The economy of thoughts

 

Too many people are concerned about Economy these days, but what about the economy of thoughts?

Thoughts are responsible for success and failure, for love and hate, for good and bad experiences. They are also responsible for emotions and feelings, for overcoming barriers or for avoiding them.

They are the essence of our lives and here are 3 questions that will help you to understand and extract more benefit from the power of your thoughts.

 

How much are you saving and how much are you wasting?

Saving thoughts means to think what is needed at the appropriate time. Thoughts are a powerful tool to overcome situations or to make decisions, among other things, but if you don’t think what is necessary or at the right time, they won’t contribute to your success.

For instance, if you have a problem, do you keep on thinking of the problem again and again, or do you make time and reflect on your own power, increasing your self-respect? In the first case, you are just wasting thoughts, but in the second you are giving yourself a chance, that is, you are saving them.

 

What is the quality of your thoughts and how it creates an impact in your life?

According to the quality of your thoughts, so it will be the quality of your words and actions, or at least it will be a fundamental factor.

Let’s say you have to prepare a presentation to a client, but your thoughts are not there… they may be at your home as your child is sick or even in the next football match.

Of course, that won’t interfere with the presentation, particularly the data or the rehearsed pitch, but it will influence the way you present it. If your competition is fully focused and offer the same data (and price), their focus will be more than a reason for the client to prefer them instead of you.

 

Your trade of thoughts, how is it going?

When you think of others and they think of you, there is… an exchange of energy and vibrations. That is like a subtle and invisible trade we all do.

Imagine a scene in which you are trying to sell something to a person and a colleague is just sitting by your side, watching… then, you feel a vibration, something in that person that says it won’t work. Automatically, your self-esteem goes to the bottom, you may stutter a bit and at last, you leave without a deal.

OK, it sounds a bit dramatic, but I am sure everyone went through a similar situation in which the trade of thoughts between another person and you was toxic and it affects your performance.

On the bright side, the same thing happens when your colleague smiles encouragingly at you and you are able to get a deal!

You may not see thoughts, but their reflection – a smile, the eyes, the hands – are very clear and they show how the trading going is.

 

By working on the Economy of thoughts, you will be able to see a difference in your life.

The economy of thoughts

Too many people are concerned about Economy these days, but what about the economy of thoughts?

Thoughts are responsible for success and failure, for love and hate, for good and bad experiences. They are also responsible for emotions and feelings, for overcoming barriers or for avoiding them.

They are the essence of our lives and here are 3 questions that will help you to understand and extract more benefit from the power of your thoughts.

 

How much are you saving and how much are you wasting?

Saving thoughts means to think what is needed at the appropriate time. Thoughts are a powerful tool to overcome situations or to make decisions, among other things, but if you don’t think what is necessary or at the right time, they won’t contribute to your success.

For instance, if you have a problem, do you keep on thinking of the problem again and again, or do you make time and reflect on your own power, increasing your self-respect? In the first case, you are just wasting thoughts, but in the second you are giving yourself a chance, that is, you are saving them.

 

What is the quality of your thoughts and how it creates an impact in your life?

According to the quality of your thoughts, so it will be the quality of your words and actions, or at least it will be a fundamental factor.

Let’s say you have to prepare a presentation to a client, but your thoughts are not there… they may be at your home as your child is sick or even in the next football match.

Of course, that won’t interfere with the presentation, particularly the data or the rehearsed pitch, but it will influence the way you present it. If your competition is fully focused and offer the same data (and price), their focus will be more than a reason for the client to prefer them instead of you.

 

Your trade of thoughts, how is it going?

When you think of others and they think of you, there is… an exchange of energy and vibrations. That is like a subtle and invisible trade we all do.

Imagine a scene in which you are trying to sell something to a person and a colleague is just sitting by your side, watching… then, you feel a vibration, something in that person that says it won’t work. Automatically, your self-esteem goes to the bottom, you may stutter a bit and at last, you leave without a deal.

OK, it sounds a bit dramatic, but I am sure everyone went through a similar situation in which the trade of thoughts between another person and you was toxic and it affects your performance.

On the bright side, the same thing happens when your colleague smiles encouragingly at you and you are able to get a deal!

You may not see thoughts, but their reflection – a smile, the eyes, the hands – are very clear and they show how the trading going is.

 

By working on the Economy of thoughts, you will be able to see a difference in your life.

A new economy?

Years ago the term New Economy[1] was in and it referred to the huge possibility of change by the use of INTERNET and in fact we are seeing this effect already, accelerated by the pandemic.

However, there is a, let’s call it, a novel economy – an economy which emphasizes simplicity, less expense and a circular economy[2] (recycling, reusing, etc.).

I would like to focus on simplicity, a quality that changes the perception of consumes and production, two of the axes of a society from the economic point of view.

It changes the perspective of a flower, a plant, a loaf of bread, water and air… When you live on the basis of simplicity the minimum is often the maximum.

Even though it wouldn’t stimulate the gigantic monster created by an economy of consumerism, it would give relief to people and the environment, and probably would bring more equality in our society. Eventually, I am sure it would improve the economy in a very sustainable way.

In an individual, the effects are extremely clear: not only you don’t spend too much, but you are able to save and to have an aim in life different than buying something somewhere; there is a change in the effort you make for living and how you see your life.

Simplicity is like an earthquake that destroys anything that is extra, leaving what is really important.

---

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_economy

 

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_economy

 

First world, is that hard?

I was born in Brazil, I have lived in Chile for two years and I am in Colombia for the past 26 years. I also travel a lot and I have stayed long times abroad, particularly in India, but also in England and the U.S.

And I realize that if someone lives in a first-world or third-world country is difficult to understand I don’t live in either of them… I am living in the middle, and since I was a child.

Particularly during the dictatorial military period in Brazil, I didn’t like the idea of belonging to the third world, the reality of the time; it was around then that the term developing countries[1] got popularized and Brazil was quickly classified like that.

Initially it just sound like a polite way to say the same – and it still has that ring in it – but along the years, what I have seen is that by developing in a proper and integral way, a country can reach the first world. That is a firm belief I have that any country could be a first world country, and so giving their population a better life. This is why I am posting this.

I lived in Chile just after Pinochet has left, so it was still underdeveloped. By seeing its growth and the fact that now it is part of the first world club[2]… I don’t want to get into the debate (is it or not?), but I have seen sure signs even when I was living there that may be useful for other countries:

• A respect for taxes. I was really surprised when I bought something in the streets and I got a boleta (invoice), as street business is often informal. Later, I would have a glimpse of this that comes from a good use of tax-payers’ money and a nice system. For instance, a common way of taxes evasion is to enter the country with a product in the bag. Once, I went from Buenos Aires to Santiago with a friend who had several books in her bag; at the time of customs, she went straight to the agent and showed the books and the invoice. As books don’t pay tax, he just looked at it and he allowed us to go. Even when there is the need of paying, it is quite easy and fair. Quick summary: by educating people to value paying taxes and by using them in a proper way, a country develops.
• Training. There is a system that motivates companies to do training as the value can be discounted in their taxes declaration. As I was a trainer myself, that came very handy and I do miss a system like that, living in Colombia. By giving opportunities for others to be trained and learned different skills, a country develops.
• Awareness of opportunity. Chile is the land of opportunity and if a foreigner goes there and dedicates himself or herself, it is possible to climb very high; although I can’t say if it is like that for nationals, it looked as it is. Although it is a relatively small country in terms of population, this gives a big advantage in relation to neighbor countries. By changing the perception instead of lacking to an opportunity, a country has a better chance for development.
• Work, work and work. Chileans work very hard and it has been helping the country at the time of climbing the ladder of first world. But it is not only hard working, as I would include Colombians in that category too; Chileans are often very much success-driven, which creates a nice dynamic in the country in general. Stimulate work, but direct it towards attaining success.
• Little corruption. That is the most impressive part of living in Chile… Little to say about that, really, just check corruption indexes[3], and it comes just after Uruguay in the whole Latin America.  It really stimulates the economy to know people won’t use their power for personal advantage. And maybe that is why people do pay taxes. Very simple: educate people to not get tempted by corruption and the country will develop even more.

---

[1] More about this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developing_country

[2] Check this updated webpage: https://www.investopedia.com/updates/top-developing-countries/

[3] Transparency is an organization that watches on this. Check their report: https://www.transparency.org/cpi2018?gclid=Cj0KCQjwoebsBRCHARIsAC3JP0LljKEMfPQThn-eICRMPMfw1Ktqf-053RPAQsFHqbEIwQ194VfJZCwaAn1sEALw_wcB

Respect and regard

All human beings at some point want to be respected. It is part of who we are to look for appreciation, acceptance, regard and respect, even honor.

But in a world where everyone seems to think they can say whatever they think about anybody, respect has become an underrated value.

It has become part of an old tradition, something from the time when everybody trusts on each other. That made an age when economy was based more on values than prices and stocks.

However, in my experience guiding teams in many companies and non-profit organizations, respect and regard still play an important part.

Let’s take the interesting example of an international flight, in which the system has failed. About 400 passengers had to be checked-in without the basic help from computers… Yes, made by hand boarding passes and luggage tags.

And yet… with respect, calm and regard for each passenger, the ground crew was able to embark everybody. Each person who complains was talked separately, in low voice and in a nice way. By the way, the flight did leave around 2 hours later, just to arrive a few minutes before it time; and the luggage arrive very promptly too.

Values are more than nice words, they are part of what we all need to overcome crisis in any situation.

Happiness lies in deep acceptance

Former prime-minister Cameron, from United Kingdom, thought at some point to take happiness inconsideration as an economical factor. It would be interesting if that wonderful quality jumped from being just something people like to have to that thing people MUST have.

I feel happiness is so deep nobody can really track it efficiently. Why is that?

First reason is the fact people mix different feelings and emotions. What is the difference of happiness and joy? When you are drinking with co-workers, is that happiness? That video on little cats that made you laugh… is that happiness? If your son is very sick and needs your encouragement, what feeling will come to your mind? Happiness? Knowledge of what happiness is would be a first step to consider, in case someone really wants the happiness factor in their community.

Second reason is the fact most people consider happiness as something coming from outside, instead of emerging from inside. People often looks for happiness in a new car, a different spouse or a better remunerated job, and of course they lose it when the car is not new anymore, the different spouse behaves exactly as the former one and this job is so stressing…

But it is the third reason that makes me thinking on how to make people happier. Acceptance: happiness cannot be attained if true acceptance does not happen. Not talking here about resignation or submission, but true and real acceptance, that sensation when the person understands what is going on, with no struggle, but a feeling of something is right about this.

Everything that occurs in life may be a curse or a blessing, and it depends of the person’s perspective. If there is real acceptance, it is possible to use circumstances as leverage for a higher jump.

When acceptance is present in the heart, the individual can start to enjoy happiness despite the situation: if it is bad, it is a lesson that will help him or her in the future; if it is good, it is time to help others to have it too.

Until real acceptance is attained, real happiness will be difficult to be experienced.

Economics of hope

Sometime ago, during a big economical crisis, the value of TRUST was touched, and how it stimulates economy.

Same thing can be said for PEACE and HAPPINESS. It is logical, right, that if in a place people is peaceful and happy, then naturally economy blossoms and grows. After all, instead of the basic needs that moves economy in other regions, in these areas economy will be moved with that force of innovation and a natural sense of keeping things as they are; after all, they are great!

I was also thinking of the value of HOPE and its influence in economy. I come from Brazil and since I was a child, there has always been a general hope that, one day, that country would be a rich place to live. Different than other countries, most of those who are poor are taught to work hard and to look for opportunities in life. Slowly, that started to pay back and now it is a place with all the possibilities of becoming one of the next superpowers in the new emerging order.

But more than work, Brazilians have been a people with hope. I still remember my mother coming from her work, about 1 am everyday, and how she would express her desire of one day have her own place. When we were able to move out from her parents' house to a very small flat, she couldn't stop expressing her happiness. And like her, many mothers and fathers had the same dream and were able to make it true.

The system to get a house when you don't have much money and credits are not easy is a very cruel one, as the person pays much and much more for their home. But that home comes... In other countries, instead of counting with the blessing of being able to have a place, they prefer to complain and protest.

Hope makes people more open to opportunities life gives everyone. Those without hope don't take the opportunity as it is often an expensive one, even though it is affordable. Hope makes people sacrifice small or big pleasures because it gives people the big picture, and they go for it.

Very few people realize how powerful this economy engine, hope is. I do hope you can use it well.

Can democracy survive?

As a social species, we need to organize ourselves. Even when anarchy or chaos reigns, still we, as humans, organize ourselves in some way, as it is shown in the many attempts during history to establish a society without a government where everyone was equal. As some people say, these societies naturally reached a point where "everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others".

Therefore, one of the crucial questions we have to ask ourselves at this new century is: what is the best way to organize our societies?

That is a question for world scholars and those people who are engaged in these topics. "Organize" does not only mean defining the type of government, its meaning is broader than that. And it is so important that an idea comes, and very soon.

As we see, the world looks like a ship without a captain, trying to find its route on the waves of life. There is no logic in what is happening, and there shouldn't be as we are during a confluence period.

Before, we had the horrible struggle between democracy - a system that started in the past and provided an enticing way to put people on the rule of themselves - and non-democracy - varying from dictatorship to systems where a party, a small group of people, ruled over the rest.

I am saying before... I am aware this struggle still exists, but I can see it is part of a transition period.

On one hand, democracy got corrupted, sorry, there is no other word. At some places, dictators openly use democracy to justify their rule, as they are able to convince others to vote on them forever, taking one of the big benefits that came with democracy which is the variety of opinions and possibilities. At others, corruption is literal and power is split between those with more money or more influence.

On the other hand, people are awakening, and fast. They are overthrowing their own governments, demanding more participation and fighting for their own liberty. Sometimes, just as it happens when you awake after a deep sleep and you are not sure what you are doing, they make more wrongs than rights, but it is their learning process...

So, what will come then? That was the question, more focused into economics, Peter Drucker used to ask too. In fact, he predicted a time when poor would cross that invisible line and will fight the rich.

Economy is just part of the whole picture, and a small one, as we move from one world system to another.

While others probably are seeing a big hurricane coming, and very fast, where governments will be replaced either by chaos or tyrants, I am on the side of the dreamers. I think we are creating a new world, where all our learning from past mistakes will make earth into a real paradise. I do believe in that...

The art of reforming (The 16 celestial arts)

Transformation is in the minds of many and definitely SOME transformation happens. Not necessarily the one we would like to experience.

Let's look into the present world and we will see so many signs of transformation:

• The ascension of BRIC. This is changing not only this present period of world history, but it is the first time when Economy has been as the main changing factor and the first time when at least one power will be in the South Hemisphere (Brazil).
• Climate change. Denied by many (not sure HOW they deny it...), this is affecting more and more economies and societies. At least one country is trying to "move out" as its citizens see their shores being taken by the ocean and that is happening even in one of the biggest countries denying the obvious...
• Social networks replacing social interaction. We can't be blind; people are more into some kind of social networking (including chats and constant email) than talking to human beings.

And much more! But, I guess that was not that the transformation we would expect... For instance, it would be wonderful to read something like this in a future newspaper:

• A human commonwealth. Wealth and poor countries joint efforts to create a unique human society where money is not the main factor. They guaranteed the basics for everyone (food, health, shelter, education and communication) and they created a new method of economic interaction, based in talents rather than money.
• Earth is balanced. After many millennia, humans were able to establish a sustainable balance with the rest of Earth, which prevented the destruction of the environment and the end of many species.
• Humans are humans. It is almost laughable to think that at some point in history, people were paying attention more to a flat screen or a computer screen than to their fellow human beings. Present society values and encourages personal interaction with the normal positive consequences for health and wealth.

A dreamer? Perhaps... But, you see, what is lacking is not something macro or global, it is MY and YOUR transformation, a transformation that comes from will not from obligation. A transformation that starts from mind and awareness, not at some government palace.

When that transformation happens, even though one human being gets transformed, a reaction chain will generate enough energy to affect the whole world. And dreams will come true...

Can vegetarianism save the world?

From time to time, opposites don't attract each other. Out of the many possible styles, choices or human realities, being vegetarian and non-vegetarian has provoked massacres along history.

But time has changed and cultures too. Everyone is a little more tolerant nowadays and strict vegetarians are used to eat along with non-vegetarians and non-vegetarians accept easily their "weird" relatives or friends who seem to eat only lettuce. I personally remember that unforgettable moment when my mother prepared a GIGANTIC palmetto salad only for me...

So, perhaps now it is the time someone impartial can analyze and understand the impact of being vegetarian in the world, because I do feel a difference can be made there by choosing this lifestyle.

There is no doubt for me that to be vegetarian is healthier and cheaper, but that is my point of view. And with news of people eating horsemeat - after all, there is not that much cows anyway - I think some are really tempted to try. Most people would love to be vegetarian if it was easier to find places who cook that food well, or if they themselves know how to cook well - after all, we can't eat that much lettuce, right?

There is also the question of ethics and as science evolves to enable us know that animals also think and feel (old news for pets' owners), there is a final conclusion: what I am eating... oh, my God, it was thinking being!!!!!!

But what will really change people's minds and at least put the vegetarian choice as something more than an eccentricity is the news that vegetarianism can impact the world. Economy. Climate change. Life.

When that choice is there and it is clear that it is a good and powerful one, people can chose it in a more conscious way.

And that in itself is a big step for changing the world.

The time we begin...

Time is something that does not exist in itself, and yet it moves the world.

It is not easy to keep track of time, which is something that also takes time. Besides, there are activities that look like a lot of time was spent on them, while others seem to have lasted so little, and yet both have consumed the same amount of time in your watch.

At present, we are more like jugglers trying our best to not lose focus while having too many things to deal with. And the effect on the economy and the society as a whole?

It is not clear on how time, and the way we are using it now, is affecting economy or society. Time is invisible, but we can see employment, hospital and hotel occupation, etc. There are some signs of that effect:

• Time overlapping. By "overcrowding" yourself with activities you probably won't be able to fulfill at your maximum potential, you generate false expectations in your clients and providers, feeding into a chain of other people who are doing the same. An example of that is seeing when an economy starts to recover and people were already employed in something else. When they go back to their "proper" profession, they just letting all other jobs go, provoking salaries going up or down.
• Time misuse. That is a classic: a team is the favorite to get a golden badge in a competition, with all the training, good coach and good players. But the night before they go out to have fun, arrive pretty late and their bodies are unable to recover enough. SILVER! I think the effect at least on the society is obvious... less encouragement related to that sport, tendency is to get silver or even less next time, and the effect in the economy related to it cannot be overseen.
• Time freezing. There are many ways it happens. For instance, a student can "freeze" himself or herself in that student attitude, not looking for a job or trying to create a career. That means many skilled professionals don't come to the professional field by waiting for the "right moment".

How to solve this "time puzzle"? How to keep pace with the society and others' time, and yet avoiding a negative impact? See next post...

The Rubbish of the Economy

Here in Panama, where I am living for a few months, I start to think what is Economy, really?

With fears for a new recession rising in the air, and no leaders who can give an answer or solution for that, isn't it time to re-think worldwide Economy? Our model didn't work - let's be sincere. There are MUCH more poor people than 50 years ago, even in terms of proportion, and it does not look that will change soon.

We have tried several models for an Economy that did not prepare itself for a world of so many billions of people and the Internet, which united us all, at least in theory.

The problem in re-thinking the Economy is that the only solution I see is individual, not collective. As individuals raise their own awareness and start to  use resources and trade in a more efficient and eco-human-friendly way, economy will shift naturally. I like the example of WholeFood chain in USA, and that is only one sample of what is changing in the world.

Do you know why I started to think about that? Rubbish! Yes, rubbish! Panama is going through a rubbish collecting crisis and so, when you walk around, you have to bear the horrible smell and deviate of huge amounts of rubbish. Sad scene, as the city is so nice and people are great! But, I've learned you can always learn a lesson with everything - whilst people with less resources, their streets were dirt and their rubbish was, well, more "rubbish-ish", people with more resources managed to have clean streets and even their rubbish was much more organized.

Yes, if the resources we waste are better organized, it is quite probably we used the ones we did not waste in a better way. Check your rubbish by now and see how is it...

The individual awareness of his or her own rights over the resources must be re-assessed. What do you or I really need? How much of it? Can we afford to have less of that? Can we change whatever we use for something which does less harm to the world?

Have a nice time!!