Introduction
In this topic we explore how to build principles (a series of reliable actions) to support you in achieving your mission.
We navigate to this task via an exploration of identity, self-actualisation and philosophy to help build the a working proto-type of actions we identify would be most constructive in allowing us to achieve your goals.
We navigate to this task via an exploration of identity, self-actualisation and philosophy to help build the a working proto-type of actions we identify would be most constructive in allowing us to achieve your goals.
Self Identity
We all have some sense of who we are - and what we think this means for where we ‘fit’ into the wider world. This sense of self, which comprises the ‘identity’ dimension of our framework, pertains to characteristics such as our family roles, our ethnic or cultural affiliation, our nationality, our gender, our sexual orientation, our profession, our interests, our ‘personality’ and our ‘life story’.
We may experience conflict between different aspects of our ‘identity’: working mothers, for example, often feel torn between the parenting and employment aspects of their ‘identity’, unable to do either full justice in the way they would like to. We may not like or feel able to be open about some aspects of our ‘identity’, especially if we think others will see that aspect of our self as problematic. This can lead us to attempt to hide or deny aspects of who we are, to ourselves and/or to others, which can also be very troubling.
Working on developing and sustaining a positive and confident sense of one’s ‘identity’ is, therefore, often a very challenging but also potentially very empowering process. This identity work may be ongoing as our circumstances change, as we take on different roles that demand personal growth, or as we become more confident about being open about our ‘identity’. A sense of our ‘identity’ helps to connect us with the traditions of the community or communities to which we affiliate ourselves and we can draw inspiration from the struggles and successes of those we see as having the same identity as ourselves.
As part of this ‘identity’ dimension we also add the ‘identity’ that others ascribe to us. This affects us irrespective of whether it is an ‘identity’ we want to claim for ourselves or whether that ascribed identity is positive in its view of who we are. Being attentive to this other aspect of ‘identity’ – how others see or describe us – requires that we seek to understand and grapple with the many ways that social expectations, including stereotypes and even prejudice, are forces to which we are all exposed to varying degrees.
We may experience conflict between different aspects of our ‘identity’: working mothers, for example, often feel torn between the parenting and employment aspects of their ‘identity’, unable to do either full justice in the way they would like to. We may not like or feel able to be open about some aspects of our ‘identity’, especially if we think others will see that aspect of our self as problematic. This can lead us to attempt to hide or deny aspects of who we are, to ourselves and/or to others, which can also be very troubling.
Working on developing and sustaining a positive and confident sense of one’s ‘identity’ is, therefore, often a very challenging but also potentially very empowering process. This identity work may be ongoing as our circumstances change, as we take on different roles that demand personal growth, or as we become more confident about being open about our ‘identity’. A sense of our ‘identity’ helps to connect us with the traditions of the community or communities to which we affiliate ourselves and we can draw inspiration from the struggles and successes of those we see as having the same identity as ourselves.
As part of this ‘identity’ dimension we also add the ‘identity’ that others ascribe to us. This affects us irrespective of whether it is an ‘identity’ we want to claim for ourselves or whether that ascribed identity is positive in its view of who we are. Being attentive to this other aspect of ‘identity’ – how others see or describe us – requires that we seek to understand and grapple with the many ways that social expectations, including stereotypes and even prejudice, are forces to which we are all exposed to varying degrees.
Self Actualisation
Self-actualization can be thought of as the full realization of one’s creative, intellectual, and social potential through internal drive (versus for external rewards like money, status, or power).
Since self-actualization is based on leveraging one’s abilities to reach their potential, it is a very individual process and will probably vary significantly from person to person. This focus on individual motivations is a key part of Maslow’s work, and what he felt differentiated it from the contemporary motivational psychology. He used the term to describe a desire, not a driving force, that could lead to realizing one's capabilities. He did not feel that self-actualization determined one's life; rather, he felt that it gave the individual a desire, or motivation to achieve budding ambitions.
Since self-actualization is based on leveraging one’s abilities to reach their potential, it is a very individual process and will probably vary significantly from person to person. This focus on individual motivations is a key part of Maslow’s work, and what he felt differentiated it from the contemporary motivational psychology. He used the term to describe a desire, not a driving force, that could lead to realizing one's capabilities. He did not feel that self-actualization determined one's life; rather, he felt that it gave the individual a desire, or motivation to achieve budding ambitions.
Values
Values are what is important to us and what gives us purpose. Most people have approximately 5-7 core values that identify who they are at their core. Each person’s values are unique to that person; even if two people happen to pick the same value word, such as integrity, each person will demonstrate it differently in their daily actions and language. When we know our core values life becomes far easier to navigate.
Think of it as a tree: values are our roots that keep us grounded in what’s important to us. The strength of the values determines the strength of the trunk, branches, leaves and fruit from year to year. A strong tree supports the ecosystem around it. Every single day we have to make countless choices ranging from the incredibly important to the mundane and barely noticeable ones that we wouldn't even categorize as choices. Our decision trees are often highly effective. We adeptly weigh up consequences and outcomes, consider costs and resources and make our choices.
When we are clear about our values they offer us a solid and guiding foundation which we can rely on during tough times, when important decisions need to be made or when we’re being tested. They can also help us live well and authentically. Being guided by values may give us the courage to change situations which leave us misaligned and inspire us to stay true to who we are or who we want to be. So if you’re now sold on the idea of getting to know your values on a first name basis how can you do that?
Think of it as a tree: values are our roots that keep us grounded in what’s important to us. The strength of the values determines the strength of the trunk, branches, leaves and fruit from year to year. A strong tree supports the ecosystem around it. Every single day we have to make countless choices ranging from the incredibly important to the mundane and barely noticeable ones that we wouldn't even categorize as choices. Our decision trees are often highly effective. We adeptly weigh up consequences and outcomes, consider costs and resources and make our choices.
When we are clear about our values they offer us a solid and guiding foundation which we can rely on during tough times, when important decisions need to be made or when we’re being tested. They can also help us live well and authentically. Being guided by values may give us the courage to change situations which leave us misaligned and inspire us to stay true to who we are or who we want to be. So if you’re now sold on the idea of getting to know your values on a first name basis how can you do that?
Principles
A principle is our best grasp at a fundamental truth about how to achieve a desirable outcome within a system. If you’re looking to create a timeless sense of purpose and to shape the overall mission of your life, then you should use principles. Establishing a set of principles creates a compass to which you can refer whenever something is in doubt or you need to take a stand or evaluate any particular opportunity, behaviour, or situation.
Moreover, principles can ultimately drive your values and goals. Principles can help you determine your goals and values and help you choose between them when confronted with conflicting issues or circumstances.
One of the best examples of a moral or ethical principle is the famous golden rule. It stipulates that one should treat others as they would wish to be treated. The rule dates back to the times of Confucius and has appeared in many religions, philosophies, and doctrines throughout history.
One of the most famous examples of a scientific principle is Archimedes’ principle by the famous Greek philosopher and mathematician. It states that any object that’s partially or wholly immersed in a fluid encounters a buoyant force that is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.
Principles and values should work together to form a compass for navigating your life. Principles are rules or laws that are permanent, unchanging, and universal in nature. Values are internal and subjective, and they may change over time.
Principles represent an objective reality that transcends cultures and individuals. They have been woven into the fabric of societies throughout human history. They often concern human behaviour and govern interactions between people.
In contrast, values are beliefs and opinions that people hold regarding specific issues or ideas, and are ultimately internal, subjective, and malleable. They may change as demands or needs change. If a given belief or opinion is something that might be altered if the conditions are right, then it’s a value.
Values are important in expressing our individual beliefs and opinions, and they can be used tactically to accomplish certain objectives based on our current circumstances, demands, and needs. Values can ultimately reflect or determine the current but potentially alterable goals that we have in our professional, family, and personal life.
Moreover, principles can ultimately drive your values and goals. Principles can help you determine your goals and values and help you choose between them when confronted with conflicting issues or circumstances.
One of the best examples of a moral or ethical principle is the famous golden rule. It stipulates that one should treat others as they would wish to be treated. The rule dates back to the times of Confucius and has appeared in many religions, philosophies, and doctrines throughout history.
One of the most famous examples of a scientific principle is Archimedes’ principle by the famous Greek philosopher and mathematician. It states that any object that’s partially or wholly immersed in a fluid encounters a buoyant force that is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.
Principles and values should work together to form a compass for navigating your life. Principles are rules or laws that are permanent, unchanging, and universal in nature. Values are internal and subjective, and they may change over time.
Principles represent an objective reality that transcends cultures and individuals. They have been woven into the fabric of societies throughout human history. They often concern human behaviour and govern interactions between people.
In contrast, values are beliefs and opinions that people hold regarding specific issues or ideas, and are ultimately internal, subjective, and malleable. They may change as demands or needs change. If a given belief or opinion is something that might be altered if the conditions are right, then it’s a value.
Values are important in expressing our individual beliefs and opinions, and they can be used tactically to accomplish certain objectives based on our current circumstances, demands, and needs. Values can ultimately reflect or determine the current but potentially alterable goals that we have in our professional, family, and personal life.
Philosophical Guidance
Philosophy is a thinking process we engage in to form the principles and values for guiding our lives. It is helpful to stand on the shoulders of those that have come before us and draw upon their insights in forming our own life philosophy.
Different people will resonate with different guides and mentors - but ultimately they all link back to universal principles of human nature that we can create more successful outcomes in our lives if we are aligned to.
Review the page link below to explore some of the figureheads of western philosophy that have helped shape principles that act as the common glue that hold us all together in well-functioning societies.
Different people will resonate with different guides and mentors - but ultimately they all link back to universal principles of human nature that we can create more successful outcomes in our lives if we are aligned to.
Review the page link below to explore some of the figureheads of western philosophy that have helped shape principles that act as the common glue that hold us all together in well-functioning societies.
Video Resources
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