When we view happiness as a destination we often say “I will be happy later and after.” We mean at some point in the future, after something else happens. That’s a mistake.
This blog post contains my personal LinkedIn daily entries for May 23 through May 29, 2022.
No isn’t final until I quit trying!
Ever been told NO emphatically?!
For example, when you were a candidate and the job went to someone else.
I’ve been there, done that!
Actually, I’ve been an internal candidate and didn’t get the job.
We don’t always like the experiences, like being told NO, that help us build experiential insight! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: One takeaway from “didn’t get” is the importance of continuing to grow personally and professionally. That way, you’re better prepared the next time an opportunity presents itself.
The Precept: Proverbs 13.12 contrasts “hope deferred” and “desire coming.” Desire never comes if we quit after hearing NO!
In what ways are you investing in yourself so you are positioned for opportunity?
What triggers you?
Well, what are you doing about it?!!
We start down the path of improvement by becoming aware of the triggers in our lives.
We become more self-aware as a result.
For example, we can pause between stimulus and response to give ourselves time to think.
When I change the narrative in my head I set the course for different life outcomes! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: We can intentionally choose an abundance mindset rather than reacting to deeply embedded response patterns.
The Precept: In Proverbs 7.1-4 we read that before changing WHAT I DO I must first undergo transformation of WHO I AM. Hence, choose to live with purpose, on purpose!
Knowing about a problem and doing something about it are two different things!
What do you know about your triggers?
What are you doing to find a way forward?
Clarifying my dream!
I believe the dream of my future self visualizes my life’s purpose.
But, I must first know WHO I am; begin with WHO.
Then, I combine WHO with WHY, my life purpose.
Finally, I visualize how that purpose will look in the future as I live it.
Today’s Observation: I have a clear vision of my future self when both WHO I am, and WHY I exist are in sharp focus.
The Precept: From Proverbs 29.18 we learn that a lack of vision is deadly.
How are you clarifying your life’s dream?
Desire alone is useless!
Saying “I want” is as useless as wishing upon a star.
Why? Because desire without a plan, and without acting on the plan, is useless!
Settling is a bad habit. So, rather than be proactive, we take the easy out that avoids the effort required for us to fully engage with our life! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: Life isn’t a fairytale. Prince or Princess Charming isn’t coming for you if you sit and wait long enough! So, be proactive.
The Precept: Proverbs 13.4 teaches that a person can have desire but still have nothing! What’s required is that the desire be paired with decisive action.
In a comment, share an example from your life of how being proactive has moved you forward.
I will be happy when _____!
Have you said that? How often?
So, fill in the blank.
Where/when will you be “happy and fulfilled”?
We tend to make “happy” a destination at some point in the future.
Transforming growth occurs because I stay true to WHO I am while being sensitive to WHO I am becoming! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: Happiness is a deliberate choice, thus a mindset. Conversely, it’s not a destination. Not someplace we arrive at some time in the future.
The Precept: The teachings of wisdom are of greater value than anything you could possibly desire! Proverbs 8.10-11, paraphrase.
What is one way you avoid the trap of “happy is a place” in your life?
Where does growth begin?
Do I:
Begin with WHY, thus focus on life purpose?
Or, Begin with HOW, thus focus on goals?
Maybe, Begin with WHAT, thus focus on habits?
Fact is, there’s growth literature focusing on each of these topics. Certainly there are other possible starting points as well.
I choose to begin with WHO. Self-awareness, paired with personal transformation, positions me to know my WHY after I’m clear about WHO.
Today’s Observation: When I begin with WHO, behavioral change is an inside-out process. WHO I am drives WHAT I do as I pursue my WHY.
To live with purpose, on purpose, “Be” first, then “Know,” then “Do.”
Deep self-awareness, coupled with energizing self-confidence and clarity of life purpose, is most certainly a powerful combination in life! proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Precept: The book of Proverbs focuses on WHO as the starting point for personal transformation.
1). In Proverbs 1.2 our goal is to Know Wisdom.
2). That desire to Know produces Doing – personal growth – in areas such as critical thinking, discernment, and good judgment, Proverbs 1.3-6.
3). The foundation of that growth, the “beginning,” is the Being of a reverential character that’s willing to accept correction, Proverbs 1.7.
What’s your view of inside-out transformation?
