Technology As Innovator

The Word form English lesson

English is not my native language, so I learn it my whole life.

From the lesson of word form, I learned that

• Verb is the most effective form
• Noun and noun phrase come next
• Adjective is less direct

For example:

• “The Beatles influenced many subsequent rock bands.” is more effective than
• “The Beatles was an influence on many subsequent rock bands.” which in turn is more effective than
• “The Beatles was influential on many subsequent rock bands.”

In a grammar test, the using of word form should be considered for effectiveness of the options given. Noun form, though commonly used, must give way to its verb counterpart in these test of standard.

How Verb is stronger

Maybe more than once you have heard a complaint about life. “My life has not been good lately…” and such. The fact is, these people may forget that they Live their Lives: they do their jobs, perform their roles, fulfill their missions. Their Lives are shaped by these actions. Reactive people accept the conditions placed upon them. Proactive ones, on the other hand, seize opportunities from challenges, and set things right.

The root is Live (verb). Life (the noun) is the product of the Action.

So if one takes the responsibility to Do and focuses more on Verb side, s/he is getting stronger toward achieving effectiveness.

Mapping to individuals

From the core inside, it’s what we Do (Verb) that shape our character. We commit, we response, we empathize, we love.

Character is reflected on the surface as personality by Nouns. We have commitment, responsibility, empathy, love.

Outermost is the interpersonal level, where we are usually described by others as committed, responsible, empathetic, lovable.

In conclusion, the root of all is what we take the responsibility to act upon.

Self-help gives your a Weapon

Are you sure that weapon fits you, or have you had the might to wield it?

Self-helps are designed to give you techniques, rather than a foundation on which techniques are applied. Imagine: a foundation of your character is like the base and frame of a house and techniques bricks and mortars. The beauty of the house’s bearing may attract people at first, but it is the base and frame that keeps it stable and functioning as a shelter - a house’s first and foremost purpose. Imagine further: how does someone neglected for his/her inner beauty running around trying every patches of advice look?

Besides, one thing I don’t feel easy about many self-helps or quick fixes is their headlines: “Self-helps for Lazy people”, “How to perform this in 10 minutes”. It’s true that these headlines sell for rushing people. It’s true that some can be more efficient applying these quick fixes, but is it true that one can be truly more effective after some hours? All successful people work hard; differentiation in level of success depends on how smart each individual works. All work hard, no other less painful way. Realize the clear line between selling and helping.

Foundation is your Might

Foundation consists of principles of good living. Many principles are universal across the globe, and stand through time. Integrity, temperance, courage, responsibility… are a few to name. Referring to human, the foundation is your character.

It’s easier to teach ones with firm foundation some techniques and they will continue to develop by themselves.

Foundation is the streamline which guides you through life. Your behaviors, attitude and skills all depend on the foundation you build within yourself. It is what makes your thinking, feeling and doing consistent. Your character is the root answer to any doubts and questions.

Most of all, developing a foundation is neither easy nor quick. No shortcut is available. Reviewing back, self-helps are not corners for you to cut either; they extend and strengthen your foundation.

One example: How to win friends

Certain self-helps teach you to

• Smile
• Remember the name
• Encourage others to talk about themselves
• Talk in terms of the other person’s interests
• Make the other person feel important
• and etc.

What do you notice? They are all actions. What lies beneath to make an infrastructure and bind these actions together harmoniously is the foundation we’re discussing.

One foundation is your genuine friendship. You will win genuine friends if you are a good friend in the first place. Some principles integrated into a good friends include honesty, loyalty, giving. When you are good in nature, you have friends. Applying techniques helps you to hasten and beautify the process.

Principles are primary. Actions and techniques are auxiliary. Do not confuse them.

How to utilize full power of self-helps

Once you have had the internal strength of foundation principles, only then, I believe, will you see the true power of self-helps: like One with Might and Masteries equipped with Good Weapons and Techniques.

Another Illustration

1. When one rapidly add good practice to his doings while the foundation has not been strong enough…

…it is no more than this degenerate

2. Instead, develop your inner strength and you’ll cover them all

It takes a great deal of Confidence and sometimes Courage to be able to grow in a stable and sustainable manner.

Tai Tran's Lab: Technology As Innovator