jump to navigation

Personal growth: Bringing the future into the present May 21, 2014

Posted by Dennis Mellersh in Goal Setting and Realization, Planning.
Tags: , , , , ,
1 comment so far

In the personal growth and development movement, experts tell us that planning is critically important if we are to make meaningful progress in our self-improvement efforts.

Goals are an important part of this strategy, as is doing some thinking about where we want to go or what our destination is in our journey of growth.

The goals we set for ourselves can be varied, and might include:

* Improving self-awareness
* Learning new skills
* Building self esteem
* Cultivating and building existing talents and strengths
* Improving our quality of life
* Developing greater integrity
* Managing our ego and emotions

Whatever our objectives, planning will be important to realize these goals.

How then does planning help us?

We can’t re-create the past, nor can we actually do anything in the future, because we are not there yet.

I came across an excellent definition of planning while reviewing some of my older notes:

“Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now.” (1)

So, by planning, we are actually taking action about the future in the present, the only time segment in which we can really accomplish anything in our growth program.

(1) Unfortunately, I did not make a note of who made this comment, so I am not able to provide a source for further reading

Targeting our generosity towards receptive people May 20, 2014

Posted by Dennis Mellersh in Concept of personal development.
Tags: , , , , , , ,
add a comment

Cultivating a spirit of generosity and empathy within ourselves can be a rewarding component of our personal growth and development program; but it does little concrete good if the recipients of our generosity and empathy do not value what we are offering.

It may make us feel good inside to be generous regardless of whether or not those who receive our generosity value it, but it is surely more productive and more of a win-win outcome if those who we are trying to help make an effort to utilize our assistance.

It’s like the biblical story of sowing or planting grain. If the seeds are placed in fertile soil, they thrive and grow. If they land in barren soil, they wither and die.

The ancient Chinese philosopher Chuang Tzu tells the story of someone in the Chinese sector of Sung making interesting hats that they thought they would sell in Yueh. But because of the local customs of dress in that area, the people had no use for the hats. (1)

Chuang Tzu also relates a situation where someone planted a tree beside a lonely road, whereas the tree would have been better planted in a village, where it could have served a variety of productive purposes for the local population. (2)

Similarly, if we try to improve the condition of people who do not want our help; if we “try to plant seeds in barren ground”, there is not much likelihood of success.

You are working seriously in trying to pursue a path of self-actualization, self-development and personal growth, in part so you can reach your potential, be a better person and become more helpful to those in your circle of influence.

Don’t make it harder on yourself by trying to break through someone’s resistance to what you are offering.  Focus instead on those who welcome your generosity.

You could be offering your time, your advice, your insights, your talents. Place these where they will be appreciated and productive.

Try to please everybody – no one is pleased.

(1) and (2) Both story synopses are paraphrased from a translation of Chuang Tzu, by David Hinton in his book, The Four Chinese Classics