Our world tends to focus on external measures of success. I think this makes sense. They are what we see every day.
A cursory scan of nearly every self-help bookshelf reveals this tendency to focus on external pursuits.
You’ll find books on making money, saving money, working out, getting healthy, productivity, parenting, happiness, career advancement, and personal growth.
All of which are noble pursuits. In fact, I’ve written about many of them myself.
But I doubt that focusing on external measures of success without equal or greater focus on our internal development will lead to the best (or potentially dangerous) results.
for example:
— Making money without generosity can lead to greed.
— Building a career without selflessness can lead to loneliness.
— Pursuing fitness without humility can lead to arrogance.
— Acquiring intelligence without wisdom and discernment can have unethical consequences.
Without a proper inner compass, even the highest external pursuits can be shallow and hollow. or, in extreme circumstances, harmful to oneself and others.
As such, the deliberate pursuit of valuable internal traits must accompany or take precedence over our external pursuits. It would be wise to practice
Here are the seven pursuits that give meaning to everyone else
1. love
“Don’t try to change people. Just love them. -Anonymous
to love experience affection for others— wish them all the best and wish them no malice.
Of course, it’s easy to love someone who already loves us. But learning to love someone who didn’t love us in the first place is an even greater pursuit.
When you feel true love for others, the results of your external pursuits begin to change. Personal growth is not just about what you get out of it. Instead, personal development is a way for me to be the best for others.
2. Wisdom
“Without wisdom, knowledge is more stupid than ignorance.” -Anonymous
Wisdom is It is just a combination of knowledge of what is true and what is right, and judgment of action. Or, as I have always understood, wisdom is knowing how to apply knowledge.
There is so much more that advanced intelligence can accomplish. But only by seeking wisdom can we discover how best to use the knowledge and experience we have gained in life—both for ourselves and the world around us. That is why wisdom is so important.
3. Selfless
“Happiness comes not through selfishness, but through selflessness. Everything you do comes back.” -Anonymous
Selfless To look out for the interests of others rather than one’s own interests, progress, desires, etc.
Of course, it is important to take care of yourself and your family’s needs. Being selfless means being concerned not only with your own interests, but also with the interests of others.
Selflessness can and should be pursued in all areas of life: family, work, community, and even the world at large.
and based on all researchit is the only inner pursuit that brings the longest lasting happiness and fulfillment.
4. Patience
“Patience is choosing to understand when you should be angry.” -Anonymous
Patience defined is this, There is no complaining, anger, or irritation in enduring provocation, irritation, misfortune, or pain.
How perfect is that definition?
It is very easy to become impatient. Especially when it comes to those we love most (sometimes including ourselves).
nevertheless health professionals We talk about the importance of practicing patience for both our physical and mental health.
Equally important, patience invites others to join you in your life’s journey. Without the pursuit of patience, we inevitably become isolated. It’s not because we matured or developed faster than anyone else, but because our arrogance alienates those around us.
We are all part of the process and need patience. By embracing patience as an inner pursuit, you can fully understand what areas of yourself you need to work on.
5. Honesty
“Honesty is the foundation, and usually the solid foundation. If something you say bothers you, it’s tolerable.” -Anonymous
to be honest Be a truth teller, or someone you can trust and who is unlikely to steal, cheat, or lie.
Without honesty, the foundation for acquiring many of the external symbols of success can be built without integrity, values, or character. lie, cheat, and steal to get everything they want.
This may sound appealing to some people. But ill-gotten gains are rarely valued. A society built on lies, deception, and theft will soon collapse, and so will our personal lives.
6. Compassion
“Kindness is at the heart of every little thing we do. It is the most important quality we possess. , can be pushed aside.To lose compassion is to lose being human.” -Anonymous
Compassion is Compassionate sympathy and concern for the suffering and misfortunes of others.
The world is full of injustice. Everyone you meet has just finished a trial, is in a trial, or is heading for a trial. No one escapes life without pain.
In fact, it may be the only reality in life that unites us all.
Compassion brings meaning to our pain and passion to our efforts. As we begin to pursue compassion and care for others, our work (in all aspects of life) takes on greater meaning and our desire to do it well increases.
If you want to achieve your highest potential in your external pursuits, start with compassion in your heart.
7. Generosity
“A generous heart, a kind speech, a life of service and compassion are what make mankind new.” -Anonymous
be generous with your giving Be generous.
Without generosity of mind and heart, our interests become completely self-centered. A natural extension of love, selflessness, compassion, and wisdom is generosity. It’s the ultimate barometer of how well we’re doing in those other pursuits.
Still, it’s not. Generosity is the exact opposite of empty dishonesty. It is a deliberate action that frees our fists from the tight grip on our money, time, talents, energy and life. It is the ultimate expression of love.
Without it, the pleasures we find in our external pursuits are short-lived.
Our world continues to focus on the outside. It is up to us as individuals to develop the inner pursuits and values that give meaning to our lives and endeavors. It may be countercultural, but the greatest life and contribution depends on it.
