University Of Success Ch 14

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Questions and Answers

What does Dr. Maltz identify as a crucial factor in the effectiveness of plastic surgery?

The skill of the surgeon

The perception of self-image (correct)

The physical appearance after surgery

Peer approval and acceptance

What is the significance of the phrase 'the battlefield of your mind' according to Dr. Maltz?

It refers to external factors influencing thoughts.

It symbolizes the struggle against negative self-perception. (correct)

It denotes the competition among peers.

It highlights the importance of physical attributes.

Which of the following best captures Dr. Maltz's view on negative attitudes from society?

They have no effect on individual self-worth.

They need to be resisted to maintain self-respect. (correct)

They should be embraced for personal growth.

They are typically exaggerated and unfounded.

What does Dr. Maltz suggest about thoughts and mental imaging?

They are the core of personal value and success. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In Dr. Maltz's philosophy, how can one strengthen their self-image?

Through the adoption of an active philosophy and goal setting. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What must individuals do to achieve happiness according to the passage?

Identify and eliminate their failure mechanisms (C) Signup and view all the answers

What do false beliefs often lead to according to the text?

Paralysis of the success mechanism (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the story of Mr. R., what was the primary influence behind his desire for surgery?

His girlfriend's criticism of his lip (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested approach to address one's false beliefs?

Employ forceful countersuggestions to uproot them (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the potential psychological effect of clinging to false negative beliefs?

Continued self-torture and depression (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was Mr. R's initial reaction after the surgery on his lip?

He felt relieved and thankful. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What psychological effect did the woman have on Mr. R after he disclosed the cost of his surgery?

She accused him of cheating her and cursed him. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. R believe was physically wrong with him after the curse?

He believed he had a slimy bug in his mouth. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did the ‘doctor’ claim when he examined Mr. R?

The bug was causing severe damage. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was actually removed from Mr. R's mouth during the medical procedure?

A piece of scar tissue. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'African bug' symbolize in the context of the story?

An illusion based on irrational fears. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the failure mechanism described?

Confidence (C) Signup and view all the answers

The story suggests that negative beliefs can lead to what outcome?

Failure and self-doubt. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does chronic frustration indicate?

A symptom of failure (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can one properly channel aggressiveness to overcome frustration?

By setting appropriate goals (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is often mistakenly believed to be the cause of feelings of insecurity?

Unrealistic expectations (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does extreme loneliness signify?

An important symptom of failure (D) Signup and view all the answers

What mentality does the uncertain person have regarding decision-making?

They believe indecision keeps them safe. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does resentment typically manifest in the behavior of a failure-type personality?

By blaming others for their situation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feeling among people who seem outwardly successful but feel empty inside?

Feelings of frustration and boredom (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Power of Self-Image

Maxwell Maltz, a renowned plastic surgeon, observed that physical changes through surgery did not always lead to positive personality transformations.
Maltz discovered that people who lacked a strong self-image often struggled to embrace positive changes after surgery.
His observations led to popular books like "Creative Living for Today" emphasizing the importance of positive self-image.
According to Maltz, negative self-perceptions, often influenced by societal attitudes and expectations, can be detrimental to personal well-being.
He encourages readers to actively combat negative thoughts and beliefs, viewing the mind as a battlefield where positive self-image is crucial for achieving peace and fulfillment.

War on Your Negative Thoughts

Maltz compares the battle against negative self-beliefs to a war, where the individual's awareness and positive thinking serve as infantry, and the adoption of an active philosophy and goal setting form the air force.
Building a strong self-image is vital in this metaphorical war, strengthening the individual's "air power."
The author emphasizes that identifying and eliminating self-defeating beliefs, or "failure mechanisms," is essential for achieving success.

Overcoming False Beliefs

Maltz strongly encourages readers to dehypnotize themselves from limiting self-perceptions that hinder success.
He describes negative beliefs as unshakable and firmly rooted in the past, often stemming from childhood experiences and misinformation.
False beliefs can lead to self-doubt, self-blame, and a sense of hopelessness about one's ability to achieve meaningful goals.
Maltz emphasizes that even in the face of adversity, individuals must resist the temptation to internalize negative beliefs, comparing their self-criticism to self-torture.

Victorious Over "African Bugs"

The story of Mr.R., a man obsessed with a fictional "African bug" after surgery, exemplifies the power of irrational negative beliefs.
Mr.R.'s belief in the "African bug" stemmed from his girlfriend's criticism of his lip and a curse she placed on him.
The "African bug" serves as a metaphor for the destructive power of negative self-perceptions, even when unfounded.
Maltz argues that everyone carries their own "African bugs," such as excessive worry, self-criticism, or financial anxieties.

The Failure Mechanism

Maltz defines the "failure mechanism" as a system of self-reinforcing symptoms that hinder positive growth and lead to defeat.
The elements of the "failure mechanism" are summarized using the acronym F-A-I-L-U-R-E, standing for Frustration, Aggressiveness, Insecurity, Loneliness, Uncertainty, Resentment, and Emptiness.
These negative emotions, if unchecked, can create a vicious cycle of self-defeating behaviors.

Components of the Failure Mechanism

Frustration: Experiencing chronic frustration when goals are not met or desires remain unfulfilled is a symptom of the failure mechanism.
Aggressiveness: Misdirected anger, fueled by frustration, can sabotage personal progress and relationships.
Insecurity: Feeling inadequate and lacking in confidence despite possessing the necessary skills can lead to self-sabotage and missed opportunities.
Loneliness: Extreme isolation and feelings of separation from others, from oneself, and from life are signs of the failure mechanism.
Uncertainty: Indecisiveness stemming from a fear of being wrong, leading to procrastination and missed opportunities.
Resentment: Blaming others for personal shortcomings, fueling a cycle of self-pity, resentment, and further isolation.
Emptiness: Despite outward success, harboring feelings of internal emptiness, resembling a lack of fulfillment and purpose.

Failure Mechanism

Signs of failure mechanism: Feeling empty despite outward success, boredom, lack of motivation, aversion to work and responsibility, negative self-image
Reasons for failure mechanism: Feeling like a criminal for undeserved success, guilt, repudiating creative faculties
Elements of failure mechanism: Emptiness, guilt, self-repudiation

Overcoming Failure Mechanism

Key to overcoming: Recognizing and challenging false beliefs, redirecting negative emotions
Failing vs. Failure mechanism: The act of failing is normal and a stepping stone to success
Learning from failures: Embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow
Importance of experimentation: Mistakes are inevitable in experimentation, but they should be minimized and viewed as opportunities to learn
Self-criticism: Challenge negative thoughts, such as feeling stupid, ugly, or undeserving
Irrational Thinking: Acknowledge historical examples of irrational beliefs (witch hunts) and apply the same scrutiny to self-deception

Reframing Negative Beliefs

Reframing negative beliefs: Examine evidence for negative beliefs and consider counter evidence
Recognizing grays: People are complex, with strengths and weaknesses, and should not be stereotyped
Examples of overcoming: Joe Louis overcame initial struggles to become a champion.
Repictuing success: Focus on past successes, visualize desired future success, and push away negative thoughts

Self-Image as Pacemaker

Self-image as a guiding force: Cultivate a positive self-image as the foundation for success, happiness, and fulfillment
Self-hypnosis of success: Develop positive habits through consistent self-affirmation and positive thinking
Overcoming loneliness: Banish negativity and cultivate inner strength to overcome loneliness
Benefits of inner strength: A strong self-image unlocks creativity, joy, and confidence to live life fully

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