MoneyGab » problems

Character assassination.

Nathan — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:28:13 +0000

Why can’t I move forward?

I can see now that one of the reasons we’re stuck in our financial mess is because of how we interpret the meaning of that mess. In other words, when we see the mess, we almost immediately turn towards character assassination. We start to self-blame, self-guilt, and self-shame. This leads to a type of emotional numbing and physical paralysis. We just sit and go over the self-induced negative feelings.

How should one look at the mess? Well, the scientists have already figured out how to solve problems.

1. Be objective as possible.

2. Don’t go beyond the evidence, or what is right in front of you.

3. Find the patterns.

4. Find the cause of the patterns.

5. Hypothesize the reason between the cause and the effect.

6. Test your hypothesis.

If you do not succeed, repeat steps 2-6.

Leave the self-blame behind. 9 out of 10 times, it has nothing to do with you or your character. Move forward.

Getting out of the race.

Nathan — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:23:42 +0000

Make a list of every single problem you are having.

Make another list of every single need that you have.

Now, for each one of those items ask yourself, “What would the solution look like if it permanently solved that problem/need?”

Life is nothing more than figuring out permanent solutions. :)

MoneyGab Thoughtful Reflections: strategies in the game.

Nathan — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:00:12 +0000

Assuming that one’s problem is another’s solution, it is interesting to see how the dynamics of certain situations play out.

I’m very interested in game theory. Game theory attempts to describe the behavior of individuals in a strategic situation.

The game goes:

Assumptions
Ends
Logic
Strategies
Action
Conclusion

I don’t think people are irrational, ever. Humans are like computer programs, they just execute the program that is given. If you sit down with someone and ask them why they do certain things, you’ll find that they have a very solid stream of reasoning, according to the assumptions they implicitly accept. Their assumptions give them their ends, or goals. How they reason to reach their goals is the game within the game. Now their conclusions might be totally irrational (in comparison to the environment), but their reasoning is usually flawless.

In a zero sum game, like poker, one wins exactly the amount one’s opponents lose.

Given this information, it is easy to see how, in some situations, it is to the benefit of some that you maintain your problem. For instance, dentists only get paid if you have cavities. Doctors only get paid if you are sick. Educators only get paid if you are ignorant. Mechanics only get paid if your car is broken. Financial managers only get paid if you trade. Is the world full of cheats? No, they’re just playing their game. They are actually very reasonable, given the assumptions of their situation. In their game, they want to win.

I don’t mean to be sore, it’s just important to realize how and why the game is played.

One strategy to break out of the zero sum situation is to introduce competition. When someone has to compete for your resources, they will invent new strategies to get it, which will differentiate them from others, like being an honest mechanic.

Information also brings in different variables that competitors must incorporate into their strategy, usually bringing about change in a positive direction (positive for some that is).

So, what game are you playing?

Just some thoughts. :)

-Nate

MoneyGab Sayings: problems and solutions.

Nathan — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:38:01 +0000

Your problem is someone else’s solution.

Or, your problem is someone else’s career.