Understanding conflicts in communication

Learnt about whenever there are conflicts and problems, we need to first identify whether:

1. Is it a communication problem?
2. Is it a character issue reflected by historical evidences? In short, does similar thing like this happen before?
3. Does it happen a lot?

Key:
1. Learn to bring things up without creating or initiating conflicts.
2. Give space for growth. I think the only way we can learn to improve communication would be to make small and short mistakes for growth.

Learning About What I Am Worth

I learnt today that there are 2 kinds of people being paid in this world:

1. One who gets paid for what he deserves
2. One who gets paid for how hard he works

In where I stay, first kind of payee is the most blessed. The second, is more fair and worthwhile.
I have always believed in working hard and working smart. However, I do feel that the society in which I live in does not permit such kind of lives. Sadly, but true. It seems that in this society, image/credentials, are what defines credibility, which in turn, creates a certain value that is not even ascertained.

People with a degree, are honored above other credentials, and even though one who works harder and more skillful are producing more worth than their keep, they are valued lesser than their degree and less productive equivalent.

Perhaps the problem is with my desire to achieve more and yet restrained by what I have and worth. However so, I do believe that the driving factor which fuels the desire for my society to get a university degree is such generalization; a degree student is worth/better valued than any other credentials.

I do not think I am envious, rather I felt sad that academic is now appreciated for it's monetary returns in which our society embraces. If you're studious, you'll be productive, therefore you're worth more. Long gone are the days where academics are for those who are passionate in the art of learning and sharing. Thankfully, there are minutes who are still living such lives.

If I have my options, one who contributes the most, draws the most. When will we ever be able to retire? I guess when I start to own a few buildings/properties and renting them out...
I shall leave it for another lesson I need to learn. :)

Learning to not be boastful,, as subtle as it may seems..

I recently learnt that it can be quite easy for us to actually boast about our accomplishment, especially in times when we're to fend for what we know and what we can do.

I remembered having a quiet time that specifically talks about this a few days back.

In life we have many privileges. More often than not, we rely on privileges to boost our confidence in the things we believe in.

For example, if I am a Singaporean, I will take pride in what my nation does well in. If I am a Christian, I will take pride in being a good christian... etc etc.

Having a good sense of pride versus being boastful about our accomplishments are divided by a rather thin line.

I guess that's why the beatitudes mentioned: Blessed are the Meek, for they will inherit the earth.

I believe at the end of the day, knowing that we're all equal, sinners, imperfect and the fact that we all ought to consider others better than ourselves, will be a key in getting us to where we ought to be.

I like this article where it talks about the principle we should apply in being meek:
http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/905-matthew-5-5-meek-inherit-the-earth