朝闻道

I. Mind Mapping#

1. Write the topic in the center of the paper, then let your thoughts flow freely;
2. Categorize the divergent content in various, intersecting ways, writing down all possible classifications;
3. Draw multiple new mind maps according to the classifications;
4. Diverge on these mind maps, with a clear direction at this point;
5. Finally, consolidate all the maps into one large mind map.

II. Reading Notes#

Excerpt + Rephrase + Argumentation + Connection

1. Excerpt the content that resonates with you, marking the page number of the book at the end.
2. Rephrase it in your own words. Deepen your impression + test your understanding.
3. Write down your feelings, preferably with an example.
4. Think about whether there are similar points in your previous knowledge. Absorb knowledge and integrate it, which is crucial.
5. Initially, organize reading notes based on the book, and finally, migrate them again with knowledge points as the core. This is to master a field.

III. Writing#

1. Those who can continuously produce content have a strong repository of materials. In the repository, there are clear categories—learning, life, and career. Under each category, there are themes, and within the themes, there are materials accumulated at any time.

2. Regularly categorize and break down writing tasks. Good authors are simply skilled at capturing inspiration.

3. Find a reference article, summarize the key points of each paragraph + core ideas + examples.

4. Shuffle the summarized key points and write an article based on your understanding.

5. Compare the original text vs. your creation, think about why the author used such structure, vocabulary, and syntax, and identify the gaps.

6. Practice step 5 repeatedly, deliberately practicing 4 to 5 times until satisfied.

7. This method 3 to 6 is derived from Franklin, who transformed from a writing novice to a columnist in one year. Picasso said: imitation is the beginning of all human learning. Even Shakespeare initially imitated the old playwrights of England.

IV. Morning Journal#

“What makes you wake up early is never the alarm clock, but your dreams.”

4.1 Reasons for Writing a Journal in the Morning#

1. In the evening, our emotions are unstable, and we easily engage in self-criticism.
   • In the evening, it can easily turn into an extreme “regret journal” or “reflection journal.”
   • There are countless paths to think about at night, but in the morning, we still walk the same path.
2. In the morning, you can calmly and objectively reflect on the previous day's events and view problems neutrally.
3. You can directly apply your thoughts to influence the day, enhancing execution.

4.2 What to Record#

1. Not only should you record the emotions at the time of the event, but also the causes and consequences.

   • If you only write down your emotions, when you look back at the journal, you won’t know why you felt that way, nor will you understand the most important reasons. If you only leave emotions for your future self, once humans become emotional, problems that could have been solved become unsolvable.

2. Not only should you record the causes and consequences, but also better choices.

   • Most people only record what happens each day, and this is where the problem lies. The greatest function of a journal is not recording, but the ability to improve after reflection.
   • If writing a journal is a fruitless endeavor, then accomplished individuals would not persist in this practice.

Figures like Zeng Guofan and Chiang Kai-shek not only recorded what happened but also noted their thoughts at the time, reflecting on whether their actions were appropriate, and considering if there were better choices. This is called reviewing.

3. It is recommended to set up at least four sections: “Work,” “Money,” “Health,” and “Interpersonal Relationships.”
   Because these four points are essential conditions for pursuing happiness in life. The benefit of writing a journal in sections is that it prevents aimlessness and avoids excessive detail.

4.3 Persist, Persist, Persist#

You must develop the habit. If you cannot persist in something, you cannot achieve compound interest. #01/Compound Interest

As long as you change your “habits,” your “destiny” will also change. When “destiny” changes, “life” will change as well. The only way to realize life dreams is to “change life habits.”

Remember to prioritize programming, with willpower as a supplement.

• Many people mistakenly believe that persistence relies on willpower. But willpower is a scarce resource closely related to our physical condition.

• The first three days of forming a habit can rely on willpower, but from three days to three months, it will depend on programming and ritual. This stage may have backlash; if not careful, previous efforts may be wasted, and when persistence wanes, use willpower to push yourself.

Here are a few tips for maintaining programming.
The principle behind them is Pavlov's classical conditioning experiment. The Soviet learning psychologist Pavlov once used a dog for an experiment. Each time before feeding the puppy, he would ring a bell and then feed it. After several trials, even without food, the dog would reflexively salivate upon hearing the bell. #01/Habit

This experiment tells us that we must fully utilize our conditioned reflexes. Therefore, before writing the morning journal, be sure to set a starting ritual. For example, play pleasant music.

• It is recommended to create background music with bird calls and insect chirps. Since humans evolved from forests, bird calls or insect sounds can deeply resonate with our brains, helping us relax.

• Also, establish a fixed writing location. A consistent environment can trigger specific behaviors.

Lower the difficulty; in the morning, limit note-taking to no more than three minutes. The reason for not being able to persist may be spending too much time writing the journal, turning it into a burden.

“Continue to ignore feedback, and life will continue to give you the same lessons.”