Why we make choices that don't make sense | Steve Quayle | TEDxDoncaster

Summary

Steve C delivers an insightful TED Talk exploring the dynamics of conscious awareness and personal paradigms, particularly in relation to money. He shares his journey through the four levels of mastery, from unconscious incompetence to mastery, using martial arts as a metaphor. Steve also delves into the four states of being, from victim to 'as me', highlighting the importance of a positive outlook. His talk is a call to action for personal growth, encouraging optimism and the pursuit of knowledge to transcend limiting beliefs.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The script discusses the concept of behavior that is opposite to what we consciously know or believe, highlighting the gap between awareness and action.
• 🧠 It introduces the idea of 'paradigm' as a mental program that controls our habitual behavior, often formed from early life experiences.
• 🏠 The speaker shares personal anecdotes from his upbringing, illustrating how family dynamics and conversations can shape our financial beliefs.
• 💪 The four levels of mastery or conscious awareness are presented: unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, and mastery.
• 👶 The first level, unconscious incompetence, is described as a state of ignorance where we are unaware of what we don't know.
• 📚 The second level, conscious incompetence, is the stage where we become aware of our lack of knowledge and seek to learn more.
• 🎓 The third level, conscious competence, is reached when we are knowledgeable but still need to consciously apply what we've learned.
• 🚀 The fourth level, mastery, is characterized by unconscious competence, where skills are performed without conscious thought, like breathing.
• 🥋 A personal story about martial arts training and a fight illustrates the difference between theoretical knowledge and practical, unconscious competence.
• 💰 The script touches on the influence of family discussions about money and wealth, and how these can instill a sense of lack or abundance.
• 🌱 Four states of being are mentioned: 'to me' (victim mentality), 'by me' (self-reliance), 'through me' (delegation and trust), and 'as me' (a state of spiritual connection rarely achieved).
• 📚 The importance of personal development and seeking knowledge through various resources like YouTube, books, and seminars is emphasized.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's TED Talk?

The main theme of the speaker's TED Talk is exploring the concept of conscious awareness and mastery levels, as well as the different states of being that individuals live in, with a focus on personal development and growth.

What does the speaker mean by 'paradigm' in the context of the TED Talk?

In the context of the TED Talk, 'paradigm' refers to a mental program that has almost exclusive control over our habitual behavior, which is often formed by our upbringing and experiences, and can significantly influence our beliefs and actions.

Can you explain the four levels of mastery or conscious awareness as mentioned in the script?

The four levels of mastery or conscious awareness are: 1) Unconscious incompetence, where one is unaware of what they don't know; 2) Conscious incompetence, where one becomes aware of their lack of knowledge and seeks to learn; 3) Conscious competence, where one knows and understands but still has to consciously think about it; 4) Mastery or unconscious competence, where one can perform without conscious thought, like breathing.

What personal anecdote does the speaker share about his experience with martial arts?

The speaker shares an anecdote about being almost a black belt in karate but losing a physical altercation to someone who had no formal martial arts training. This experience highlights the difference between theoretical knowledge and practical, unconscious competence.

How does the speaker's upbringing influence his perspective on money and belief systems?

The speaker's upbringing, particularly the conversations around family finances and the stress associated with money, shaped his paradigm about money. His family's discussions about financial struggles and the belief that wealth was associated with dishonesty influenced his subconscious beliefs about money.

What are the four states of being that the speaker refers to in the script?

The four states of being are: 1) To me (victim state), where one feels everything happens to them; 2) By me, where one takes control and responsibility for their life; 3) Through me, where one works and trusts the process, delegating and allowing things to unfold; 4) As me, a state of deep connection with the universe, often associated with spiritual masters.

What is the significance of the story about the pessimist, the optimist, and the opportunist?

The story illustrates the idea that while the pessimist and optimist are focused on arguing about the state of the glass (half full or half empty), the opportunist takes action and drinks the water, rendering the argument moot. It suggests that action can be more important than endless debate.

How does the speaker's grandmother's behavior contribute to the speaker's understanding of money and lack?

The speaker's grandmother's focus on the rising costs of goods and her discussions about money during horse racing advertisements instilled a sense of lack and limitation in the speaker, which is a common theme in conversations about money in his family.

What advice does the speaker give for personal growth and development?

The speaker advises exploring personal growth and development with a positive and optimistic outlook. He suggests using resources like YouTube, books, and seminars to learn more about these topics and encourages expecting the good to find it.

What is the speaker's final message to the audience?

The speaker's final message is to maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, to take action, and to trust in the process, as most of the things people worry about never actually happen.