SEPTEMBER 3, 2021
As part of our Foundational Band of Brothers group and as one of the most important lessons we can learn in life, we are asking each one of our men to “get to know themselves” in order to be able to be more proactive in moving forward in life. Yes, there are times that each one of us has to “play defense.” That takes lots of energy and understanding which may cause us to be less truthful with ourselves if we are trying to defend and protect our turf all of the time, which in turn, may impede our progress in growing into authentic men. Playing defense (Like our military) is critical in protecting our way of life. Along with defending our country, our military NEEDS the ability to be on the offensive rather than being in a constant retreat. (I hope you think about that for your own life) While playing lots of basketball in my younger days, I liked shooting the ball more than I liked playing defense even though I understood the importance and the need for both. Playing defense can be helpful if you know how to defend yourself but that may close down your mind in looking for and seeing those positive opportunities right in front of you to obtain a victory. If you are too busy defending yourself, your heart becomes the victim and has no time to grow in helping others. (Remember to “Put your own mask on first before helping others.”)
“Knowing thyself” requires us to be aware of our own limitations yet knowing what we are capable of doing. Don’t cut yourself short, because ALL of us were made for more. Proverbs 4:23 states; “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” In other words, once you find your calling and purpose in life, guard your principles, values, your heart, and your character (and for those in your care) with your life. But keep moving forward rather than retreating completely as it may end up being your legacy to the world. Getting to “Know Yourself” requires self-knowledge or self-actualization in order to understand and live out your calling. Most of us THINK we are pretty smart and know exactly how to handle things by ourselves. However, life will throw you curve balls at times and it is up to you to learn to see that curve ball coming. (Intuition or just part of knowing yourself) Don’t let the curve ball paralyze you. Learn to overcome it, go around it, or avoid it altogether. (Be Self-Aware) Don’t put yourself in bad situations but don’t ever give up. Find what you “Can-Do,” practice it daily to the best of your ability, prepare, and work with others to improve. Nothing great ever happens alone or without practice.
How do you get to know yourself you might ask? By building self-improvement into your daily routine and letting go of the negative thoughts about yourself. (See our Daily 7) Here are some ways you might practice this principle: Cultivate gratitude into your life; greet everyone you meet by being more interested in them than yourself; (that is how we learn, but don’t compare) use positive self-talk; practice random acts of kindness; get enough sleep; breathe consciously; (Hopefully without a mask on) practice mindful eating; and finally, practice forgiveness, self-care and self-love. Something you can put into your daily routine in moving from defense to offense. (It is easier to score when you are proactive, have momentum and play offense.)
Here are a few great quotes from others that will remind you to “Know Thyself;”
- “There are three things extremely hard; Steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.” Ben Franklin (Knowing yourself is not easy. It requires one to look deep inside)
- “As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Nelson Mandela (This is called Leadership)
- “There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving and that’s your own self.” Aldous Huxley (Don’t get distracted by all of life’s shiny objects. Work on Self-Mastery here)
- “Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.” Henry David Thoreau (If you are only following yourself, you are lost. Who are YOU following?)
- “Know the enemy and know yourself.” Sun Tzu (Understanding the enemy is key. AND, the enemy is what you make it. Remember; it just might be YOU.)
- “Do thine own work, and know thyself.” Plato (Again, YOU have to do the work and not let someone else do it for you or by just letting it happen. Outside of God, no one knows you better than yourself.)
- “My friend, care for your psyche, know thyself, for once we know ourselves, we may learn how to care for others.” Socrates (Move from Selfishness to Selflessness)
While hope is not a strategy, it is up to you to set your own vision, define for yourself what success means to you, and setting goals on learning to play more offense rather than more defense in your life. Learn to look at life as positive vs. negative; good vs. bad. Check out Maslow’s Theory of Hierarchy to discover where you stand in the “Wants and Needs” pyramid for your life. Most of us have more than we need in material things. Choose to go further in building your own healthy self-esteem and become more comfortable with who you are in transforming to self-actualization. Make sure you include your faith, your family and friends, along with those career associates that are rooting for you more than themselves. Once you finally reach that point, turn around and help someone else. A worthy goal for sure.
Elevator Guy
Final quote for the Day: “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” Socrates