Strategize To Succeed
PC327 – It’s Time For Improvement, As Human Beings

       Welcome to the next episode of Strategize To Succeed™. Selectively applying the strategies which we discuss each week will help you as you progress from conditions to opportunities to successes.

       In today’s episode, we are addressing a subject which seems to be especially timely. During a season in which discussion is dominated by the competitive nature of decorating and the economic implications of every gift purchased, it seemed appropriate that we take a step back and consider once again what it means to be not just a human being, but a good human being. 

       In case you feel that I have lost my way in this podcast and have forgotten that the overriding theme should have a strategic impact, I would hasten to assure you that it is strategically sound to be a good human being. However, that’s for later.

       First, let’s look at the notion of being a human being and whether it can even embody the attribute of goodness.

       Of course, the evaluation of a human being can be broken down into two fundamental categories, the physical and essentially everything else, mental, emotional, spiritual.

       The physical qualities of a human being have an obvious impact on the resulting behavior. An article by Lisa Marder entitled “What Makes Us Human” (thoughtco.com, updated July 14, 2019), gives an overview of the physiological distinctions between the human being and its closest mammals, the chimpanzee and the bonobo, or a dwarf chimpanzee.

      Just briefly: the construction of a human being’s mouth enhances the ability to speak and develop language; the shoulder construction and placement offers human beings the opportunity for better survival skills from throwing and hunting; human beings’ hand development has resulted in mastering fine motor skills so that a pencil can be used; by becoming two-legged walkers, human beings have become able to travel extensively without excessive fatigue. 

      And then there is the brain. 

      The brain of a human being is three times the size of a chimpanzee brain. However, because the brain is much larger in human beings, the period of time needed for its development is much longer as well. “It is theorized that childhood is much longer for humans, with offspring remaining with their parents for a longer period of time because it takes longer for the larger, more complex human brain to fully develop. Studies suggest that the brain is not fully developed until the ages of 25 to 30.”

       But that is not the whole story.

       As Marder notes, “The brain is the tangible, visible part of the physical body whereas the mind consists of the intangible realm of thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and consciousness.” Delving into the powers of the mind, “As far as we know, humans have the unique power of forethought: the ability to imagine the future in many possible iterations and then to actually create the future we imagine . . . One of the things that forethought also gives humans is the awareness of mortality . . . The knowledge of mortality also spurs humans on to great achievements, to making the most out of the lives they have.”

       Besides, thinking about the future, human beings also have the ability to remember the past. “Memory allows human beings to make sense of their existence and to prepare for the future, increasing their chances of survival, not only individually but also as a species.”

      Now here’s an interesting link to our previous podcast. “Memories are passed on through human communication in the form of storytelling, which is also how knowledge is passed from generation to generation, allowing human culture to evolve.”

       Through the stories told in each household, school, and house of worship, cultures develop, priorities rise to the surface, and character traits are formed. 

      As the holiday season is a time when people are more inclined to gather with family and friends, let’s polish off our human being skills and refresh our standards of behavior. Hopefully, the attention which you place on being a human being will carry through the new year, and beyond.

       You may be aware that this is the time of year when we are encouraged to look outside of ourselves, in particular, the golden rule of “do unto others as you would have others do unto you” is dusted off and freshly remembered for the occasion.

      And I heartily endorse that approach. 

       However, I do strongly believe that there is a duality to the development of a good human being. Yes, it is important to extend oneself to others. It is also important to make some time and effort to look inward and aggressively address one’s flaws, as well as how to improve upon them.

      Why, you may ask is that approach so important? 

       That is where the strategy comes in. A consistent pattern of self-improvement has the power to move you forward in life, in your career and in your relationships. As you make yourself a better human being, it becomes apparent to those around you. When other people see that you have the self-respect to put effort into making yourself a better human being, that opens the door for others to want to be in your sphere – you gain their trust and their respect.

       In the article, “6 Steps to Becoming a Better Human Being” Karly Hall (huffpost.com/entry, updated November 10, 2016) looked inward for ways in which to improve as a human being.

      To become a better human being may sound easy, but to do it honestly is probably one of the most difficult challenges which you can pursue. The reason has to do with that word honestly. A good human being must first honestly assess their own feelings and viewpoints, past, present, and future. Understand why you have followed a particular course, and if there are improvements to be made, how and why you need to accomplish them.

       But these actions cannot be undertaken with harsh judgment or browbeating. Everyone has qualities about themselves which they love, and those are what need to be located. Be kind to yourself as you evolve; to be meanspirited will only be counterproductive to your efforts at improvement.

       Continuous learning is imperative. However, the concept of learning embraces much more than mere facts and theories. Learning includes gaining an understanding of the world around you and the people within. Learning also means understanding your own reaction to others’ actions, and how to temper your responses so as not to approach emotional extremes of high and low.

       And becoming a better human being also means having a willingness to help others meet their needs in this world without giving any consideration as to how you will benefit. That effort will ultimately reflect well in your journey to becoming a better human being.

      Ultimately, everyone has a different view as to how one should become a better human being. And certainly that’s understandable. 

       In “A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Better Human Being,” by Monica Lieving (the odysseyonline.com October 12, 2016), her approach takes an outward view.

       Her four components to becoming a better human being are all based on how one treats others. First, she advocates actually listening when being spoken to. That is not the time to construct a shopping list or decide where you would like to eat dinner. Instead, focus on taking in the words and the feelings which are being communicated.

      Then Ms. Lieving suggests not using your phone in the presence of others. Obviously, there are exceptions to that standard, but it is not enough to simply agree that the behavior, when observed on others, is rude, it also needs to be addressed in your own actions.

      The third approach which she notes is to be respectful of all viewpoints and to listen to them without emotion, prior to formulating your own thoughts or responses. Don’t be so eager to interrupt to share your view. You may miss out on something important.

      And, finally, Ms. Lieving feels that we should not refrain from complimenting others when appropriate. The premise is that when you encourage others to rise, you also elevate yourself.

      All of these lists of dos and don’ts can be helpful guides when examining the vast array of moments which make up a human being, but they can also be limiting. 

      There was, however, a broader perspective presented which I feel is probably the most practical and beneficial. It was presented by Sarah Healy in “The secret to becoming a better human” (medium.com, September 12, 2018). In it, Healy notes that “The only things I can genuinely control are my attitude, my mindset, and my actions. Choosing to focus on these three attributes is the only chance I have to keep up with the better version of myself that remains just out of reach.”

       Healy has the viewpoint that “To become a better human I have to be better than I was yesterday. It is the stringing together of this incremental improvement day by day that will result in not only forward momentum but fundamental changes in my self growth.”

      That approach makes sense because it is doable. And if it is doable, then it can be sustainable. To become a better human being is not a one and done proposition. It evolves through small, consistent modifications to one’s overall make up. And all of these seemingly insignificant tweaks combine to have a synergistic effect on a life, perhaps on your life. It is that possibility which can certainly open the door for a wider spectrum of new years’ resolutions which can be fulfilled.  

      This podcast episode is the last one for 2022. Your Mentor will return with a new episode on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and a new year full of growth.

      Thank you for sharing your time today. Remember, your application of strategic decision-making approaches can result in more beneficial outcomes for you, both professionally and personally. Why not turn that process into your opportunity?                                             

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