It is very rare for a human beings' character to receive a "total makeover" overnight. After all, as human beings, we reap what we sow. All of our character, good or bad, is a composite of 1)How we were raised, 2)the decisions we make, 3)how we react to our decisions, and 4)how we react to various life circumstances sometimes out of our control. Therefore, it is safe say that one can not simply change overnight.
Moreover, I want to change. But it's overwhelming when I objectively look at it. I can be extremely selfish at times and lose all compassion for others in an instant. My pride often explodes like a brand new flavor from Starburst. Sometimes I'm so attached to insignificant factors in life, I don't even consider that I need to detach. How do I began to chip away at this toxic coal?
I'll tell you how. Little by little. Perfection comes in degrees and it's been proven. Think of how great athletes evolve. They normally initiate their career wanting to be the best but they soon realize they have more attributes to develop in order to change into the athlete they desire to be. There coach, having more experience and foreseeability, usually points out their faults and begins to show them how they can become better. The athlete then begins implementing new drills and practice routines that will make his current performance better. He chips away at his goal little by little until his performance reaches an apex. He just doesn't show up the next day to the gym an entirely different player.
The truth of the matter is it's down right easier and borderline ingenious. Bit by bit you begin to give 10% each day to something you want to change. Since it's only 10% percent, you don't feel the pressure as you normally would, as opposed to completely coming out of your cocoon in one day. As the Tibetan Master Sakyong Rinponche mentions, we begin to work with our positive qualities and become more familiar with them. This invokes a spirit of love that can be transmitted to others. Finally, it's stops us from getting frustrated and going immediately back to our habitual habits. Take the time to listen to this theory from a Master. I've also included a clip of Michael Jordan subscribing to the same theory. "Improve your weaknesses until they become strengths [a process], and improve your strengths so you don't have anymore weaknesses." Well said Mike. Enjoy!
I like that a lot. Another guy, Jim Rohn, talks about how you can't change your whole life in a day, but you can change the direction you're going in, and that will lead to a new destination.
ReplyDelete