of the worst-case scenarios, followed by a list of the best-case scenarios. Maintain your focus on the desired outcome at all times.

• Outperform your competitors. When you were a kid and saw your older siblings or friends riding a bike (without training wheels), you didn't think to yourself, "Whoa, I could get hurt doing that." Instead, you pleaded with me to try it for yourself. You gradually learned how to maintain your balance with a lot of practice and often pain. You soon found yourself trying to "out-speed" your friends with your speed or fancy tricks. When you fell, you would get back on and try again with even more zeal. You believed in your mind from your very first attempt that if you got back on, you would eventually learn to ride. I'm sure you imagined yourself as the best in the neighborhood, your school, the state, and the world!

• Maintain a positive attitude. If you only see problems ahead of you, you will only see obstacles. If you have doubts that your plan will work, it will not work. If you allow negative people to influence you, you will never be better than they are. Believe in yourself and what you're capable of.

There is no turning back when your desire to succeed outweighs the pain, fear, or frustration of failing. I challenge you to look at your goals through the eyes of a child, before you learned about self-doubt and negative criticism. Remember that anything is possible if you believe. Make a promise to yourself that you will not let anything or anyone, including yourself, stand in your way of achieving your objectives.

5 Ways to Boost Your Motivation

Motivation is the driving force behind positive life changes. Here are 5 top tips to help you boost your motivation. Make a vision board and fill it with images of your desired outcomes. Get angry about where you are now if you want to change your life for the better. Time is one of your most valuable resources, and it is also a non-renewable resource.

You can either use it completely or waste it. If you want to effect change, you will need to invest a significant amount of time. Begin by reducing the amounts of time you spend on trivial matters. Are you afraid to be different from the other sheep because they might not like it if you chose a different path? If this is the case, you must be more like a tiger than a sheep. Refuse to let fear rule your life and begin taking action right now!

Motivation is the driving force behind positive life changes. It comes from knowing exactly what you want to do and having a burning desire to do whatever it takes to get it. It keeps your dream on track because motivation is what keeps you going when things get tough.

Here are 5 top tips to help you boost your motivation:

1. Make a vision board and fill it with images of your desired outcomes. 

The obvious ones are the car you want to own, the house you want to live in, and the neighborhood where you want to live. Others could be images of vacation destinations, trophies, first-class travel tickets, clothes you want to buy, fine restaurants you want to visit - anything that makes your heart race.

2. BECOME ANGRY. 

Get angry about where you are now if you want to change your life for the better. A blasé attitude toward change isn't what's required, and it won't instill a strong desire in you. So, ask yourself, "Why do I want to change?" Is it because you're TIRED OF DEBTS? Is your job driving you insane? Is your life boring and predictable? SICK AND TIRED OF DOING THE SAME THING WEEK AFTER WEEK? Are you bored beyond belief by the people you associate with who are dull, uninspiring, and unhappy? GET ANGRY ABOUT IT THEN. I mean REALLY ANGRY. Write it all down, the frustrating, unrewarding, and miserable stuff that makes every day a slog until the end. IS THAT WHAT YOU WISH FOR?

3. When it comes to your final days, start appreciating the value of time. 

Time is one of your most valuable resources, and it is also a NON RENEWABLE resource. You can either use it completely or waste it. If you want to effect change, you will need to invest a significant amount of time. Begin by reducing the amount of time you spend on trivial matters: Television, newspapers, lie-ins, weekends spent shopping, partying, dining out, and visiting an endless stream of relatives and friends will not help you get what you want, and they will all rob you of time. You have valuable time that you can put to better use by investing in yourself. Keep in mind: You only have a limited amount of time on Earth. You have no idea how much time you have - no one does. But it's how you spend your time that matters. So make the most of your time, beginning right now.

4. Consistency. 

Are you a mindless little sheep too afraid to go your own way? Do you have to go where everyone else goes, do everything everyone else does, and thus, who gets the same levels of happiness as everyone else's little sheep? Do you think this describes YOU? Are you afraid to be different from the other sheep because they might not like it if you chose a different path? So you dutifully trot along behind the other sheep, because if they're doing it, it must be correct, right? But if you do what everyone else does, you'll get the same results. Do you want to be a mindless, fearful little sheep who blindly follows the rest of the sheep? Or do you want to be a leader, a warrior with the courage to be uniquely you and do what you want to do in order to make your dreams come true? If this is the case, you must be more like a tiger than a sheep. Do you truly wish to be a sheep? I mean, don't we already have enough sheep?

5. Be afraid of your own fear. 

Fear is the force determined to stop you in your tracks and rob you of your dreams. It can only do this if you allow it to. Will you allow this cruel, destructive charlatan to crush your dreams, steal your happiness, and crush your spirit? Imagine this thought haunting your final days: "I didn't do the things I wanted because I was too frightened to live". And by then, it will be far too late to overcome fear. Refuse to let fear rule your life and begin taking action right now!

The world is waiting for your one-of-a-kind talents. Why put it off any longer?