The power virtue assumption

By Lanre Oyetade

You do not get a raise on the promise of better performance; you get one on the demonstration of better performance - Anonymous

Sometime back, we discussed in some detail, the power inherent in the practice of audible autosuggestion, pointing out that we can actually speak words tallying with our desires to ourselves; and that we can keep reaffirming what we desire to our own loud hearing in our moments of devotion and meditation until the subconscious mind catches the message and influences conscious actions and efforts on a continuous basis. Particularly, I pointed out that David and the Lord Jesus Christ employed this principle extensively in the course of their earthly lives.

Today, just as I promised then, we treat its twin principle- that of virtue assumption, as a complementary philosophy.

Part of a whole

Like I pointed out then, these dual concepts are in line with what we shall be discussing over time aimed towards bringing out the most in all readers, mentally and materially, and we shall, God willing, continue in this line of espousing concepts that will see us become the best we can. Additionally, these are some of the concepts one would expect to come across in the mentorship unit of the proposed Club Inspirati.

Other component units of the Club will be an investment and advisory services unit, a public speaking unit, a library and book exchange unit and any other concepts that members may come up with to ensure they manifest the most in life. A database is being currently compiled prior to the inauguration of the club and you may call in to indicate interest.

The principle of virtue assumption

According to Sidney Newton Bremer, virtue, simply defined, is goodness or moral excellence. But I wish to add that, in my opinion, virtue is any positive attribute that one may desire in order to become a better human being.

You may therefore desire to be a more knowledgeable person, or a better qualified person, or a more resource-prudent person or even a more patient person. The position of this principle is that your getting there will be made all the easier if you start assuming that virtue now in faith and start acting according to your new ‘assumptions’.

How the principle works So you desire to be a more resource-prudent person i.e. you want to spend your money more wisely? Start now by assuming you are a more prudent person already. Fix in your mind the image of a hypothetical individual, say Mr. P., who is much more prudent than yourself and whose prudence you would like to emulate. Then constantly ask yourself at every point and especially at moments of expenditure the questions; how would Mr. P act in this situation; how would he budget his money; what would he buy and what wouldn’t he; what investment decisions would he take and how would he ensure that he is taking care of his future so that his future would in turn take care of him? Then act in like manner.

That in essence, is virtue assumption for you are already assuming a virtue you desire in Mr. P. You may even be more fortunate if you have a particular friend, relative or colleague in whom you see a virtue you desire; then just tailor your behaviour towards his or hers (of course making allowances for individual differences) and with time and the repetition of action, the concept of habit would take over and these repeated actions would sooner or later become one of your habits too.

Are you a student that wants to make fantastic grades? Well, assume the virtues of students that make such grades, including hard work, network studying and determination.

Like I said one time back, upon my entry into the University of Benin in the mid-80s, I resolved to make very good grades and discreetly wrote in a small corner of my jotter the resolve that I would make not only all round ‘As’ but ‘all round above-90 As!’ Such was my resolve.

Well, as it is popularly said, you aim for the sun so that you would at least land on the moon, which is not a bad bargain: I did not make all round above 90 ‘As’ but I ended up passing out the best student in my department and recipient of a school scholarship for academic excellence. And this was simply because I assumed the virtues of students that were doing well.

Till next week, stay inspired in His presence and make the most of your life!