Sunday, May 26, 2024

Why Pride, Part II: When the Carrot Becomes Poison 🥕⚠️

False Pride

The Two Faces of Pride

In our pursuit of goals and achievements, pride plays a significant role. However, not all pride is created equal. This part delves into the crucial distinction between True pride, a healthy sense of accomplishment, and false pride, which can lead to arrogance and self-absorption. Understanding this is essential for navigating success with humility and fostering positive self-growth.

One of the most important aspects of the concept of pride is understanding the difference between True pride and false pride.

False Pride vs. True Pride

Take, for example, an entrepreneur who, out of healthy pride, works hard, constantly learns new things, takes risks, and finally achieves monetary success. The pride is his carrot and there is nothing wrong with that. In this case, pride is natural and plays a positive motivating role.

However, if this pride spills over into arrogance, the entrepreneur might focus solely on dominating and expanding without considering the impact on others. This insatiable desire for superiority, fueled by an inflated ego, exemplifies the pitfalls of False Pride.


True Pride

False Pride isn't logical. It's a psychological compulsion, a hunger to feel better than everyone else, regardless of merit. It becomes an obsession, a delusion of superiority that consumes the individual and blinds them to reality, i.e. False Pride pushes a person into insatiable. From that moment he doesn't merely rest on his laurels; he seeks to expand without caring for others, to dominate, and finally, to establish a monopoly. This form of pride isn't propelled by any deep-rooted rationale; it is simply a relentless desire for greater triumph.

True Pride, in contrast, fosters a growth mindset and helps in the development of consciousness. True Pride acknowledges achievements while recognizing success often stems from a combination of hard work, constant learning, timing, luck, and support from others.

True Pride emphasizes self-awareness, humility, and a willingness to learn and grow. It motivates us to celebrate both our own and others' accomplishments and inspires collaboration. By cultivating True Pride, we can navigate success with a grounded sense of self-worth and contribute positively to the world around us.

In our pursuit of goals, pride plays a significant role. But not all pride is equal. This part explores the key difference between True Pride (healthy accomplishment) and False Pride (arrogance, self-absorption). Understanding this is essential for navigating success with humility and fostering growth.

Characteristics of True Pride


True Pride


True Pride is more than just feeling good about ourselves. It encompasses several key characteristics:

  • Self-Awareness
  • Humility
  • Compassion
  • Openness to Feedback
  • Limiting Comparisons
  • Accountability
  • Constant Re-evaluation
  • Seeking Balance

Building True Pride: A Lifelong Journey

True Pride transcends a fleeting sense of accomplishment. It fosters a growth mindset, embraces partnerships and collaboration, and celebrates the achievements of others. 

By cultivating compassion, openness to feedback, limiting comparisons, accountability, celebrating others, and constant re-evaluation, we can navigate success with humility and contribute positively to the world. 

In the next part (Part III), we'll delve deeper into how to cultivate these characteristics in your daily life, with real-life examples.

In My Novel, "Melissa"


 Arrogance of Nathan

A brilliant scientist named Nathan grapples with the consequences of succumbing to False Pride. Witness his terrifying spiral and its impact on him, those around him, and even humanity. 

Will Nathan's ambition for scientific discovery lead to his downfall, or can he learn the valuable lesson of True Pride before it's too late? Curious to see how it unfolds? Sign up for your FREE ebook of "Melissa" on launch day and discover Nathan's fate! Click on the link 

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Why Pride, Part I: The Universal Carrot 🥕



The article "Why Pride" will delve into key aspects of pride's significance, self-improvement's transformative power, and the evolution of consciousness.

We will explore the intricate interplay of pride in our personal and collective narratives, shedding light on how it can both inspire and hinder our growth.

The conclusion will emphasize the importance of discerning between authentic pride born of purpose and the pitfalls of false pride.

This is the first part of the article.

A complex mix of emotions and attitudes

Pride, often considered a complex mix of emotions and attitudes, plays a profound role in our lives. Just as a doctor treating a patient must first make a diagnosis, so too must humanity find the root cause of its suffering.

We must acknowledge and ultimately accept the proposition that the pride we hold dear may be a vestige better discarded.

Pride has a double-edged nature. On one hand, a certain amount of pride can motivate us, give us confidence, and drive self-improvement. But excessive or misplaced pride can also hold us back from growth and enlightenment.

The Eternal Carrot

A donkey trudges along, captivated by a carrot dangling just inches from its nose. This simple vegetable acts as a powerful motivator, spurring the creature onward.




The Universal Nudge

Human pride plays a similar role in our lives as the donkey's carrot. Woven into the very fabric of our being, it serves as a psychological catalyst, nudging us to follow the narrative arc of our lives.

Pride can manifest on both individual and group levels, encompassing countries, nations, continents, and even entire planets.

Lower Consciousness, Higher Pride

The lower the level of consciousness, the greater the tendency towards pride. Let's consider humanity's pride as an example.

Humanity's Cosmic Pride

In ancient times, our collective pride, coupled with limited understanding, led us to believe that Earth was the center of the universe, around which everything revolved.


Expanding Horizons

As our collective consciousness evolved, so did our understanding of our place in the cosmos. First, we accepted that Earth orbits the Sun. 



Then, we realized our solar system is but a tiny fragment in the vast tapestry of the universe.

Towards a New Enlightenment

Today, with an ever-expanding consciousness, we begin to grasp that our planet is just one of countless material worlds, akin to a single grain of sand on an immeasurable beach.

Further Enlightenment

Should our spiritual understanding extend beyond the material world, we may approach a time when we perceive ethereal worlds.



Why Pride?

Whether the burden of pride we carry originated in the Garden of Eden is a secondary concern.

The primary question is whether we dare to face the challenge of discarding our "bad habit" – false pride.

The end of Part I. 

Part II will explore strategies for nurturing justified pride while steering clear of false, destructive arrogance.

In My Fictional Novel, "Melissa"

In my novel, "Melissa," the talented biophysicist Nathan, consumed by ambition, competes with God and crosses a forbidden line. 




Guided by the philosophy that "ethics are subjective" and viewing scientific interference as a means of accelerating evolution, Nathan, truly believing his advancements would benefit humanity, faced the regrettable consequences of his experiments.

Mark Your Calendar! Don't miss out! Grab your FREE e-book of "Melissa" on launch day: https://rbjal.com/melissa-sign-up


#pride #selfimprovement #personalgrowth #consciousness #motivation #confidence #selfworth #driven #achievement

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Are You Ready for "Melissa"? Sign Up for Your Free Copy!

Discover the secrets of "Melissa.

Calling All Adventure Seekers!

Are you ready to be enthralled by a story that blends genres and leaves you wanting more? Then buckle up for the captivating novella, "Melissa"!

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Why Melissa?

"Melissa" is a unique blend of science fiction, psychological thriller, and metaphysical exploration with subtle horror elements. It's a thrilling journey that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

What Readers Are Saying About Melissa:

"Prepare to be captivated! The science-meets-supernatural premise kept me guessing until the very end. A thrilling exploration of grief, love, and the boundaries of what's possible." 

                                                      - Beta Reader/ Science Fiction Fan

 

Who is She Now?

Get Your Free Copy of Melissa!
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Free Book Offer!

Here's some exciting news:

You can snag a FREE copy of "Melissa" when it launches on Amazon KDP in July 2024!

Exclusive Bonuses!

By joining the email list, readers will unlock a double dose of "Melissa":
  • Free Book on Launch Day: Secure your free copy with a special link we'll send you (limited-time offer, 24 hours only).
  • Bonus Sneak Peek at Chapter 8: Dive deeper with a captivating excerpt (and evocative visuals!) – a reader favorite from beta testers.

Early Bird Bonus!

If you're among the first 100 subscribers, you'll also receive an exclusive and chilling excerpt from the epilogue of "Melissa" (cannibalism content warning). This sneak peek will give you a taste of "Melissa Part II" and leave you wanting more!


A Discovery with Consequences

Join Our Email List Today

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity! Join our email list today to secure your free copy of "Melissa" and unlock the exclusive Chapter 8 preview.


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P.S. Unveil the Secrets of "Melissa"

About "Melissa"
  • Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Metaphysical Exploration (with subtle Horror elements)
  • Expected Release Date: July 2024 (subject to change)



#scifithriller #mystery #grief #love #freebooks #melissanovel #jacklynalo #psycologicalthriller

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Taking Control of Your Story: Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing

Traditional Publishing (Validation, Expertise) vs Self-Publishing (Control, Higher Royalties)

So you've written a book! Congratulations! Now comes the exciting (and sometimes daunting) decision of how to get your work out into the world. There are two main paths you can take: traditional publishing or self-publishing. Both have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your goals and resources.

A. Traditional Publishing: The Established Route


Will your work find a home here? Traditional publishing offers
prestige and expertise, but competition is fierce.

Traditional publishing involves finding a publishing house that agrees to take on your book. This can be a lengthy process, but if successful, the publisher will handle most of the work for you, including:

  • Editing and Proofreading: Ensuring your manuscript is polished and error-free.
  • Book Design and Cover Art: Creating a professional-looking book that will catch readers' eyes.
  • Marketing and Distribution: Getting your book into bookstores and online retailers.

The Benefits:

  • Validation: Having a traditional publisher behind your book can lend credibility and prestige.
  • Expertise: Publishers have the experience and resources to handle the technical aspects of publishing, freeing you to focus on writing.
  • Financial Investment: Publishers typically provide an advance on royalties, which can be helpful.

The heart of traditional publishing: Editors, designers, and marketing teams
working together to bring your book to life.

The Drawbacks:

  • Control: You may have less say in the editing process, cover design, and marketing strategy.
  • Competition: Getting a traditional publishing deal can be competitive, and it can take a long time to find a publisher who is a good fit for your book.
  • Lower Royalties: Traditional publishers typically offer lower royalty rates than self-publishing.

B. Self-Publishing: Charting Your Own Course


A blend of creativity and technology for complete authorial control.

With self-publishing, you are in complete control of your book, from start to finish. This means you'll be responsible for everything from editing and formatting to marketing and promotion.

The To-Do List:

  • Copyright: Securing the legal rights to your work.
  • Editing and Proofreading: Finding freelance editors or using editing software.
  • Formatting: Preparing your manuscript for different platforms (e.g., ebook, print).
  • Design and Cover Art: Hiring a designer or using design tools to create a professional-looking book.
  • Pricing and Distribution: Setting your book's price and making it available for purchase through online retailers and self-publishing platforms.
  • Marketing and Promotion: Creating a website, social media presence, and engaging in other marketing activities to reach readers.


The power of self-publishing in your pocket! 

The Benefits:

  • Control: You have complete creative control over your book, from cover design to marketing strategy.
  • Higher Royalties: You keep a higher percentage of the profits from your book sales.
  • Faster Time to Publication: You can get your book published much faster than with traditional publishing.


Dreams do come true! Celebrating the launch of a novel.

The Drawbacks:

  • Investment: You'll need to invest your own time and money in editing, design, marketing, and other publishing services.
  • Marketing Expertise: You'll need to learn how to effectively market your book to reach readers.
  • Credibility: Self-published books may be perceived as less credible than traditionally published books, although this perception is changing.

C. Choosing the Right Path:

The right path for you will depend on your individual goals and resources. If you value control and a higher potential for royalties, self-publishing may be a good option. However, if you prefer to have a publisher handle the technical aspects and provide marketing expertise, then traditional publishing may be a better fit.

AI Assistance for Authors:


Unlocking the power of human creativity with AI assistance

We live in a very fast time period where technologies, for example, AI, boost our productivity and challenge us to accept the change. In this fast-paced environment, AI tools can be valuable assets for both traditional and self-published authors.

Human + AI Synergy: A sci-fi thriller born from collaboration:

My own experience writing a novel, "Melissa" (a captivating reimagining of a screenplay in the sci-fi and psycho-thriller genres), showcased the power of AI assistance. With the help of several AI tools, including Bard (Gemini), GPT-4, and Sudowrite, I was able to gain vivid prose with better word choices and improved proofreading.

Uncover the chilling secrets of Melissa. Will you dare to enter?




Thrill yourself with Melissa!  Mark your calendars for mid-July: Free e-book on launch day!  Don't miss out - sign up to be notified! 

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