On the subject of self-collectedness Seneca spoke in his famous quote, “most powerful is he who has himself in his own power” (owning his thoughts, his feelings, and his body). Human beings are complex creatures who can “move mountains”, but at the same time are unable to systematically make their beds and keep their desks in order. Smart and intelligent people sometimes are unable to graduate from college, while the applicants who seem very much mediocre initially graduate with honors. One artist produces a single brilliant work in a lifetime, while the other produces masterpieces like an assembly line. How does this happen? The answer lies in the combination of a person’s abilities, which can be called in one phrase: self-collectedness mastery.
Self-collectedness mastery is the mental and bodily readiness for action (the analogy of an athlete who is fully focused and ready to perform the role of a track and field athlete). Self-collectedness mastery shapes one’s ability to become a performer of a role, that is, one must own oneself or be able to pull oneself together at the right moment to perform a certain action. Since it is mastery, not just knowledge-skill-ability, it is demonstrated under any and all adverse conditions. A collected person when necessary will be ready to perform/play the required role in any conditions of life with quality and willingness and will be able to perform this role for the required time, even for the rest of their life.
Mental and bodily readiness for action is the basis for the work of the intellect and the performance of applied roles. This readiness for action implies the ability to manage one’s attention and emotions, the mastery of fundamental life practices (of an infinite-developing person, stated below), and a developed body. Being self-collected provides confidence and peace of mind even in the most difficult and dangerous situations. A person who is collected does not pay attention inside themselves, but rather to their surroundings and tries to identify with their attention the slightest opportunity for action.
Certain abilities of a person to perceive and respond to what is happening in the world are probably inherited and further developed from the very beginning of a person’s knowledge of the world. Self-collectedness is determined by a person’s mental state, bodily development, and other human abilities, which are responsible for learning and self-development. Without self-collectedness it can be very challenging to learn abstract knowledge (from childhood kids are taught to be collected, meaning disciplined, organized, responsible, and able to manage their emotions, etc). We learn complex theories and methods over a lifetime, and self-collectedness is a basic function of an infinite-developing person (doer/world changer).
Now how does one demonstrate collectedness in life in different time periods? It is a mentally and physically prepared person to do certain actions. The action itself is performed based on the knowledge of the applied practice. But it is the mastery of collectedness that allows one to pull oneself together at the right moment and tune into action. For an athlete, a soldier, a scientist, or a manager, the same mastery of collectedness is necessary.
How does one develop self-collectedness? It takes theory/discipline and constant practice. To develop the parts of the brain and body that are responsible for mastery of collectedness, the following disciplines need to be mastered and practices put in place (these are examples of some practices but they are not limited to only these):
Attention management, eliminating external and internal distractions:
- Practices of attention;
- Willpower (for supervision and self-control, and not to waste energy inefficiently);
- Practices for dealing with frustrations/dissatisfactions (taking them out and naming them, e.g., focusing);
- Practices for dealing with emotions and inner manifestations (so that they are not distracting but helpful);
- Exocortex (using technology, computers, and smartphones);
- …
The fundamental practices of the infinite-developing person:
- Information consumption: systematic reading, shaping one’s environment, taking notes;
- Reflection: thinking by means of writing, speaking out;
- Personal strategizing: opportunities, pragmatism for choosing goals, personal finances;
- Planning and organizing activities: time management, GTD, basics of project management;
- Work implementation: applied practices; Pomodoro, Deep Work, flow state;
- Rest and recovery (life extension): work-rest cycle, change of surroundings, travel,
- …
Fundamental outlook, including knowledge of models for infinite development :
- Person as a platform;
- Life stages of the infinite-developing person;
- Models of learning and personal motivation;
- What is happiness, success, infinite development in terms of systems thinking;
- Ethics, skin in the game (responsibility), compassion;
- ….
Body Practices:
- Practices of the physical form for acting in the moment by role;
- Practices of extending life;
- …
Self-collectedness is especially evident when dealing with complexity. When the result of work/learning is far removed from the time of action or when it is impossible to receive positive reinforcements from the external environment, then it is necessary to have an “inner core” or, as we say, self-collectedness. It’s not just about work projects, but also about learning complex disciplines and transdisciplines. With a mastery of collectedness, one is more likely to master complex methodological disciplines. A basic outlook of collectedness (meaning to understand when to apply which practices; the self-collectedness mastery outlook helps to find and select such practices) gives clear goals for infinite development and helps one to set intermediate goals, plan and be prepared to bring plans to their logical conclusion. Missed time in building the first level of the platform (meaning self-collectedness, remember person as a platform) in childhood is difficult to make up for in adulthood.
Check out this article if you are interested in learning more about model “Person as a platform”.
Moreover, as time passes, one loses some of their ability to concentrate: one becomes less composed, cannot sustain attention for long periods of time, and loses physical shape. Without self-collectedness, it is impossible to master the new and challenging transdisciplines of thinking mastery and applied practices. This is why many adults might need to re-learn the role of the student.