If thinking is categorized practically, it can be broadly split into ‘volitional thinking’ and ‘instrumental thinking.’ Volitional thinking involves the belief that to succeed, a person must have a strong will to overcome hardships and obstacles. Self-improvement falls under this category. However, to actually overcome hardships and obstacles, it is instrumental thinking that drives us to consider that we need ‘tools’ to get past them. In other words, it’s like how carpenters build houses: they construct the structure, but tools are what make it possible. There is no carpenter without tools. Both are essential for success, but if I had to emphasize one, focusing on instrumental thinking is more advantageous. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
When we face the most innumerable values, we do not feel to be grateful. The most valuable things in the world are almost things we do not thank or easily ignore, like the air, light, etc. When the gratitude is routinized, the lack occurs instead. When the recent gratitude is forgotten, we blame and curse dissatisfaction. So if you want to protect the breaking relationship with someone, while you try your best but don't cause the gratitude of someone for you never become routine. If appreciation for you is routinized, the relationship you want to protect will be destroyed. Unconditionally good relationships can end for this reason. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”