Who Are You?

Have you ever heard someone say ‘that’s just way I am’?  By saying that they usually mean they behave in a particular manner and that’s just the way it is.  It can’t be changed.  This type of discussion usually follows an exhibit of behavior of which the individual isn’t too proud.  He or she maybe even believes that he / she is doomed to this type of behavior.

Do you believe that you are doomed to your current behavior?  Did you know that you could change the way you deal with other people?  Do you want to change?  You can change your internal thought processes, which in turn will change your behavior, but – it takes time and dedication on your part to understand what makes you tick (why you act that way!).  Dr. Maxwell Maltz says, ‘close scrutiny will show that most "crisis situations" are opportunities to either advance, or stay where you are’.

How do you determine what makes you tick, what makes you feel the way you feel, what makes you act the way you act?  The most common term for this dramatic turn of events in your life is called ‘personal growth’.  In his book The Road Less Traveled and Beyond, Scott Peck say ‘the choice to actively learn as an adult and devote one’s will consciously to growth and learning is the most crucial decision one ever makes in life’.  And it is a choice!  And you are the only one who can make that choice.

Personal growth simply means acknowledging we are imperfect, willing to learning from our mistakes, improving our behavior, treating people with respect, being kind to others in need.  It may be even as simple as adopting the golden rule – Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

- Joe Freeman