Small “traps” have been laid throughout this life to trip us up, humble us, and help us remember there is always room for improvement.
Sometimes, if we have deep within us feelings of inadequacy, when we experience success in some part of our lives, a feeling of superiority begins to grow within us. We want to feel like we are more important than and better than others. We begin to, in our own minds, lift ourselves up to a level above those around us. We become competent at what we do, quickly gain a sense of pride and confidence, desire after a feeling of importance and validation, throw caution to the wind, and let our ego take control.
It is normal for those who have, sometimes for their entire lives, felt like they are “not enough” in some way, to exhibit behaviors that make them feel “better than,” and get caught up in comparing their perceived strengths to the imaginary weaknesses of others. This may be normal, but it is also incredibly damaging and destructive.
As we become more confident, we may sometimes believe we are more competent than we actually are. We treat others differently as this feeling of superiority sets in, and the environment changes. Can you think of a time in your life when this has happened to you? I can certainly think of times in my own life where I have fallen into this trap.
When we compare ourselves only to ourselves, we can get an actual, accurate gauge of how we are progressing, or immediate feedback that we are capable of doing more. When we compare our strengths to the weaknesses of others, simply to feel good, better than, or more than, we disable ourselves. This disempowering, destructive behavior can easily become a habit. I know of this destructive pattern from personal experience, and I can attest that it is a useless practice for anyone interested in playing the long game of TRUE greatness.
Yet another “trap” is the tendency for those who are new to the illusion of power over others is to abuse authority, Lord over others, treat others as “less than,” and use fear and intimidation to manipulate and control the feelings, emotions, and actions of others.
I think it is important to remember that it isn’t just about making it. It is about maintaining it, and continuously, consistently improving upon it, whatever “it” is. There is always room for improvement, always something more we can learn and practice. There is always room to grow and progress.
I think the best thing we can do when we become better or more competent at something is to help others to do the same. By helping others improve it creates an environment where others are willing to do the same for those around them. This action creates a growth environment, where trust, consistency, understanding, kindness, acceptance, and high performance is commonplace. Together is better.
Today I will remember to work on improving and becoming more competent, while focusing on staying humble, treating others with the same respect I wish to be treated with, and lifting others up in any manner that I can. I will remember that the change I want to see in the world starts with me.
To learn more about creating a growth environment, it is important to embrace a growth mindset, and to learn what a growth environment is all about.
Two of my favorite authors are Carol Dweck and Simon Sinek. They are on the forefront of the growth movement today, and have been for years. I highly recommend consuming content from them.
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Remember: Mindset matters. Character counts. That which we choose to consistently focus on is what EXPANDS in our lives. WE CREATE our personal realities.