The Psychology of Self-Transformation 

Become a Supporting Member and get access to exclusive videos: academyofideas.com/members/ ========= Find a gallery and links to all the art work used here: academyofideas.com/2017/09/psychology-of-self-transformation/ ========= If you’re looking for practical ideas to change your life, I recommend these two books: A Handbook for Constructive Living - David Reynolds - amzn.to/2ywak8y Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World - Cal Newport - amzn.to/2fBZRoa

"We must learn that we can take purposeful action even when we are feeling anxious depressed or fearful."

Only if this was taught in school. We'd have brilliant minds everywhere. Thank you for this invalueble video.

Choose your thoughts the way an artist chooses his brush strokes.

"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose." That will be going over in my head for a while. Thank you!

You are what makes youtube great. Proper use of the video format, and exactly the balance of depth and brevity there is too little of in this world. I hope you'll grow in support and can live off what you're doing - society would be better off.

The dying part is gold. I used to have social anxiety but one day i realized that no one is better than me. I am better than no one. We are all guaranteed one thing: death. If I can just implement this into my life goals, I know I can succeed

Heed these words, fellas. I've been following the path of death since graduating secondary school. I'm now 33 and it really is an awful life not to be moving forward. I'm doing something about it now, and hopefully this year I'll be accepted onto an apprenticeship. My changes made are largely due to these videos. They have made me aware of things I didn't know were problems, or even existed. I just thought I was doomed. I sure hope these topics will be taught in schools someday. It would be nice to know nobody else falls into this crack.

This is food for the soul. I need more introspective people in my life so we can grow as people.

Damn, this one cuts deep today. In fact, the very act of me watching this video is partly what is described as the "easy road". I watch videos constantly, waste time on the internet, and play games to numb myself from the pain of depression, to avoid facing it when I should be doing the work I ought to care about...and it's difficult to stop because on one hand I do have a genuine interest in the things I use to distract myself- but the problem is the amount of time I spend consuming these things is out of balance by far with the time I spend creating something and synthesizing the things I've learned from what I've consumed. I know I need to change and fast, but it's like my depression and subsequently formed habits has a stranglehold on me. Depression is in some sense, an addiction of emotion. Not because we want to feel depressed, but because our body/brain feels it needs it.

Is it just me, or did we all need to hear this?

7:19 Muhammad Ali said that he hated training, but did it anyway because he knew it was the path towards being a champion. The goal far outweighed the struggle of the journey for him.

Turning 30 at midnight. This is EXACTLY the message I needed to hear. Thank you.

Thank you for these videos. They are extraordinary. They make me feel like there is a group of very special people experiencing life beside me, sharing the same ideas, following the same passions, always fighting to attain a higher consciousness.

This page changed my life.

Depression is a lot of times an indicator that we are in the wrong course in life. It is not to be medicated, ignored, or placated. Depression is an indication that we must change that course we are on, as uncomfortable as that might be.

I’m 2 years late. But I’m here. I have never thought to just ‘let the feelings take care of themselves” I’m in complete shock. I’ve been on the road of death for 5 years. I’m only 19. No matter what I’m always going to be scared. I have to accept that. I just need to have the courage to complete my goals. I won’t ever be ready. I just need to do.. Wow. Thank you

It reminded me of a poem by Rumi - The Guest house : This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes As an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they're a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond

"Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an action and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

I have just recently turned thirty-one back in April. And from time to time I would have these sudden out pours of overwhelming sadness and madness. When I am home alone I'll lose myself and cry for no reason. Then laugh it off. Cry some more. Laugh it off. I have a decent job. Livable salary. A home. A wife. Working on children with her. Yet, there's this great void in my heart. Feels like a hole at times. I would have these dreams where I was alone in the ocean. Shrouded by darkness. No stars. No moonlight. Just me trying to keep my head above water yet calmly struggling underneath the surface. I am happy I stumbled upon this content this morning before I start my usual routine before going to work. It's comforting. And I thank you for that.

Sometimes doesn’t have to be drugs or alcohol to avoid ourselves. Living in your mind. The fantasy life we create our minds. Dreaming in our sleep-some of us have mastered and live in our dreams. So many ways to avoid this life, this world. Yes, we need to conquer this.

I’m glad I subscribed to this page,this video has been dropped at a point in my life where i need it the most. I feel like very few people enjoy these kind of videos these days.

Ah. Your timing couldn't be more impeccable. I really needed this.

I watched this video this morning when I was feeling terrible after a few days of no sleep, on my period, feeling sorry for myself. I was going to give in and just lie in bed all day, but this video was the kick in the butt that I needed. I said to myself ‘Who says I can’t enjoy my day anyway?!’. I got up, got dressed and went on a long beautiful walk, taking in the nature around me, imagining I was on an adventure. It was honestly the most fun I’ve had in a while. Thank you so much! 💖🙏💖

This is the single most important video that must be re-watched again and again by everyone till it becomes a part of their thought process.

I'm quitting my fucking job.

I don't have the words to describe how important your content is. A thousand thank you's, gentlemen. Never stop.

Carl Jung is truly a master of the mind. I used to have severe social anxiety the past 10 years of my life and I never tried to talk to anyone about it, I simply thought I would have to live with it. Recently after a 600ug acid trip and a trip to my brain, I came in contact with my “shadow side” and I came to terms with a lot of things I’ve been pushing down deep inside since I was 5. It was scary to face the thoughts that I would ignore but it turned out to be for the best. My anxiety is gone and I feel like a door that has been open for years and years has finally been closed and now another one has opened, my vision. I truly see my vision and nothing is going to stop me from living it. Stay safe and good luck on your journeys ❤️

When I finally built the courage to go for my dreams, the feeling was exuberant. For once i was in control of my destiny. The more i worked ,the more my momentum grew. Then i lost my job which i deemed as very important at the time and i lost my confidence too. Depression took over and i stopped pursuing and basically quit, losing all momentum. This video just puts everything in perspective for me and i realize what needs to be done . Thank you for all your videos.

This video feels like I am in Athens, listening to philosophers. Amazing! Truly! This feeling is something I wish I could describe in more detail!

Your actions and inactions determine your thoughts, and your thoughts determine your actions. ….Staying in thought and not taking action will only lead to negative thoughts and more inaction. So take action and that will change your thoughts for the better, and you’ll continue to take actions, form positive thoughts, and repeat this cycle!

"the ability to act even when we dont feel up to it, is the most distinguishing characteristic of self actualizers" - thank you, that will help me stay motivated. Good Stuff.

I like it - no safe spaces - no triggers - just brush yourself off - focus on a goal & get going!

"Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way... the Time is up, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say....."

This video came at a great time for me. The word courage is so cliche it has never had any meaning to me. Realizing that real courage is the ability to persist even when my emotions are down, is an eye opener. I'm constantly caught in the trap of massive action when I first find inspiration, and hitting a slump when random depression shows up and kills my momentum. What I need is to build courage, and keep my focus and my feet moving even if I wake up feeling depressed or bummed out. Thanks for this

I went through a phase in life where every job I worked I got fired from or asked to leave. It sucked at first but after awhile I came to see it as a new experience. Got further ahead than my peers ever did.

1. 0:48 - Acklowdge and Accept change is needed 2. 2:34 - Identify, what change is needed for a fulfilling life 3. 3:02 - Self-actualization 4. 4:05 - The Thought 5. 5:26 - Moving from Thought to Action 6. 6:18 - Morita Therapy 7. 8:00 - Reflect on Death 8. 9:17 - Road of Death

I think I watched this video when it came out...it hits different after 2 years of growth. A list of changes I've made in my life would be too long. I'm happy now (:

I'm loving how everyone who commented about finding this at the perfect timing, not realizing that this video was posted years ago, an act in the past, but literally changing our future!

4:06 - The thought. One of my favorite parts of this video. Too many times I envision the life I like to live, the careers I'd like to pursue. But that's it. I only envision them. I do not pursue and thus never truly know if it is something I would've truly enjoyed or not

I love this stuff. I'm 35. Been seeking since birth. This stuff helps me. Along with alan watts and Terrence mckenna

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE

So many complain about their lives but never dare to confront their fears and troubles, let alone fighting them. I'm so sick of those feel-good pity-yourself or blame-it-on-others nonsense people are too busy feeding themselves to get by instead of taking up the responsibility and BE THE CHANGE. In the end, even though we have no control over what the outcomes may be, at least we've put up a good fight and hopefully have become wiser and stronger for it. Thank you so much, (um I still don't know your name) for telling it as it is. The world needs truth more than anything right now. EDIT: Absolutely overwhelmed to hear from so many independent-minded brave souls fighting similar battles as I am from this tiny corner of oasis on yt. Just to clarify, by no means do I deny that real victim-hood does exist or downplay its significance. Life can be cruel & unfair. And no doubt that a little kindness could at times make a world of difference, even save a life. Though the sad truth is most people could not comprehend others' problem due to a lack of understanding or simply an absence of genuine concern. Not to mention more often than not the help people offer are under their terms: what they think you need except not really. Yet despite the outside help one may or may not get, we shall have to face battles that could only be fought by ourselves. We do it for our own sake. Perhaps the best way to go about it is to find things that truly spark your passion for life itself. As Nietzsche put it: "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." It doesn't even have to be just one thing, mind you~ At the risk of sounding like a manic pixie dream girl stereotype, I sincerely believe that small wonders exist in places that one cares to look. Let's put up a good fight!! Love & respect

Amazing timing for this. Been struggling from depression whilst unemployed, but one day I dragged myself out and began to create the vague shape of a business. More a handful of random hobbies and skills developed over time, which may all work well together. As I begin to add flesh to the bones of an idea, I am finding I feel better and better. More positive, sharper and more and more confident by the day. A shape is forming, something new, unusual and I think will be welcomed in the world and the market. I had considered that my depression was my mind's way of trying to move me to be proactive by making the couch and laziness upset me; I am now convinced that the depression was my mind not being sufficiently challenged and stimulated. I'm going to watch this a few more times and share.

I've been a victim of my own failure to realize who/what I am my entire life, and you just really helped me...

This video really hit home. Looking at the comments section I think a lot of people needed this video, and I count myself among them. Thank you so much Academy of Ideas, one of the best channels on YT.

In other words: Act, ACt, ACT!!

Most people don't have a clear direction. It can be found within themselves but usually they need a mentor, teacher, or a guide to help draw it out of them. When you're already hurting, it can be difficult to take meaningful and purposeful action because you're so focused on the validation of others to show the way instead of knowing and acting in alignment with your values.

“Sad will be the day for any man when he becomes contented with the thoughts he is thinking and the deeds he is doing - where there is not forever beating at the doors of his soul some great desire to do something larger; which he knows he was meant and made to do.” [ Phillips Brooks ]

Love how this guy doesnt get involved with the comment section nor does he do face reveals cause he knows,he knows why he doesnt do this, i know too

This is hands down my favorite channel on RU-vid. Primarily because you focus on solutions to our problems instead of seeking new one's out and dwelling on them. When I can afford to i would love to contribute to the effort! Until then my gratitude is all I have to offer; and you have it!

This hits home, if this does not cause a shift in your behaviour, I don’t know what will. Got to go, I have work to do.

I had no idea of the problems people are having - at least according to this lecture. When I was 16 I decided what I wanted to do with my life. At 17 I travelled to the country we came from to visit my grandparents. Unexpectedly fell in love. I knew my life would be the best if she became my travelling companion - we got engaged. I returned home to continue my education and returned to marry her 3 years later. She was not keen on my life's ambition, so I pursued other interests - learned many skills and accomplished much. At 41, she was on board with my life's ambition. Enjoyed that for a while, then looked for something else. Wandered in the wilderness, so to speak. Then ill health almost destroyed me. Now I am 75 yrs old and life is tough physically, but my mind is still functioning well. I learned to give thanks for EVERYTHING and like who we have become. Interestingly it is all those events we considered tragic at the time that have brought us the most blessings and brought us to this now. Learning lots and have the basics of what makes life good - someone to love, something to do and something to look forward to.

I've made some positive changes in my life in the past new years, but I can never get away from a feeling that is is all futile, that nothing I do makes any difference to my life situation and that I'm just whistling in the dark. A deep cynicism and negativity so rule my mental perspective that I can't even entertain the notion that a person might really and trully change his/her life. It's like Bruce Springstein says, "Same old story, same old act. One step up and and two steps back." There is a force in the human psyche that does not want positive change. It operates unconsciously and sabotages most of our best efforts to improve our lives. The complexes in the unconsicous are the truly deciding factors here.

A very good video. I'm in my 25s and even now I feel like I'm now fulfilling my true purpose, for a long time now. The problem is that sometimes you don't know where to turn to start working on it.

Your videos are some of the most beautiful and enpowering things I have ever listened to. From when I was young - beginning sometime in late middle school - I found that I was haunted by a nearly constant sense of implacable dread; of crushing guilt and anxeity that suffocated, like a pillowing cloud of sulphuric smoke, my being in the toxicity of every single hour I wasted. Others, as I invariably found, were perplexed by this affliction of mine. So often was it that a family member or friend advised me to "relax," or to not be so pessimistically obsessed with the usage of time, that Iearned to construe this lingering melancholia as a pathology-in-itself; it was unnatural, and I was simply being irrationally neurotic, causing suffering that had little legitmate basis in reality. I would try to explain my feelings, describing how I was plagued by an awareness of things I "ought" to be doing, whilst ceaselessly defying these imperatives through indulgence in what I "wanted" to do in the hedonistic present. Increasingly, however, I'm coming to realize that it was never merely a fundamental sickness that inflamed my spirit so - it was an undying call to greatness, to the furious realization of my true capabilities. And as this truth reveals itself underneath the unobscured light, the lot of those surrounding me suddenly appears so tragic, so ignorantly narrow and morose. There obviously is a legitimacy to the medicalization of such pathologies, for I cannot even begin to state how much my own path to self-realization has been catalyzed by psychiatry and supplementation, and it is excessively severe to attribute the sort of suffering you discuss as resulting *essentially* from inadaquate being or pleasure-seeking quiescence; some are genuinely burdened, far more than others of similar talents or potentials, by sickness of the mind beyond their will's reach. The mistake lies in stopping at pills or platitudes. (Now i've spent far too much time on this comment!)

These videos have really helped me after less than 2 months of seeing them and come at an opportune time. This year I have learned that whining about and processing feelings in counseling isn't effective (for me), but spending much of this year acting instead of just feeling has gotten me SO FAR. Thank you AOI for the added clear of the clog!

Thank you for this. It’s time to start being the larger than life person I once lived as. I just realized that I am still that person, I just have to nourish that “me” with the right thoughts and then the right actions. I am excited to start doing those things which once gave me great pleasure. Thank you for this video, God bless you and your work.

I just discovered this channel and as someone who spends most of their time going through youtube videos I must say I’m very impressive. It’s now on my top 5 favorite channels

This is probably the most important video that I've watched in years. Thank you.

For many people, work is on par with drugs and alcohol as a way to escape neuroses. But creative expression endures, come rain or shine.

This video is the story of my life. I cannot believe that in this juncture of my life when i am not sure what to do next and feel guilty of many things, I have found this video so accurately defining what is wrong with me and how to cure it. Thanks

this was DENSE with great stuff. I hung on every word. it pulls so much from several sources in my experiences into poignant alignment. appreciative, sir

One of the most important things in life,is to remain humble. Humility enables you to realize your potential (or at least a part of it) Most people create this pride. This prison that they cant escape from. Pride makes you feel like you are good enough and dont need to change. When the exact opposite is true.

Ah, now there's something I'd like to replay each morning for motivation.

Time to slay dragons

I cant belive how this touched me . Year ago I wasn't that person that sat on bad feeling and I changed my life no problem but being an empath lately iv been really feeling the stress of the world and iv felt alot like I'd got of the rid , I feel insacure, I don't feel I'm radiating i kidna forgot the kind of person I really am . This just made me think its normal pull it together so thank you

Thank you! -often feeling regret/anxiety/depressed is due to all the actions and inactions we’ve taken til now, therefore indicates we need to take purposeful actions for a new 2nd chapter of life. Purposeful actions is the ONLY way to change. Meditation/introspection (aka staying in thoughts) is nice but not enough to make external changes. ACTION is the only way. -Purposeful actions entails focusing ONLY on just doing the action itself, NOT on the feelings of fear/anxiety we’ve programmed ourselves to feel. Remember, you’re going to die soon (“Momento Mori”). If you knew you’d die today, odds are you’d be regretful. However if you at least took some purposeful action despite the fear/anxiety, you’d feel better off knowing you took some control of your life beforehand. So keep taking purposeful action every day - there is no “perfect time” to act, other than Now. Don’t reflect on the past, just focus on acting Now. Don’t fear embarrassment, failure, or rejection of your actions - feel embarrassed and like a failure only if you don’t take action. After taking enough purposeful action, the feelings of fear/anxiety will gradually fade away and even be replaced by positive feelings of confidence, satisfaction, and joy.

Thank you this hit me really deep, had a mental breakdown yesterday.For everyone struggling with themselves, I wish you the best! You got this.

This video is giving me the answer to my current battle with myself, which I didn’t know it is a battle! I’ve always been thriving for creativity in life and forced myself to stay in a certain field once I am good at it.. but my true nature wants to discover and learn new things. So when you say passion follows the development of our skills it makes proper sense to me to move forward to another challenge! Thank you!

1.2 million views. I am VERY happy that such an important video was views by more than 1 million people. This video is transformative if applied. Literally 360 degrees brothers and sisters, if you ACT. NOW.

I love the honesty of this channel 's content. No punches are pulled, and as a result real wisdom can be drawn from the video lectures.

The importance of change and channelizing towards a purposeful actualization is very well narrated. Mostly surrounding Abraham Maslow. But other major figures reflections were also well included. Can be watched when you are trying to accomplish something that is bigger than your actual capabilities. Visting after an year or so again. Thank dear Academy of Ideas folks.

Great video ( as always ) and incredibly apt, and inspirational for my current situation. Over the past 8 months I've been preaching a very similar message. After doing much introspection and reflection on my life, I've decided to embark on a degree, part time. Funny how the easy way out is exactly opposite, and does nothing but 'lock' you in further.

I'm almost 40 and going through this process as we speak. Your videos confirm that I'm on the right path...

I have been taking the Easy Path for last 2 years. I think I have accepted that I am imperfect and had internalized it so much that I thought no change could occur. Perfectionist in me became discontent and then just indolent. But the next 3-4 months are very important to me, I need to get it right at all cost. The greatest thing it will endow me with is my family's happiness and a successful career path. I want to become who I want to be now and it is high time that I embark on this journey of self-actualization. I have to do it as the prospect of regret by my older self is frightening. I simply want to achieve what I have dreamt of and I know that I am capable of it. Maslow was right, unfulfillment of one's potential breeds unhappiness. I don't want that even though consistency will be hard. I am writing this at night after which I am going to sleep. Tomorrow and everyday after that will be different from the last months. By writing this here, I hope I remember this and do the right thing in difficult times. Dear father & mother, doing this for you.

Absolutely stunning revelation and well presented! The method of activating the individuation process is so simple yet such constant hard work. This has moved me to re-evaluate my own personal goals. Much gratitude!!!

Thank you so much for making this video, the quality of your videos keeps increasing, keep up the good work!

You're one of the best channels on RU-vid. You have a positive impact on so many lives.

I so needed to hear this today. Feeling a little lost these days. Life threw a curve ball I wasn't expecting & in a blink my whole environment changed forever! More than I am comfortable with.

Thank you for this clear and linear train of thoght! I appreciate that the design of your videos is so informative and professional!

Among the spate of new-age self-help motivational blether swarming all over internet these days, your channel comes over as refreshingly inspiring and educative. I wish you success in your quest for true knowledge and wisdom, keep up the good work going.

Hello. Just want to say thank you so much for all you have done. You've changed my life for the better. I haven't come across any other channel that has been able to convince me out of my slumber and develop a positive relationship to my anxiety. For that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you.

I need to let you know something, this channel has changed my life , my perspective, the way I see life and meaning, your videos make me think deeply about my nature even more than all the guys on the internet such as tony robbins, jordan peterson and others but nothing like this channel this is gold..THANK YOU bro..

you are killin it with this shit dude. every time i watch one of your videos, it answers all the questions im asking myself at that moment. thank you. please, keep them coming.

Amazing, I will continue my road. The lights will come on naturally.

Thank you for this video. It enlightened me a lot. This gives me courage not to give up and to not give into fear and anxiety.

I hope you realise how important this video is and how grateful I am that you have made it. You are really doing great work of significant value. Amazing. 💗

If i could describe my life right now in the most exact way possible then I’d show them this video ! I’m glad i came across this video for answers I didn’t have a clue that this state of life is actually a thing I thought its just something going on with me I’m so fortunate to have found this video !

Thank you so much for this. These videos are so very helpful, interesting and beautiful. You present these concepts in such a candid way, in a format that is easily understood in comparison to reading by yourself. Thanks again, hope you have a great weekend!

This is one of the best self-help advice I've ever heard. You have your own cure once you ACT with the intention to EXPERIENCE and soon your purpose will show up with its full force & integrity. Thanks and what a wonderful compilation. Kudos to the meaningful work guys.

I love this video. I wish everyone who feels hopeless, stuck, or unable to control their thoughts could watch this. I can find so much confirmation in my own life experience for all great quotes you have presented. I think it is a trap to separate one's feelings into either acceptable or unacceptable, good or bad, positive or negative--that means you have to "avoid" them instead of confronting them and investigating them and come to a true understanding of yourself. In my own experience avoidance only puts off the (necessary) reckoning, that or it numbs you to premature death.

I think that this is the most important and effective approach to life that I have discovered so far! I just wish that I had found it a lot earlier in life, as I have been despressed for most of it. My advice: accept things as they are - especially if you can't change them - and do something useful or interesting. That really does work, in my experience. Bon Voyage!

I needed this slap in the face. Thanks for the video.

I think we can all agree that this is the best RU-vid channel ever. Glad to see so many people feeling that they need to change and I am quite convinced that this channel will enable us on our journey to find our inner strength. Thanks :)

This is one of the best channels on RU-vid. Every video is potentially life changing when the ideas are properly understood ... or at least it has changed my life in more than one ways

Thank you so much for your videos. I'm so glad I subscribed to your page. This video came in a pivotal moment in my life. Gotta get things done!

This channel is so fucking good! Relaxing voice, no music, well explained, good picture. Continue your great work!!

Love your content my man! 🌹Weird how many things of my life have seemed to directly go together with your type of videos!!

Videos like this often make me think, how happy can I be for society to exist, for technology to be found, for people to try. Because without information like this I might never learn and spread my awareness to teach me these things. And these are the answers to my problems, which ironically I run away from. Thank you for the video, it solved a problem or two for me :)