Statics and dynamics of personal change

[970427 started]

Changing, in a direction we choose, is often a slow process, and yet we are able to influence ourselves and are very flexible, and so it is reasonable toexpect change to be possible. So what are the normal boundaries of what we can change by our effort, and what are usually the obstacles? I have some ideas about what some of them may be.

Misunderstanding the change that is needed
- Misunderstanding the starting point
- Misidentifying the change
- Mistaking the goal
- Misunderstanding the route between them
Using the wrong technique
- Self-brainwashing (misinterpretation of cognitive approach)
- Insufficient resources
- Worrying about an impossible change
Being only partly forwards-motivated
- Insufficient motivation (parable of sower)
- counterattraction (parable of sower)
- Neurotic motivation

[Do we sometimes think we haven't changed, because the end-point is the same as the starting-point?]

2.2 is a form of 1.4; for 1.4 in general, it's noticeable that time spent on the wrong route delays starting on the right one, alhtough two routes may overlap in time for a considerable changeover period.

Change must be at a deep enough level to be naturally permanent; surface changes are undone by unchanged deeper level - in effect, they spring back. (Does locking up a burglar make her honest?) Is a change in performance, pushed by a change in intent, but without a change in attitude, morally what counts?

But what of the more practical side of change?

Note also:

involvement of ritualism in the comfortableness of unchangedness;
fear of the unknown (anywhere but the start of the journey)

[Thoughts]

John C. G. Sturdy

Last modified: Sun Jun 10 18:17:20 GMT Daylight Time 2007