Order One’s Life, Imagine an Inspiring Future.
There is “a strong link” writes Chris Lowney in Heroic Leadership, “between mature self-knowledge and success.” At a time when many are looking for leaders capable of solving problems in a rapidly changing business and political environment, brought about by the unstoppable pace of technological change, “shrewd, pragmatic, politically astute action” requires individuals with a sense of purpose supported by the foundational knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses, values and worldview.
Continual learning, innovating, creating, accountability, good judgement, and assessing the conditions of one’s surroundings develop naturally if you first come to some understanding of who you are. These virtuous qualities, or global competencies as they are now called, cannot be acquired by earning a business school degree or any other professional credential. “To order one’s life” through “self-awareness” therefore is the way to success.
Thrillingly interesting and invigorating, the inward journey of discernment seems to me to be a great adventure in self-understanding where problems are not barriers but rather challenges to be overcome. As Lowney writes, “Only I can muster the will, courage, and honesty to search myself.” Solve the problem of knowing yourself and you will be well on your way to finding the solution to every other problem you face.
Lead yourself first, and do it by setting out on your own personal journey wherein you choose for yourself a daily habit of self-reflection that you can practice at home or on the run. But choose a practice and just do it, and do it daily—check in with yourself everyday to both refresh yourself and to assess honestly and courageously your thinking and behavior so as to live more faithfully the vision of who you are and the values and goals you wish to realize in this world.
There are many methods for getting to know yourself. Chris covers the secrets to success in the Jesuit toolbox in his book, Heroic Leadership, Best Practices from a 450-year-old Company that Changed the World. There are no shortcuts. Like all things worth having in life, imagining an inspiring future and ordering one’s life accordingly by making the investment of time and emotional energy required to grow as a human being through self-awareness is a price that must be paid. Paying it, however, can be bliss.
You only get one shot at life. So do your part and do it right. Inspire the world by being inspired everyday, and the future will take care of itself.
