Finding A New Perspective for Better Decision Making.
THE WAY WE SEE THE PROBLEM IS THE PROBLEM.
Albert Einstein observed, “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them”.
A paradigm-shifting experience as told by Frank Koch in , Proceedings, the magazine of the Naval Institute.
Two battleships assigned to the training squadron had been at sea on maneuvers in heavy weather for several days. I was serving on the lead battleship and was on watch on the bridge as night fell. The visibility was poor with patch fog, so the captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities.
Shortly after dark, the lookout on the wing of the bridge reported, “Light, bearing on the starboard bow.”
“Is it steady or moving astern?” the captain called out.
Lookout replied, “Steady, captain,” which meant we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship.
The captain then called to the signalman, “Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change course 20 degrees.”
Back came a signal, “Advisable for you to change course 20 degrees.”
The Captain said, “Send, I’m a captain, change course 20 degrees.”
“I’m a seaman second class,” came the reply. “You had better change course 20 degrees.”
By that time, the captain was furious. He spat out, “Send, I’m a battleship. Change course.”
Back came the flashing light, “I’m a lighthouse.”
We changed course.
What can you apply from this story?
We can see the paradigm shift experienced by the captain (and us as we read this) as the situation was put in a totally different light. We can see a reality that is superseded by his limited perception — a reality that is as critical for us to understand in our daily lives as it was for the captain in the fog.
How can you see a new perspective and clear the mental fog for better decision making in critical, stressful situations?
Mental Fog is daily, chronic stress, affecting our clear viewpoint.
Are you limiting your situational understanding and ability to make the best decision based on your current successes, knowledge and position?
What if we could fuse the methods, findings and concepts of the latest studies of cognitive skills with time-tested, fundamental wisdom as felt through ‘gut instincts’ and the intrinsic human capacity?
This is more clearly possible through mindfulness and feedback training with the continued growth of both brain scanning technologies and those of the video, visual, virtual reality world in which biofeedback based programming both emanates from and is heading towards.
Recently, studies abound proving the value of simple mindfulness and biofeedback exercises to alleviate stresses like those which are behind adhd and ptsd; the training of these self-awareness, emotional control and calm focus capacities also provide the basis for increased sports, school, business or life successes.
Here is a brief white paper from a leading expert. Read on for a review of how feedback and flow helps us gain Optimal Performance – in this case, for Executives or Athletes.
(Download) Peak Performance using Alive Clinical Biofeedback A White Paper for Professionals
Go here to a low cost, easy to use system in action with an overview.