Branch Mentality vs. Root Mentality
I define branch mentality as
encompassing a decision-making process, and on a broader scale, a pattern of
life that focuses on ephemeral gains and solutions. Root mentality on the other
hand is more concerned with taking a long-term view to issues and life in
general.
BRANCH
MENTALITY (BM)
usually deals with symptoms and
what can be readily seen, such as the branches of a tree. It is usually an
easier option on the surface but more costly in the long term. Such a mentality would require
patching up over and over again as a particular situation may keep recurring. This
approach also adopts a short-term view to actions and appears to be usually the
least expensive in the short-term but becomes more expensive over the
long-term. BM involves less mental strain and may lead to thinking through
options in a haphazard manner and making decisions on the spur of the moment.
It borders on parochialism and thus focuses on a section or a part of the
picture whilst ignoring the bigger picture.
Another key characteristic of branch
mentality is that it borders on escapism and hardly takes note of reality. The
downside of this type of mentality is that you may appear to have a quick fix
now but you can expect to deal with the issue for a lifetime.
Summary
of Branch Mentality tenets
- Deals with the symptoms – what can be readily seen
- Easier option
- Requires patching up
- Short-term view
- Usually the least expensive
- Less mental strain
- Thinks through options in a haphazard manner
- On the spur decision making
- Looks at a section or a part of the picture
- Expect the issue to come back again
ROOT
MENTALITY (RM), in
contrast, to Branch Mentality deals with the causes – what cannot be readily
seen, like the roots of a tree. It uses the symptoms to discern that there are
causes and further investigates the causes behind the symptoms. It is a more
difficult option in the short term but gets easier with time. This approach is
synonymous with the saying, “a stitch in time saves nine” and as the Good Book
states, “catch the little foxes that ruin the vine”. Yes, catch the little
foxes now before they become giants that would be hard to kill. This approach therefore adopts a long-term view to
issues whiles keeping an eye on tomorrow, with the knowledge that yesterday’s actions
will splash like waves of the shores of tomorrow for a season. It maintains
that you reap what you sow and today’s actions are usually rewarded tomorrow.
Root Mentality involves more mental
strain but it is more beneficial and rewarding than branch mentality. It
involves thinking through your options in a logical manner whilst abhorring
rush decision making. It looks at the bigger/whole picture and usually
guarantees a much longer lasting solution. In essence, what RM advocates is
that you deal with the ‘roots’ and that failure to do so would cause the
‘plant’ to sprout again at the ‘scent of water’.
Summary
of Root Mentality
- Deals with the causes – what cannot be readily seen
- More difficult option for now but easier with time
- Does not require much patching up
- Long-term view
- Usually the more expensive option but proves cheaper with time
- More mental strain but with time more beneficial
- Thinks through options in a logical manner
- No rush decisions making
- Looks at the whole picture
- Expect a much longer lasting solution
APPLICABILITY OF
BRANCH MENTALITY vs. ROOT MENTALITY
As stated above, these two types of
mentalities can be used as a decision making tool and in a broader sense a
pattern of life. With the right adaptation and application, it could help in
diagnosing and solving many known addictions or situations that may crop up. No
two situations are the same and care must be taken in its application.
WORKBOOK
P1. Troubleshooting
Identify
the issue at hand and try and investigate why you have arrived at this
situation.
P2. Options
What
are your options – cost and benefit?
P3. Application
How
do you apply the best solution?
TRUTH IS MARRIAGE IS
WORK AND REQUIRES EFFORT (FULLSTOP)
More to follow...
