Creating Our Self Definition
December 3, 2007 | In Making A Diff. Lifestyle |
Table of contents for Understanding Ourselves
- Creating Our Self Definition
- Only We Have The Power To Change Ourselves
- Choosing Our Support Carefully
- Let Giving - Not Money - Motivate You
Making a difference in the world can be done in so many ways, some small and some large. We can make a small difference with a single act. We can make a large difference with a series of related acts. I believe that we should go even farther and live a lifestyle of making a difference - one made up of consistent and persistent activity.
Photo by vivalibre574
This requires a shift from one mode to another - from important, but only occasional acts, to frequent and practically automatic ones. In order to do so, we must examine the underlying pattern of our thoughts - our definition of who we are as it relates to making a difference in the world.
I examined myself and realized I’m acting from an unconscious belief: I’m just not the activist type, although for years I’ve dreamed of being one. No matter how much I want to speak out for what I believe in, this limiting self definition gets in the way. It’s led me to stand on the sidelines of life and wished things would change. It’s also led me look at others and envy their contributions, while thinking that I can’t reach out and do the same.
Limiting Self Definitions
Your limiting self definitions will hold you back as well. You will want to make a difference and you may even start to do some things that help, but eventually you will slow and even stop, sure that there just isn’t enough…something…to keep you going. You will let obstacles and distractions get in your way. But really, it won’t be a lack of time, or energy, or maybe not even money. Rather it will be limiting self definition that drives you. Because, if you believe deep down that you are the type of person who makes a difference (instead of just wanting to be), then you will do what it takes to make that difference in your life and, by extension, in the lives of others.
I know one thing beyond the shadow of a doubt: I don’t want to live the way I’ve lived up to now anymore. It’s time for a new outlook and a new definition of myself. I am changing my deeply held belief to be in line with my goals: I act and not just think. Unfortunately, just saying this will not be enough; it’s going to take some work on my part. But I’m up for the challenge. I’ve determined the steps I have to take and I’ve realized that while I don’t need to make drastic changes, I do need to make important ones.
Change Is Possible
If you don’t believe deep down that you are the type, you can change that belief. It starts with the desire. Then you need a plan. It doesn’t have to be a complex plan, but it must be one that challenges you to do one thing new. One thing that will stop the old song that says you can’t, and instead start a new song that says you can.
What does your self definition say of you? Does it say you are already who you want to be, or does it say you aren’t the type? Do you wish and dream that you were really a different kind of person? With each day that passes, we either get closer to, or farther away from, our dreams. We are never standing still because even if we don’t act, time passes that cannot be reclaimed. I refuse to let any more wasted time pass in my life - I will go from wishing to being. Are you ready to make the same commitment - to challenge yourself to get just one step closer to your dreams?
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[...] previously written a few articles on this. I started with Creating Our Self Definition. Then I followed up with Only We Have The Power to Change Ourselves. While I deeply believe the [...]