In personal development - one size does not fit all
As I complete a double write-up of Fall term 2007 classes (part of my Year of Sagely Living commitment), I thought of a few items I would like to add to my description of the project. Many of you are very busy, like me. You may find it hard to believe that someone as busy as you are could participate in such a huge program of self development. More than one person has contacted me saying that they would like to participate but are concerned that it would interfere with their family/work/health.
I’m here to say that if I can do it, you can do it. In fact, the edge of overwhelm that I detect in the words of those who have contacted me indicates that they could benefit MOST from this concept and the actions it spawns. One of the reasons I’m so relentless in my pursuit of personal excellence and productivity is that I find the more I work at it, the easier it becomes. The easier it becomes, the smoother my life runs. The smoother my life runs, the happier I am. Sometimes it’s hard - particularly at first. Sometimes I want to throw my hands up with despair. Sometimes I do. But at the end of the day, I pick myself up and keep going. I keep looking for ways to become well organized with minimal effort. I keep looking for ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of my study time. I keep looking for ways to become more emotionally and spiritually at ease. I keep looking for ways to maintain and improve my physical well-being. You can too.
The Year of Sagely Living isn’t about driving yourself insane. It’s not about becoming some Hercules of personal development. It’s not about doing more than the next person. It’s about saying to yourself, “Hey, I’d like to see how these principles actually work in real life.” It’s about communicating with others who are saying the same thing, and supporting each other through the changes and challenges.
Your commitment can be as small or as large as you like. Simple or complex. For instance, in January when we are focusing on scholarship - you can set a small benchmark that simply exceeds what you are currently doing. Maybe you would like to simply make every attempt to get all of your homework in on time when you haven’t previously been doing so. Perhaps there is a book important in your field that you have been meaning to read? You could simply commit to daily reading of that book. Maybe you would like to try memorizing all of the Chinese herbs? Start with one a day! The options are endless, and there are no hard and fast “rules” set out by me or anyone else.
So join us!
Eric
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Tags: chinese-herb, chinese-herbs, Personal Development, productivity, Year of Sagely Living
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3 Responses to “In personal development - one size does not fit all”
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Ah Eric.
A problem. “In personal development - one size does not fit all” vs “I’m here to say if I can do it you can do it”.
If these aren’t just contradictory there needs to be a good deal of explanation I think.
Oh, I disagree! One size does not fit all, for sure. Each person will have to find their own path to follow. For some, great actions are possible (because of their time in life, their particular constitution, whatever) - for others, baby steps are best.
But some commitment, and some growth in the right direction is possible for everyone. If I am capable of committing to some action every month - given the great burden of time and energy I currently pull, then anyone can find something to fit into their busy, difficult lives.
Eric
Great post which summed up a lot of important points. Thank you.