Constructing One’s Self

“Without much formal schooling, Washington was subject to condescension from some contemporaries, especially the snobbish John Adams, who disparaged him as “too illiterate, unlearned, unread for his station and reputation.” Washington has suffered from comparisons with other founders, several of whom were renowned autodidacts, but by any ordinary standard, he was an exceedingly smart man with a quick ability to grasp ideas. He seized every interval of leisure to improve himself and showed a steady capacity to acquire and retain useful knowledge. Throughout his life, he strenuously molded his personality to become a respectable member of society. As W. W. Abbot aptly expressed it, ‘More than most, Washington’s biography is the story of a man constructing himself.’”

Washington, A Life
~Ron Chernow

SMART Many people, in the words of Edison, “would rather die than think!” And that might be the standard by which many conduct their lives — taking what’s offered and waiting passively for the next meal.  They are what their circumstances, family connections and station provide them.  They aren’t “stupid” necessarily, but they aren’t using their intelligence to build more or better for themselves or their families.

“Smart” might suggest that an individual chooses to be responsible for themselves their condition and what they choose to make of it.  Rather than being victimized by their station, they take every opportunity to learn, grow and build the structures of character, mind and spirit which will serve them in the long term.  Some people simply look to avoid suffering and survive.  The smart ones see opportunity everywhere and seek to improve everything they touch. They want to “move on up!”

HUNGRYIn our experience, a large number of our students passively arrive for training, complaining about being jolted out of their habitual pattern.  But a special few, rather than being critical of the opportunity, arrive early and full of questions about the goals of our work, its origins, the way it has been employed by their employer and the industry and what else there is on the menu for them to access and absorb… These are the Hungry Ones.

It’s not enough to simply survive the program, they want to excel; and take home more, with a plan for next year and the years after.  “Mastery” is on their mind and in their sights. It’s not so much that they want “more” but that they want the ability to do more, create more and accomplish more! They know the exchanges will come along with their expanded abilities. For these people of large appetites, it’s not just a win, but a career characterized by a loftier perspective and a commitment to a Win-Win perspective.

GOODAfter accepting his commission as Commanding General of the Armed Forces of the United States, Washington had the Declaration of Independence read out to the troops. It wasn’t enough for him to issue a command, but for his troops to understand and fully commit to the reasons for the War of Independence. He wanted not only physical and mental commitment, but a spiritual awareness of the stakes as well.

As you consider the wet clay of your career and what you might make of it, let your intentions ripple out to the edges of the universe and consider how your presence and that of your colleagues and company might bring about a continuously greater good for everyone and everything you might influence.

A career is not simply about money or physical survival, but about the larger person you might become in the process and the greater service you might provide as well.

It’s one thing to be Smart, but that’s mere Survival. It’s another thing to be Hungry, to grow your opportunity and expand your character and impact over a larger arena. Then, you have the opportunity to nuance your work and your life to reach for the greater Good, not just for yourself, but for everyone (and everything) you touch.

When his duties were ended, Washington made a final gesture of greatness.  He resigned his commission and, resuming his previous station, returned to Mt. Vernon. His countrymen summoned him to Washington for another eight years as President, (not “Majesty”).  Having completed that term of service, he once again went home. Like Washington, we can all become people “constructing ourselves.” Make the most of it and give thanks for your opportunities!

Applications

For Yourself
What are you going to learn this year? What new skill will you acquire? How will you become a better person? How will you elevate your perspective?

At Home
Every Family Trip, each Holiday, every visit to a shrine or cemetery can contain a lesson or an opportunity for growth and reflection. Recognize that in the beginning, you model the concept of Self-Construction for your family. Get them started early and they’ll make you proud.

At Work
What new project will you undertake this year? What new skill will you acquire? How will you grow your team? What else can you accomplish for your employer? It’s those who do more and better that become recognized as leaders. Will you? Shouldn’t the exchange begin with you?

Nobody survives this life. But you can choose between passively experiencing life or instead, elevating the experience by constructing your self, family, community and career.

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