Tag: focus

Life as a Do-It-Yourself Project: Insights from Napoleon Hill and Di Tran

Post author By Di Tran
Post date August 20, 2023

For many, life unfurls like a script, a predefined pathway that we feel obligated to follow. However, a closer inspection of the wisdom of great minds such as Napoleon Hill reveals a different picture. Hill once said, “It takes half of your life before you discover life is a do-it-yourself project.” While the profundity of this statement can be debated, its accuracy cannot be denied.

Di Tran, an accomplished author with a repertoire of influential books, stands as a testament to this insight. As he approaches the release of his new book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH”, Tran reflects on the journey of self-realization. At 41, he has reached a pivotal moment where he can not only affirm the truth of Hill’s words but also recognizes the urgency to act on them.

Acknowledging the DIY nature of life is more than just an understanding. As Tran points out, it involves “admitting its true to self and start more actively acting, doing, learning, and accumulating wealth in knowledge, experience, asset values on all levels”. It’s an awakening to the transient nature of time, and a realization that the sand in the hourglass doesn’t pause.

But the journey doesn’t end at realization. The next phase, arguably the most challenging, is the transition from awareness to action. And herein lies the power of focus. Tran candidly expresses that focus isn’t just about direction; it’s about realignment and the courage to shed the redundant. Sometimes, it’s the organizations we’ve been a part of, the groups we’ve aligned with, or even old beliefs we’ve held onto. To progress, we must muster the courage to move away from those that no longer resonate with our core values.

In life’s vast landscape, it’s easy to become a passive traveler, led by circumstances and societal expectations. However, as Hill and Tran remind us, we are our own cartographers. Crafting the journey requires a blend of realization, courage, and focus. It’s time we roll up our sleeves, embrace life’s do-it-yourself nature, and chart our course with renewed vigor and purpose.

Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS Early Childhood Education Health Immigration Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

The Power of Belief: Engaging Your Mind to Shape Your Actions

Post author By Di Tran
Post date June 20, 2023

In a world where information is aplenty and cognitive skills are prized, understanding the mechanisms through which our brain operates becomes paramount. Jim Kwik, a renowned brain coach, succinctly captures this in his saying, “All behavior is belief driven” (Kwik, 2018). This article explores how our beliefs drive our behaviors, and how engaging in certain practices, such as creativity, focus, and memory enhancement, can be transformative.

The Foundation: All Behavior is Belief Driven

The idea that our beliefs shape our behaviors is not new. Psychologist Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory also posits that personal beliefs are critical in determining one’s actions (Bandura, 1986). A cornerstone of this theory is self-efficacy, the belief in one’s ability to achieve goals. This idea resonates with Jim Kwik’s message. It’s about understanding that your mental and cognitive functions are not static properties but are shaped by what you believe.

Creativity: A Dynamic Process

Contrary to popular belief, creativity is not a trait that one either possesses or lacks. Rather, it’s an active process that can be nurtured and developed. In “Imagine: How Creativity Works”, Jonah Lehrer explores the science of creativity and shows that it’s something anyone can cultivate through certain practices (Lehrer, 2012). Engaging in various experiences, being open to novel ideas, and actively seeking connections are just some of the ways to foster creativity.

Focus: The Fruit of Effort

Similarly, focus is not a fixed resource but can be cultivated. In “Deep Work”, Cal Newport argues that the ability to concentrate is a skill that can be developed through dedicated practice (Newport, 2016). By creating environments conducive to focus and actively scheduling uninterrupted periods for concentration, we can train our minds to be more focused.

Memory: Trained vs. Untrained

Jim Kwik insists that there is no good or bad memory, only trained and untrained memory (Kwik, 2018). In “Moonwalking with Einstein”, Joshua Foer documents his journey from being a journalist with an average memory to becoming the U.S. Memory Champion (Foer, 2011). Through techniques like the Method of Loci, Foer shows that memory can be vastly improved through training.

Learning Through Creation

Kwik also posits that the mind learns not by passively absorbing information but by creating or co-creating it. This echoes the work of David Perkins, who in “Making Learning Whole”, emphasizes that understanding is deepened through actively engaging with the material (Perkins, 2009). Paraphrasing, translating, recalling, retelling, teaching, and sharing are all part of this active engagement.

Action Steps: Cultivating Positivity and Belief

So, how does one start “more doing”? It begins with cultivating a positive mindset and having faith, not just in oneself but also in a higher power if that aligns with one’s beliefs. This creates a foundation for strong and consistent beliefs, allowing goodness to manifest. Carol Dweck’s work on growth mindset provides tools for cultivating this positivity, where she emphasizes the belief in one’s ability to grow and improve through effort (Dweck, 2006).

Conclusion

Jim Kwik’s assertion that all behavior is belief-driven is supported by a wealth of research and literature. By understanding that creativity, focus, and memory are not fixed traits but skills that can be cultivated, and by engaging with information in an active manner, we can harness the power of our beliefs to shape our actions. Cultivating positivity and faith are crucial steps in this journey of personal growth and self-im

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Becoming a Winner: The Importance of Building a Winning Mentality

Post author By Di Tran
Post date February 6, 2023

Winning isn’t just about reaching the finish line first or achieving grand success; it’s about the daily habits and actions that lead to those victories. Building a winning mentality is the foundation for success and can be cultivated through small wins in everything we do. This idea is aligned with the principle of the Navy SEALs’ “General Presentation,” which states that success in one small task can lead to greater achievements.

One of the ways to cultivate a winning mentality is by making your bed every day. According to Admiral William H. McRaven, making your bed sets the tone for a productive day and can lead to greater success in life. Similarly, cleaning the dishes immediately after use and organizing things as they come can help you maintain a tidy and organized environment, which in turn can foster discipline and focus.

Another key aspect of building a winning mentality is to add value to others in small ways. A simple genuine smile or act of kindness can have a big impact on someone’s day and bring positivity to both you and those around you. Zero negativity thinking is also crucial in building a winning mentality. By focusing on the positive and practicing gratitude, you can develop an optimistic outlook and lay the foundation for success.

Di Tran’s book “Drop the Fear and Focus on the Faith” also emphasizes the importance of removing fear by taking small steps toward our biggest fears. This approach aligns with the idea of building a winning mentality by breaking down big fears into smaller, more manageable tasks and focusing on the small wins along the way. By having faith in ourselves and a higher power, we can find the courage to overcome our fears and achieve our goals.

Becoming a winner is about cultivating a winning mentality through small wins in everything we do. Whether it’s making your bed, cleaning the dishes, organizing your environment, or adding value to others, these actions can help you build discipline, focus, and a positive outlook. By aligning your daily habits with this principle and “Dropping the Fear and Focusing on the Faith,” you can become a true winner in every aspect of your life.

Organize Everything Around You

DAILY PRACTICE

Here are 10 steps to practice daily for building a winning mentality:

Make your bed every morning: This sets a positive tone for the day and establishes discipline.
Clean up as you go: Keeping your environment tidy and organized can help you maintain focus and reduce stress.
Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you are thankful for and focus on the positive.
Avoid negativity: Surround yourself with positive people and avoid negative thoughts and conversations.
Add value to others: Engage in acts of kindness and offer help to others in small ways.
Focus on small wins: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, to build confidence and motivation.
Set achievable goals: Break down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks and focus on making progress every day.
Maintain a growth mindset: Embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for learning and growth.
Practice mindfulness: Take time each day to focus on the present moment and reduce stress.
Focus on faith: Have faith in yourself and a higher power and use this as a source of inspiration and encouragement.