So, What does growth look like? Well, in some cases it looks like times where I have changed my mind about something! Continue reading to see how growth and a changed mind are related.
Some Terminology
For starters, I suspect there’s some overlap between the terms changed mind, different perspective, and adjusted outlook.
Regardless of terminology, some of those changes are part of the normal maturing process as we get older. However, some of the changes are the result of how we respond to and are shaped by life events.
So, what does growth look like? Well, in many cases it looks like times where I have changed my mind about something!
Thus, “changed my mind about” implies that over time (e.g., months, years), after deep thought, I’ve come to believe something different about an issue.
Consequently, my outlook or perspective has changed from what it was before.
Moreover, that change isn’t by accident.
Instead, it’s because of a deliberate choice that’s paired with a new outlook. Therefore, I’m seeing the same set of “facts” but from a different point of view.
The Precept
In Proverbs 14.8 Solomon discusses the process of becoming more self-aware.
That is, self-awareness is linked to how we change our perspective about ourselves.
Actually, I think growth in self-awareness is one of the first and most critical places where I can change my mind.
Simply put, the key components of self-awareness from Solomon view are:
1). Wisdom – the process of building out experiential insights about life
2). Critical thinking – thinking fast and slow in order to make sense of things
3). Discernment – seeing below the surface to deeply understand right from wrong
In contrast, the foolishly overconfident are self-deceived. How so? Because they never come to that understanding of who they are. Instead, they have an unrealistic and unrefined view of themselves.
So what? The outcome for the fool is folly or foolishness as expressed by poor decisions leading to bad life outcomes.
How to Change
For me, a number of changes of mind or perspective were fueled by intentional personal and professional growth.
As such, I chose to build skills and leadership capabilities over the course of my career through a variety of outlets.
For example, a one-year fellowship while I was associate dean provided significant growth. Also, taking personality tests such as the Myers-Briggs provided insights into my strengths and weaknesses.
In addition, working with a mentor was extremely valuable.
More significantly, during one of my stints as interim dean, I requested and received a 360-degree evaluation from peers, direct reports, and those above me. Well? It’s really useful to read what others really feel about you when they are making anonymous comments.
Identifying Purpose
Although change is good, but it must be directed somewhere.
Again, for me, that “somewhere” involved having a clear vision of what I believed I could accomplish as an academic administrator before I retired.
The outcome? I spend the last three years of my career as a business school dean.
Undoubtedly, the Lord provided that opportunity, but I had to be prepared professionally to step into the role. Unsurprisingly, the intentional personal growth I underwent was an important part of that preparation.
How about you? Do you see opportunity? Actually, recognizing opportunity is critical to becoming ready, as described in First Kings 5.4-5.
Some Personal Changes
So now, I’ll answer the question “What have I changed my mind about?” Well, I’ve changed my mind about several things:
Changes about myself
FIRST: changes about myself. As I grew in self-awareness I also developed self-confidence. That improved self-image came late in my professional career, but was an important component of my ability to develop professionally.
Consequently, I believe it’s critically important to possess a clear sense of your own self-worth because it’s the foundation for growth in other areas of your life.
In Proverbs 16.31 we read that it’s nice to get old, as marked by gray hair. However, that advanced age should also be marked by being right with God. In fact, knowing myself assumes I have a deep knowledge of the Lord upon which to build that self-awareness. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Identifying life purpose
SECOND: changes about my life purpose. It’s important to realize that what we understand about our life purpose at age 25 or 35 doesn’t have to be our same life purpose at age 55 or 65.
As we mature personally, spiritually, and professionally it becomes possible for the Lord to open to us other opportunities that we could not have envisioned earlier in life. Therefore, growth is an outlet for having new and much more compelling life opportunities.
In short, it’s really nice to be able to live with purpose, on purpose!
By the way, life purpose isn’t some big mystery! In Proverbs 4.18 Solomon notes that our life path becomes clearer and clearer as we pursue that for which we are being prepared.
Similarly, in Proverbs 2.21 we read that living out our life purpose is a source of stability.
Recognizing what’s most critical
THIRD: changes about what’s most critical. Although I’m not significantly more patient now than previously, I am (mostly) impatient about different things! Well, I think so!
Seriously, it’s good to recognize what the critical end point is – don’t lose sight of the end goal because of road blocks or combative individuals.
So, at times, just let it go if you are able to see progress toward that which is essential!
According to Proverbs 19.11, knowing what’s most essential allows us to overlook some things. In that verse, “discretion” translates the Hebrew word sekel that means grasping essential meaning. Literally, we cause ourselves to hold off on responding in anger so we can accomplish the bigger objective.
Apply This Today!
So, there are three areas where I’ve changed my mind over the past few years. As a result, that’s what growth looks like in my life.
Change is good when it drives us outside of ourselves to become our best self – on purpose!
Now, what to do? Well, live with purpose, on purpose that’s what!