Motivation Tips

   Tips for Stress free life  >  Expert Zone   > Motivation

       Motivation Tips by experts


Finding A Cure for I Disease


The 21-year-old rookie cop had his big chance to brag on himself at his big news conference. "How do you feel about being the one to capture Eric Rudolph, FBI's Most Wanted?" the reporter asked. The young man's reply: "I was just doing my job, sir. It was all in a day's work." I was struck by this young man's humility, a rare quality in our narcissistic, "me, me, me" world.

EPIDEMIC OF THE "I" DISEASE

Benjamin Franklin devised a week-by-week plan to improve his character by working on thirteen virtues. Franklin's sharp focus, meticulous record-keeping, and diligent work yielded improvements in the first twelve virtues - temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, tranquility, cleanliness, and chastity. However, he found that every time he began to make progress in developing humility, he got proud of it!

I think we all have a touch of the "I Disease". I even had the delightful experience of observing it in the animal kingdom last weekend. During an afternoon trip to the zoo with my granddaughter Scarlett, we watched two male peacocks vying for the attention of a single seemingly disinterested female, spreading their gorgeous feathers and adding to the display by shaking them toward her when she came near.Five-year-old Scarlett commented, "Girls sometimes ignore boys when they're showing out!" Anyway, these guys strutted proudly, each trying to outdo the other. There was no humility to be found in this competitive display. How similar to the way we humans often behave!

Recently, while reading the book "A Love Worth Giving" by Max Lucado, I was challenged to acknowledge my own selfishness. Take the test with me. You look at a group photo that includes you. Does your liking of the picture depend on whether you look good, no matter how everyone else looks? If others are cross-eyed and have spinach in their teeth and you still like the picture, you probably have a bad case of it! Like me, you may be due for an "I checkup."

(Hopefully we aren't quite as afflicted with it as Ted Turner, who is quoted as saying, "If I only had a little more humility, I'd be perfect.") Humility does not mean that you become a passive doormat who doesn't stand up for what is right. In fact, genuinely humble people are psychologically secure. They are free to respect others and themselves. They have no need to prove their worth.

THREE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PRIDE AND HUMILITY

True humility leads to wisdom and ends in honor. Conversely, narcissism and pride produce stymied personal growth, disturbed relationships, and an eventual fall.

Benjamin Whichcote said, "None are so empty as those who are full of themselves."

Which of these characteristics describe you?

1. Are you arrogant, or are you confident?

Do your attitudes and actions indicate that you see yourself above others? Do you act like a know-it-all who is never wrong?

Or are you confident enough to listen and take correction? William Safire said, "Nobody stands taller than thosewilling to stand corrected."

Do you believe in yourself enough to tackle new and difficult tasks, honestly appreciating your own talents while fully acknowledging your need for the help of others?

Peter Marshall summed up this aspect of humility when he prayed, "Lord, where we are wrong, make us willing to change; where we are right, make us easy to live with."

2. Are you concerned with who is right, or with what is right?

Do you find it hard to let go of an argument until you have "won"? (Note: If you "win", you haven't. It's not over!) Are you upset when someone challenges your knowledge or authority? Do you have a sense of entitlement, believing that your wants have priority and sulking or exploding when others don't believe the same?

Or do you focus on principles (not just your own)? Do you look for the truth in all perspectives and work to put together a solution that works for all? Do you take responsibility for improving the situations in which you find yourself?

Swallow your pride occasionally; it's not non-fattening!

3. Which is more important to you - status or service?

Do you crave public recognition for your good deeds? How important are titles to you? Do you bristle when someone fails to recognize your achievements or status?

Biblical wisdom and modern scientific management research confirm the same principle: the person who would lead must become a servant.

Are you habitually looking for ways to serve others...equipping and enabling them become all they can be? Is helping people your heartfelt motivation?

WHO'S IMPORTANT?

In closing, I invite you to reflect with me on these thoughts from Max Lucado: "If I think that you are more important than I am, and you think I am more important than you are, and he thinks she is more important than he is, and she think she is more important than she is?then in the end everyone feels important, but no one acts important."

You know, I think that could work!

Dr. Bev Smallwood is a psychologist who has worked with organizations across the globe for over 20 years. Her high-energy, high-content, high-involvement Magnetic Workplaces (r) programs provide dozens of practical strategies and skills that can be put to work immediately to:

  • build strong leaders who influence and develop others through serving

  • energize, motivate, and retain team members

  • successfully accomplish important organizational transitions

  • impress customers and build their loyalty

  • Review a complete list of her programs available for your convention or corporate meeting at the website, www.MagneticWorkplaces.com


    MORE RESOURCES:

    See the complete list of Articles on Motivation here

    Have a look at Best Selling Books on Motivation

     

    Google

    See also : Other articles on

    Depression, Grief-loss, Elder Care Relationships
    Inspiration, Inspirational, Motivation,
    Positive Attitude
    ,  Meditation, Spirituality


    Latest info on : Motivation

     


    Plain 'ol victory tops payback for motivation in this game
    San Diego Union Tribune, United States - 8 hours ago
    The Chargers couldn't allow payback to become a priority last night. They couldn't afford to nurse ancient grudges or reopen old wounds. ...


    Motivation to succeed pays off for supermarket employee
    Tallahassee Democrat, FL - 5 hours ago
    No one exemplifies eagerness to work and the motivation to succeed more than Ahkin. He has worked as a bagger at the Kendall Publix since 1996. ...


    Bleacher Report

    Terrell Owens Needs a Jessica Simpson [for Motivation]
    Bleacher Report, CA - 3 hours ago
    Terrell Owens needs a Jessica Simpson to tell the world that he is going to kick butt and have a 100-yard game. Well, that was before Tony Romo’s pinky was ...


    WELT ONLINE

    Palin Abused Power in Trooper Case, Alaska Probe Says (Update1)
    Bloomberg - Oct 11, 2008
    ... were not bona fide and were offered to provide cover for the Palins' real motivation: to get Trooper Wooten fired for personal family related reasons. ...
    Video: Alaska Panel Finds Palin Abused Power AssociatedPress
    Palin denies she abused power CNN International
    all 3,854 news articles


    Washington Post

    Parker hears, answers call for motivation
    Press of Atlantic City, NJ - 15 hours ago
    By DAVID WEINBERG Staff Writer, 609-272-7186 SAN FRANCISCO - Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Juqua Parker has always considered himself a good listener. ...
    McNabb putting it on the line as Birds face must win in San Fran The Delaware County Times
    all 439 news articles


    Washington Post

    UNC: Searching For Motivation?
    Bleacher Report, CA - Oct 12, 2008
    Their motivation and drive satisfied, they were content, even if only subconsciously, with a Final Four berth. Now, an off-season later, the answers aren't ...
    Defensive Notebook: UNC Week Blue and Gold Illustrated (subscription)
    all 490 news articles


    Examiner.com

    Weight Loss Motivation: A Bonus on Your Quest for Fitness
    Examiner.com - 8 hours ago
    by Elizabeth Renter, Weight Loss Examiner Weight loss motivation is certainly something we would all like. Many interviews with huge weight loss success ...


    Tough practices drive motivation
    The Daily Collegian Online, PA - 8 hours ago
    By Eddie Gentile Junior Lauren McCarthy tossed her racket up and snatched it out of the air while mumbling furiously at herself after losing a point to ...


    Motivation, belief in venture can mean success
    San Bernardino Sun, CA - 17 hours ago
    You've come up with an idea for a business venture and believe it has great potential for success. However, you don't feel you have the technical expertise ...


    Setanta Sports

    Pavlik-Hopkins: What Drives Them?
    411mania.com, TX - 3 hours ago
    "I wonder after all the big fights you've had," said Rafael, "and the titles and the money and all the stuff, what is your motivation to keep fighting at ...
    Hopkins concedes money is chief motivation ABC Online
    Boxing Our Way to Halloween: Starting with Kelly Pavlik – Bernard ... ringsidereport.com
    Boxer Bernard Hopkins out to collect "back pay" vs. Pavlik Sun-Sentinel.com
    Taipei Times
    all 102 news articles

    Motivation - Google News

     

    Why not be an expert yourself  ?

     If you can write on any of the above topic, you are welcome to submit your
     articles in our database :

     Submit your article here   Our Article Area

    You are here Home > Tips for Stress free Life > Expert Zone > Motivation Tips


    | Motivation Tips Home | Motivation Tips - Complete list 

    | Main Home | | Meditation Corner

                    |Health Tips  | Workplace Tips  | Soul Tips  |Expert Zone  |

    Recommend us  |

     Books, DVDs and accessories on meditation & yoga  |

    [About us] [Contact] [Privacy Policy]

    Copyright 2006, Meditation is Easy.com, All rights reserved