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Articles from Ronald Ross | Selfgrowth.com
- Part 2.1: Think - a Five-Step Process for Problem Solving - by Submitted on Dec 15, 2014 from Ronald RossIf you want to do something significant with your life, you are going to have to do some real thinking. The mission you have been given is too important to leave to irrational thoughts, emotion-filled guesswork or hasty judgments. Since you have been given a mission you also have the ability to ...
Views: 870 - You Can Live With Faith - by Submitted on Nov 11, 2013 from Ronald RossWikipedia’s explanation of faith begins with this line: “Faith is belief in an idea that is unsupported or contradicted by evidence … largely reserved for concepts of religion.” Humbug. That’s not faith, that’s stupidity. Faith is not something for weak minds or emotional morons. True faith ...
Views: 868 - The Quickest Cure for Loneliness - by Submitted on Mar 10, 2014 from Ronald RossThe quickest cure for loneliness is to find a friend. Like everything worthwhile, it is easier said than done. Lonely people need a few guiding principles in their pursuit of friendship. Here are five principles that will help you develop good friends. Principle No. 1: You must diversify your ...
Views: 867 - How to Wiggle Out of the Mud! - 15 - by Submitted on Aug 29, 2016 from Ronald RossGet Rid of Impatience FAST! By Dr. Ron Ross Nearly every serious mistake I have made in my life (and I’ve made many) was the result of my restless desire for change and stimulation. My impatience has cost me good jobs, financial opportunities, professional advancement, and more. Most of ...
Views: 863 - Two Sad Reasons Many Live Boring and Insignificant Lives - by Submitted on Nov 03, 2014 from Ronald RossThere is great potential within you! Yet so many prefer to live only ordinary lives; to live as if each day has no importance and each year can pass without anything significant happening. Why are so many so content to live lives of quiet desperation? Two reasons: Why do so many people live ...
Views: 863 - Manners Matter 15 - by Submitted on May 03, 2016 from Ronald RossManners of Personality By Ron Ross “An ugly personality destroys a pretty face.” Does that sound true to you? If so, allow me to introduce you to a few ugly personalities and make sure none describes you! The arrogant. The arrogant have a need to diminish others in a pitiful attempt to ...
Views: 860 - How to Wiggle Out of the Mud! - 12 - by Submitted on Aug 08, 2016 from Ronald RossThink Possibilities By Dr. Ron Ross Born in Ireland in 1884, child prodigy William Thomson was enrolled in Glasgow University at age ten. He became an accomplished mathematician, astronomer, chemist, and physicist who made a significant contribution to the laying of the transatlantic cable ...
Views: 857 - Manners Matter 10 - by Submitted on Mar 28, 2016 from Ronald RossManners on the Road By Ron Ross Every road you drive on is filled with cheerful people who are courteous and careful on their commute, right? Wong. You and I, however, are always considerate and polite when we are behind the wheel, right? Wrong again. All drivers are guilty of angry ...
Views: 850 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN - Part 12 Cynicism - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2020 from Ronald RossCynicism is the presumption that no one or anything should ever be trusted. Cynics suffer a gloomy outlook and a sarcastic tongue; they are the opposite of cheerfulness and respect. A cynical person is filled with bitterness, speaks with malice, and suspects even the most honorable people. It ...
Views: 849 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN - Part 17 - MATERIALISM - by Submitted on Mar 20, 2021 from Ronald RossMaterialism is a philosophical theory that matter is the only substance, and reality and everything else — thought, emotions, intellect, and existence — are explained in terms of physical phenomena on matter. Do not confuse materialism with stuff-ism — the constant acquisition of possessions — ...
Views: 849 - How to Wiggle Out of the Mud! - 11 - by Submitted on Aug 01, 2016 from Ronald RossAvoid Trifling Conversation By Dr. Ron Ross The Ellen DeGeneres show was on the TV when I walked into a waiting room. I had to listen to it because, well, because it was on and I had to wait. I didn’t want to hear it so I did my best to tune out her inane conversation with some celebrity. ...
Views: 849 - You Don’t Have To Worry - by Submitted on Nov 18, 2013 from Ronald RossOur nephew, an enlisted man in the Army, is heading to a dangerous part of the world for a second tour of duty. His parents and the rest of our family are justifiably concerned for his safety. A businessman watches carefully as a strong competitor opens a business two blocks down the street. ...
Views: 838 - Four Good Reasons to Be Thankful - by Submitted on Nov 22, 2013 from Ronald RossBy Ron Ross Feasting, football games, and of course, Black Friday sales often bury the true meaning of Thanksgiving. I must confess that at our house during the Thanksgiving weekend we do feast, I watch a little football, and my wife does some shopping. But through it all we do take time to ...
Views: 836 - How to Wiggle Out of the Mud! - 7 - by Submitted on Jun 20, 2016 from Ronald RossWork on List Three By Dr. Ron Ross Everyone keeps three silent lists deep within their heart. The first is a list of the things we’ve done for which we are ashamed. For some of us it’s a long list: people we’ve disappointed, friends we’ve hurt, selfish things we’ve done, words we ...
Views: 834 - Three Reasons Why You Are Shy and the One Thing You Can Do About It - by Submitted on Mar 18, 2014 from Ronald Ross“I’m shy. That’s just the way I am,” said a young lady I spoke to recently. To her, shyness is in the same category as the color of her eyes or the size of her feet – something she cannot change. But she can change, and so can you. You do not have to be stranded alone in the corner of a room ...
Views: 834 - You're Something Special - by Submitted on Sep 13, 2013 from Ronald RossWho is that person wearing your skin? Where have you come from, where are you going, and what are you supposed to be doing in the meantime? In short, who are you? Isn't it really rather simple? After all, biologists can define you genetically, psychologists can explain you behaviorally, ...
Views: 832 - Six Super-Duper Resources for Discovering Your Purpose for Living - by Submitted on Nov 11, 2014 from Ronald RossThe coffee table I built in wood-shop in the 11th grade has never wanted to be a ladder, dining room table or a boat. It has had one purpose in life, and has been quite content to be a coffee table. OK, I used it once or twice to stand on to change a light bulb, however that did not make it a ...
Views: 830 - You Can Solve Any Problem - by Submitted on Dec 01, 2013 from Ronald Ross“I suppose you think you’re problems are worse than mine, right? Well let me tell you something, pal – you don’t know anything about having problems until you’ve taken a good look at MY problems, so cut me a little slack here, OK?” Is that how you feel about your problems? Do you think no ...
Views: 805 - You’re A Creative Whiz! - by Submitted on Oct 28, 2013 from Ronald RossArtists and musicians are not the sole proprietors of creativity. Common folk like you and me are also able to solve problems, write music, create art, and come up with new ideas. Remember when you were a child and you could fly airplanes, drive trucks, dress like a princess, or travel around ...
Views: 803 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN - Part 9 Stuff-ism - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2020 from Ronald RossIf stuff-ism were a religion, the local self-storage rental facility would be the place of worship. In America today, there are 1.7 billion square feet of self-storage space for rent. Most of the sites run at a consistent 90% occupancy with an individual monthly fee of around $90. Why do ...
Views: 791 - Manners Matter One - by Submitted on Feb 03, 2016 from Ronald RossAre Manners More Important than Laws? By Ron Ross I had a rude neighbor. He owned a motorcycle and loved to work on it in his garage. He would rev the engine as he tuned it then let it idle loudly for hours. Every time he came in or out of his driveway he would roar the noisy machine as ...
Views: 782 - Five Forces That Hinder or Enhance Togetherness - Part 4 - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2020 from Ronald Ross“We seem to be growing apart.” “Whatever happened between you and Sharon?” I asked Sharon’s ex-husband. "Oh, she’s moved back to Phoenix with her sister.” I remained silent to give my friend time to say more. He sighed heavily and said, “We just seemed to grow apart over the ...
Views: 781 - How to Get Some R-E-S-P-E-C-T - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2020 from Ronald RossAretha Franklin sings about it, Rodney Dangerfield complains he doesn’t get any at all, and the rest of us would appreciate a little more of that curious thing called respect. Some say that every human owes every other human a measure of respect. But are we obligated to respect everyone? ...
Views: 770 - Manners Matter 9 - by Submitted on Mar 21, 2016 from Ronald RossTable Manners By Ron Ross When you eat by yourself you may gobble your food like a hungry pig if you want because no one cares. But when you eat with someone else, and especially when you eat in public, table manners matter. In 1922 a writer named Emily Post wrote Etiquette in Society, ...
Views: 762 - How to Express Your Anger Without Getting Arrested - Part 1 - by Submitted on Jul 16, 2020 from Ronald RossMy neighbor came charging across the street. His eyes bulged out, and his fists clenched as he came screaming into my yard, “Why the *&^%$ did you call the cops on me?” “Because you cannot keep your dogs from barking, and the entire neighborhood is fed up with it,” I said in as quiet a voice ...
Views: 758 - Five Forces That Hinder or Enhance Togetherness: Part 6 - by Submitted on Sep 10, 2020 from Ronald Ross"NO TRESPASSING.” Secreting of the true self: Fear, sin, low self-esteem, insecurities, etc. cause us to hide/protect our true self. My college roommate (who was raised by a single mom) and I shared many secrets. We were so close that we were the "Best Man" at each other's wedding. One day ...
Views: 753 - Manners Matter Two - by Submitted on Feb 08, 2016 from Ronald RossWhat to do about a cell phone addict By Ron Ross Rudeness happens when you are with someone who is obsessed with his/her high-tech device such as a cell phone or tablet. How loudly can I say this: CONSTANTLY CHECKING YOUR CELL PHONE FOR TEXT MESSAGES WHILE VISITING WITH SOMEONE IS ...
Views: 751 - Manners Matter 12 - by Submitted on Apr 12, 2016 from Ronald RossRude Pets and Rude Pet Owners By Ron Ross My wife used to share her ice cream cone with our dachshund. The neighbor girl wasn’t impressed, however, when he took a lick of her cone. What is socially acceptable to a dog or to a dog owner is not necessarily acceptable to humans. Sniffing, ...
Views: 746 - Five Forces That Hinder or Enhance Togetherness - Part 2 - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2020 from Ronald RossPart 2. Mud Puddles and Patent Leather Shoes Or, “You’re not like me.” Innate Differences A handsome young couple with two children walked out of church just after a rainstorm left several puddles in the parking lot. Their 2-year-old son let go of his mother’s hand and went immediately for ...
Views: 740 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN - Part 10 Humanism - by Submitted on Nov 20, 2020 from Ronald RossThose who believe in Humanism advocate a doctrine that allows them to engage in anything which the human body may desire. They tolerate immorality, advocate abortion up to and including the ninth month, and support euthanasia, homosexuality, adultery, and any variety of invented "gender" ...
Views: 731 - Humor is Better than Exercise! - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2019 from Ronald RossReason #2 God Gave Us Humor: Humor is Better than Exercise! By Ron Ross You may have read the meme, “Rabbits jump, and they live eight years. Dogs run, and they live 15 years, turtles do nothing, and they live for 150 years. Lesson learned.” Or how about this one: “A balanced diet is ...
Views: 730 - Five Forces That Hinder or Enhance Togetherness: Part 3 - by Submitted on Sep 10, 2020 from Ronald RossPart Three: “Why do you act like that?” Lifetime experiences Education. How were you educated: homeschooled, private school, parochial school, or public school? How did your teachers and coaches treat you? Were you a part of the in-crowd or not? Was school easy or difficult for you? Who were ...
Views: 729 - Thirteen Reasons God Gave Us Humor Reason 1: Humor Fights Disease - by Submitted on Jul 15, 2019 from Ronald RossWhere did the idea come from that laughter is the best medicine? King Solomon, considered one of the wisest men who ever lived, may be the source. He didn’t say that laughter was the “best” medicine, but he did say, “A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you ...
Views: 716 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN - Part 4 Aloof-ism and Excuse-ism - by Submitted on Oct 10, 2020 from Ronald RossTwo extremes can invade your thought process and cause you to lose your battle with self and others. One says, “I don’t care,” and the other says, “It’s not my fault.” Aloof-ism is a word I created that refers to the mental and emotional escape route for any personal responsibility revealed ...
Views: 707 - How to Express Anger Without Getting Arrested - Part 2 - by Submitted on Jul 23, 2020 from Ronald RossThe best way to deal with anger (discussed in Part 1) is to learn how to effectively SPEAK OUT your anger without shouting, cursing, complaining, hiding, punching, seething, or running. Here’s how: S-P-E-A-K; it’s an acrostic for the appropriate expression of anger. S—SUPERVISE YOURSELF ...
Views: 699 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN - Part 16 - It'll-do-ism - by Submitted on Mar 10, 2021 from Ronald Ross"It'll-do-ism" is the belief that good enough is good enough. It is the opposite of perfectionism (Bad Belief System #5). The day I turned 16-years old, I already knew how to drive, so I got my driver's license. I wasn't a very good driver (though I thought I was), but I was good ...
Views: 690 - Acquire Confidence - Part 1: How Confident are You? - by Submitted on Sep 01, 2014 from Ronald RossHow confident are you? It makes a difference, you know. The measure of your self-confidence is revealed in a variety of ways: your voice, the language you use, your body language, your grooming and much more. Self-confident people have a natural magnetism about them. They can be identified ...
Views: 685 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN: Socialism - by Submitted on Sep 17, 2020 from Ronald RossYou've heard of such interesting words as magnetism, tourism, and individualism. Recently, I asked myself, "What precisely is an ism?" Dictionary.com had the answer: an –ism is a suffix added to the end of a word to indicate that the word represents a specific practice, system, or philosophy. ...
Views: 684 - 4.0 Five Questions to Ask Yourself When Thinking About Your Own Personal Success Question 3: Which will ultimately result in a better me: continued dependency or self-reliance? - by Submitted on Aug 17, 2015 from Ronald RossThere may be times in your life when you need outside help to survive. That is why there are a variety of wonderful charities and social services to help people in times of need. But the reality is programs like Welfare, food stamps, free lunch, and government housing, are ultimately harmful to ...
Views: 678 - 3.2 Protect Your Mind from Depravity - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2015 from Ronald RossDo you watch those mystery documentaries where they take a crime and re-live it, then follow through to the capturing of the perpetrator, his/her trial and ultimate incarceration? We do. One especially gory episode we started to watch featured a variety of hideous acts that led to the ...
Views: 677 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN - Part 14 TOMORROW-ISM - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2021 from Ronald RossTomorrow-ism and procrastinationitis are two words I've created to refer to the habit of putting off until tomorrow that which can (should) be done today. You suffer from procrastinationitis if you think, "Tomorrow I'll spend more time with my children" or "Tomorrow I'll work on being a better ...
Views: 672 - 3.6: Protect your mind from Pride - by Submitted on Apr 06, 2015 from Ronald RossIt is very easy to think, I’m wiser, I’m prettier, I’m more talented, I’m smarter, I’m more popular, I’m better than you at this or that or something else. Of the seven deadly sins, pride is considered the most alluring and the most destructive. Bad pride shows up as conceit, self-importance, ...
Views: 671 - Butterflies or Thorns? - by Submitted on Sep 02, 2013 from Ronald RossYour life, like mine, is a series of interwoven relationships. Some are (were) wonderful, life-giving experiences and some are (were) absolutely horrible, but all worked together to make us who we are today. If it wasn't for the relationship my mother had with my father (they were married ...
Views: 664(1 vote) - 2.7 Prepare of Action – Count the Cost - by Submitted on Jan 26, 2015 from Ronald RossDo you know the difference between price and cost? The terms “price” and “cost” can be confusing. The two terms are related, but quite different. The price is the amount you pay for a product or service. When you pay a price for something, the price represents the value of what you give up ...
Views: 646 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN - Part 2: Hedonism & Narcissism - by Submitted on Sep 24, 2020 from Ronald RossTwo destructive dogmas popular today are hedonism and narcissism. Hedonism is a socially destructive ethical theory that asserts pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of human life. If you've heard someone whine, "But I just want to have fun," or, "I just want to be happy," they are ...
Views: 642 - Five Forces That Hinder or Enhance Togetherness - Part 1 - by Submitted on Aug 01, 2020 from Ronald RossFive Forces That Hinder or Enhance Togetherness A six-part series of articles about improving your love relationship Part 1. The Phantom Speaks for All of Us Toward the end of The Phantom of the Opera, the Phantom finally captures his not-so-secret love Christine and takes her to his ...
Views: 642 - You Have More Courage Than You Realize - by Submitted on Nov 04, 2013 from Ronald RossThere are a large variety of spiders in Africa and all of them are quite scary. One weekend my wife had a close encounter with one of those large spiders – it was at least as large as a saucer. She was home alone with our two toddler children in our tiny house located about 11 miles into the ...
Views: 639 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN - Part 5 Perfectionism - by Submitted on Oct 15, 2020 from Ronald RossAs a kid, I was not too fond of report cards. My mother never saved a one (thankfully). Perfectionism is a never-ending, never good enough report card on who you are and what you do and say. It's "a personality trait characterized by high expectations and standards." (Psychology Today) ...
Views: 624 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN - Part 11: Criticalism - by Submitted on Dec 03, 2020 from Ronald RossNo one likes a critic, but that doesn't stop many who criticize darn near everything that happens. Those folks suffer from a belief system that is personally and socially destructive. They believe that nothing is ever right or good enough. There are two kinds of critics – the kind we're most ...
Views: 611 - Bad Belief Systems You Must Lose if You Want to WIN - Part 18 Utopianism - by Submitted on Mar 27, 2021 from Ronald RossWe all search for a little heaven on earth, but so far, no one’s found it. We want to live in a place where we are safe, comfortable, and content, but it won’t be found on this planet. Some claim the earliest Christians were utopian socialists because they had “all things in common.” (Acts 2 ...
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