The outcome of intentional personal growth is a transformed character that’s wise-hearted and wise behaving. Truly, personal growth builds character!
This blog post contains my personal LinkedIn posts for September 26 through October 2, 2022.
Ok Idea but Bad Outcome
Saying “it seemed Ok at the time” often means it wasn’t Ok – at all!
And not just when we were children or teenagers!
One way I’ve improved the quality of my thinking is to enhance the clarity of my writing. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: We convince ourselves that our behavior is justified. Fact is, there are often serious flaws in our reasoning!
The Precept: We convince ourselves that what we are doing is Ok. But, at times, there are serious problems. See Proverbs 14.12.
The Question: What enables you to consider contrary information before making a choice?
Don’t Think – Act Stupidly!
If you want to guarantee stupid behavior then refuse to think critically!
Those who don’t think critically lack subtlety, the ability to think on their feet.
In tandem, the simple-minded lack discretion as a result of not thinking deeply.
A long-term, values-driven outlook on life is truly the reality that avoids many of the problems associated with short-term, shallow-minded thinking! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: The simple-minded are unable to think fast or think slow! They are not stupid. They simply don’t think critically! Instead, they blindly accept what’s told to them. Thus, they act stupidly!
The Precept: In Proverbs 9.6 we’re told to “forsake simple-mindedness.” Make a deliberate choice to abandon being simple or shallow. We replace being simple with sense making. That’s hard work, but doable.
The Question: What lifestyle habits enable you to think critically about issues?
Personal Growth Builds Character
When we choose to grow we choose to build character.
We outgrow our inexperience.
And, we overcome our lack of discernment.
Plus, we build critical thinking skills.
A growth mindset motivates me, but it must be combined with focused discipline to produce meaningful transformation. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: The outcome of intentional personal growth is a transformed character that’s wise-hearted and wise behaving.
The Precept: Build a wise character!
1). Psalm 19.7: God’s word makes the simple wise
2). Proverbs 9.9: the wise become wiser
3). Proverbs 10.8: the wise-hearted soak up precepts
4). Proverbs 16.21: the wise-hearted are discerning
The Question: How have you noticed the connection between personal growth and a stronger character?
How Do You Define Success?
Here’s a definition: Success is clearly knowing and actively pursuing my life purpose.
I know my WHY and I live that life purpose every day.
This definition is based on process and progress rather than on outcomes.
As we grow personally, professionally, and spiritually our influence with others – hence our life success – multiplies dramatically! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: I measure success in terms of WHO I am becoming as I pursue my WHY.
The Precept: Solomon worded this concept as “Reverence is the beginning of wisdom” in Proverbs 9.10. Hence, faith is the foundation for a fulfilling and successful life because that life grasps both the eternal precepts and divine purpose.
The Question: So, what’s your definition of success?
Introvert Tip: I’m Worthy of Self-worth
Do we pair introversion with low self-worth?
We shouldn’t, but I suspect it happens!
The Problem? I stop pursuing my life’s purpose. I lower my self-worth by comparing myself to others.
The Fix? Compare who I am right now with how far I’ve come from who I was!
The Question: Do you see a link between self-worth and comparison with others? I mean right now, not when you were in high school!
I am my best self that others need to see when I show to them my authentic self – the real me! proverbsforprofessionals.net
influence Doesn’t Happen in a Minute!
You’re a leader. Someone’s at your door with a problem.
They say “Got a minute?”
How do you respond?
With problem-solving syndrome (PSS) you offer a quick fix.
You don’t probe for facts or understand concerns.
Why? Because you don’t have a minute!
And, you want them out of your office that’s why!
The Question: How do you combat PSS as a leader, or worse yet as a Mr.-Fixit spouse?
Influence is when I share with others those life truths that have deeply impacted me. I don’t have that influence when I’m in too much of a hurry to listen carefully to others. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Three Critical Questions
1). “Can I change?” My capability to change.
2). “Will I change?” My openness to change.
3). “Why should I change?” My motive to change.
The “Why” question forces me to look inside.
One mark of a sound character is the ability to grasp that which is essential. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: Without understanding why there’s a need for change, I have no buy-in to the change process.
With no buy-in personally, I’m setting myself up for failure in any change effort.
The Precept: According to Proverbs 14.10 our inner self knows what’s going on inside of us, whether bitterness or joy.
The Question: How has deliberate self-evaluation kept you from living someone else’s life?
