Why Pride? Part III: When Giants Stay Grounded 🌟

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness: The Cornerstone of True Pride

In our realm of skepticism, many question the necessity of "True Pride" for achieving success. However, this notion is not as outlandish as it might initially seem. Numerous successful figures embody True Pride, a quality distinct from the pitfalls of arrogance and delusion. 

True Pride is a healthy sense of accomplishment that is grounded in self-awareness and humility. It stems from a continuous process of self-reflection. By constantly asking "Who am I?", we gain a grounded understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments. This self-awareness prevents us from falling into the trap of ignorance, which can fuel arrogance and a false sense of superiority.

In this part of the article "Why Pride," we'll explore self-awareness, the cornerstone of cultivating genuine pride, through the examples of prominent individuals.

By being self-aware about one's strengths, weaknesses, privileges, support systems, and the contextual factors that enabled success, an individual is much better positioned to take pride in their accomplishments in a grounded, humble, and constructive way.

Lack of self-awareness, on the other hand, can lead to inflated egos, entitlement, failing to give credit where due, and succumbing to the trappings of False Pride.

Self-awareness involves understanding that achievements, while worthy of pride, do not make you inherently superior to others. Self-awareness means recognizing that success often results from a combination of hard work, fortunate circumstances, support from others, and building upon the knowledge and efforts of those who came before you.

Let's look at a real-life examples illustrating self-awareness as a key aspect of True Pride:

Marie Curie

Maria Curie

Despite her immense scientific fame (20th century radioactivity pioneer), Marie Curie displayed remarkable self-awareness about the international nature of scientific progress. During her time, science was often viewed through a nationalistic lens. Curie, a Polish researcher in France, challenged this perspective. She famously stated that science is "essentially international" and transcends borders. 

For Curie, scientific discovery was a collaborative effort built upon the work of countless scholars across cultures and throughout history. Her belief in science as a unifying human endeavor exemplifies the self-awareness that true pride requires.

Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie

Businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who established the Carnegie Corporation and built one of the most massive fortunes of the 19th century, demonstrated self-awareness in his later years. Despite his immense wealth and success, he acknowledged the role of luck and timing, stating, "I resolved to stop accumulating and begin the infinitely more serious and difficult task of wise distribution." 

Carnegie's self-awareness led him to dedicate a significant portion of his wealth to establishing libraries, universities, and charitable organizations, recognizing that his fortune alone did not define his true legacy.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Despite his numerous achievements and accolades, he displayed remarkable self-awareness about his own limitations. 

In his famous "Flu Game" during the 1997 NBA Finals, Jordan was battling food poisoning but still managed to score 38 points. After the game, he humbly stated, "I almost played myself into passing out...I could barely breathe." 

Despite his heroic performance, Jordan acknowledged his physical struggles and the toll the game took on him, rather than boasting about his superhuman effort.

The examples of Michael Jordan, Marie Curie, and Andrew Carnegie illustrate how maintaining self-awareness, even at the highest levels of achievement, is crucial for embodying True Pride. While their specific contexts varied – athletics, scientific discovery, and business success – a common thread emerges. 

Personal Growth

Self-awareness enabled them to view their accomplishments with humility and gratitude. It also fostered a broader perspective that extended beyond individual accolades.

It grounded them in the understanding that success is a multifaceted journey, built upon the contributions of others and fortified by circumstances that often transcend personal abilities alone.

As these examples demonstrate, self-awareness is a multifaceted trait encompassing several key aspects that safeguard against the pitfalls of arrogance and False Pride. Here are some examples of these key aspects:

1. Acknowledging limitations and struggles, even amidst great feats (e.g. Michael Jordan's "Flu Game")
2. Giving credit to mentors, collaborators, and the broader community that enabled achievements (e.g. Marie Curie on science being an international endeavor)
3. Maintaining perspective that individual accomplishments are part of a larger historical/cultural context (e.g. Andrew Carnegie on wise wealth distribution)
4. Avoiding arrogance or a sense of being inherently better/more deserving than others
5. Ability to separate self-worth from external accomplishments and accolades

Self-awareness allows for justifiable pride in one's hard work and achievements, while still maintaining humility, appreciating others' contributions, and recognizing that continued growth depends on honestly evaluating strengths and weaknesses. It is the antidote to the dangerous pitfalls of arrogance, entitlement and false pride.

Lack of self-awareness, on another hand, could lead to False Pride traps such as arrogance, and distancing yourself from others based on a faulty perception of yourself as a superior being. Ultimately, it can lead to a loss of moral clarity and a disconnection from one's true values and purpose.

Self-awareness is a multifaceted journey, and its exploration can be enriched through various avenues. Fiction, for example, provides a unique lens to examine the complexities of human character and the impact of self-perception or lack of it. 

In My Novel, "Melissa"

In my Novel, "Melissa," embark on a captivating journey of self-discovery with Nathan, a brilliant scientist whose ambitious pursuit takes a dangerous turn. Will Nathan learn the valuable lesson of True Pride before it's too late? 

Sign up for your FREE ebook of "Melissa" on launch day and discover Nathan's fate!  

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 

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

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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

 

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A Discovery with Consequences

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About "Melissa"

• Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Metaphysical Exploration (with subtle Horror elements)

• Expected Release Date: July 2024 (subject to change)

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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?

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The Rise of the AI-Powered Author: Friend or Foe?

Collaboration Between Author and AI

The world is accelerating. Technology disrupts industries, and processes that once took months can now be done in minutes. Publishing is no exception. While traditional publishing houses have long been the gatekeepers of getting your work into readers' hands, the landscape is shifting.

This article explores a potential future where self-publishing becomes the dominant force, and authors transform from wordsmiths into multi-faceted project managers, with the added benefit of powerful AI tools. However, the concept of ownership extends beyond mere task management.

The Concept is King: Owning Your Literary Vision

New Worlds Creation with AI

In this future, authors aren't just writers – they're the architects of their entire literary concept. This concept encompasses every aspect of their book, from the initial spark of an idea to the final product in readers' hands. It includes:

• Worldbuilding and Character Development: Crafting a captivating universe for your story and characters that come alive.
• Plot Outlining and Storytelling: Weaving a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
• Manuscript Proofreading and Editing: Refining the manuscript to a polished and error-free state.
• Visual Identity: Creating a professional-looking book cover and design that complements the story.
• Marketing and Reader Engagement: Building an online presence and connecting with your target audience.

AI: Your Powerful Assistant

Artificial Intelligent Muse

Fortunately, you won't be navigating this complex landscape alone. AI tools will emerge as your intelligent co-pilots, assisting with each stage of your concept:

• Brainstorming Buddy: Stuck on a plot point? AI can suggest intriguing twists and hints to keep your story flowing.
• Research Assistant: Need to delve deeper into a specific historical period or scientific concept? AI can provide relevant information and resources.
• Editing and Proofreading Assistant: AI tools can help catch grammatical errors, suggest stylistic improvements, and ensure consistency throughout your manuscript.
• Content Creation Helper: AI can generate different text formats to explore different aspects of your concept, like character backstories or alternative dialogue options.
• Marketing and Analytics Support: AI can analyze reader demographics, and genre preferences and suggest targeted marketing strategies to reach your ideal audience.

Benefits and Challenges of the AI-Powered Author

Project Management Dashboard with AI assistant

This technological shift offers exciting opportunities for authors:

• Streamlined Workflow: Self-publishing with AI empowers you to own and manage every aspect of your literary creation. AI tools can assist with editing, proofreading, image generation, and even social media content, streamlining your workflow and potentially saving costs on outsourcing.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Some AI tools are available for free or at a lower cost compared to hiring human professionals.
• 24/7 Support and Inspiration: AI tools are tireless! Unlike human editors or designers, they can provide feedback and assistance around the clock, allowing you to work on your project whenever inspiration strikes.
• Spark Creativity: AI tools can act as creative springboards, suggesting unexpected twists choices, or content formats that can spark your creativity.
• Increased Efficiency: AI streamlines time-consuming tasks, freeing you to focus on the fun aspects of storytelling, like character development and worldbuilding.
• Propelling Human Development: AI presents a tremendous opportunity to advance human development. These tools empower us with a significant boost in productivity and grant us the ability to become more self-directed in exploring our creative potential.

However, there are also challenges to consider:

• AI Limitations: AI tools are still under development and may struggle with nuanced storytelling or understanding human emotions. While excellent for initial edits, complex editing might be more cost-effective with a human touch in the long run.
• Author Skillset: While AI simplifies tasks, effective tool utilization and overall project management require strong skills. Learning to leverage AI effectively might involve a learning curve and time investment.
• Subscription Costs: Some AI tools require yearly subscriptions, which can be a cost factor.
• Maintaining the Human Touch: AI should complement, not replace, human creativity. Your unique vision and voice are what shape your concept.

Maintaining Creative Control:

• Diminishing Own Vision: While AI-generated text can be impressive, relying too heavily on suggestions can diminish your own creative vision. Remember, the story is ultimately yours, and the best suggestions of AI should enhance your ideas, not replace them.
• Content Quality and Fact-Checking: Some AI tools might generate content that requires careful review and editing for accuracy and coherence. It's crucial to maintain control over the quality and ensure the content aligns with your vision.
• Author Overwhelm: The sheer power of AI can be daunting. Don't get discouraged if you feel overwhelmed by suggestions. Remember, AI is a tool, and you, as the author, retain the power to choose which suggestions work best for your story.

The Future is a Collaborative Canvas

AI Tool to Help with Project Management's Tasks

The future of publishing isn't about AI replacing authors.  It's about a powerful collaboration. You, the author,  become the architect of your concept, wielding the power of AI tools to bring your vision to life.

Are you ready to embrace the future of publishing and become a project manager of your own literary concept, with AI as your trusted collaborator?

The future is now. Start crafting your concept, and leverage the power of AI to shape your unique literary masterpiece.

PS 

My novel, "Melissa," a reimagining of a screenplay, comes to life with the help of several AI tools, including Bard (Gemini), GPT-4, and Sudowrite. Get ready to be captivated by this story! 

Mark your calendars for mid-July – you won't want to miss it!

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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