The Paradox of Self-Improvement: Embracing Yielding and Acceptance

The Paradox of Self-Improvement: Embracing Yielding and Acceptance

In the new book, The Art of Self Improvement, author Anna Katharina Schaffner challenges the traditional notions of self-help and explores the paradoxical nature of self-improvement. Rather than relying on exertion and determination, Schaffner argues that true self-improvement is achieved through yielding, accepting, and giving up resistance. This concept aligns with the Taoist belief in suppleness and the psychologist Viktor Frankl's idea of self-transcendence. By detaching ourselves from our own preoccupations and dedicating ourselves to external causes or the people we love, we can paradoxically actualize ourselves.

Schaffner emphasizes the importance of finding meaning outside of our own psyche. By recognizing our insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe, we can relieve ourselves of the burden of self-importance. This realization allows us to focus on the essential nature of our actions, even if they may seem insignificant. As Frankl puts it, "Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it is essential that you do it."

Interestingly, these ideas of yielding, self-transcendence, and finding meaning outside of oneself can be applied not only to self-improvement but also to the way we approach reading and acquiring knowledge. Here are three actionable tips that can help us read more effectively:

1. How to Remember the Books You've Read: Human memory is associative, and memories are often triggered by relevant events in the present. Instead of trying to actively recall everything we read, we should focus on remembering what information is in each book. By associating the information with the context in which we encountered it, we can unlock dormant memories. Remembering where we saw information can be just as valuable as remembering the information itself.

2. You Don't Have to Read Everything: Reading for usefulness and enjoyment should take precedence over the compulsion to finish every book. If a book fails to capture our interest or if we already have sufficient knowledge on a particular topic, it is perfectly acceptable to skip sections or even abandon the book altogether. The goal is to maximize the processing of interesting information rather than reading sequentially and processing every word.

3. How to Read More Books: Reading a substantial number of books requires dedication and consistency. Scheduling dedicated time for reading each day and rarely missing a day can significantly increase our reading frequency. Additionally, as we read more, our reading speed naturally improves, allowing us to cover more material in less time. Developing the habit of reading regularly can have a compounding effect on our reading capabilities.

In conclusion, the paradox of self-improvement lies in the realization that we can achieve personal growth not through relentless determination but through yielding, accepting, and transcending ourselves. This concept can be applied to various aspects of our lives, including the way we approach reading and acquiring knowledge. By implementing the three actionable tips mentioned above, we can enhance our reading experience and consume information more effectively. Remember, self-improvement is not about the quantity of books we read but the quality of the knowledge we gain and apply.