15 November 2011
INTRODUCTION
When discussing the topic of “Human Potential,” there are three main types of people: Those who are realizing their potential; those who are battling to realize it; and those who go through life oblivious to what is going on in the world around them, as well as, inside of themselves. These people who have got their head in the sand are really missing out. There can be such beauty associated with the human need to express, invent, create and serve others.
The extent to which we become successful in life is determined by how profoundly we affect the lives of others. If we aren’t doing that, we are simply moving through life like a hamster on a wheel, never really utilizing our gifts and talents to bring about better living conditions for ourselves and the rest of humanity. This study is intended to address the subject of “human potential” and distinguish the root factors that set these groups of people apart.
ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM
To make reading a little easier, I am going to abbreviate these three main groups of people. The group that is continuously realizing their potential is: Group-A “Realizing”; the group that is working towards realization is—Group-B “Battling”; and the group that doesn’t seem to have a clue is—Group C “Oblivious.” Believe it or not, many of the people in Group-C are really quite content. But we’ll discuss that later.
Groups Explained
Which group appears to be the best representation of where we as individuals, are living at the moment? Which group is it that we aspire to? Some people dream of living a life of luxury; while some are born into it. Some people have a tendency towards minimalism and service to others; while some are waging a constant battle just to have the freedom of mind to be able to choose. Then there are the people who are content to live one day at a time, and to just wait and see what life throws at them.
Obviously, there are many more examples, but the point is, we all tend to see the world from our own perspective, so we can’t judge others for what they aspire or don’t aspire to be. As writer of this paper, I need to keep this in mind for myself. My tendency is to wonder why everyone wouldn’t want to be the best they can be using all that is available for a better life. Is it possible that people remain “oblivious” for a reason? Couldn’t it be that our existence is much less painful if we are never risking anything? Such is life on the old hamster wheel, living the forty-year plan, where we work four decades for someone else and end up with absolutely nothing to show for it at retirement—especially at this economically unstable point in time.
In one of my favorite books, “The Dream Giver” by Bruce Wilkinson; he tells a story of “a Nobody named Ordinary” who “lived in the land of familiar.” (13) With just those few words we are able to tell where this book might be headed. It is beautifully written and extremely thought-provoking in its simplicity. The introduction goes on to describe the average life of most “Nobodies,”
Every day was pretty much the same for Ordinary. In the mornings he got up and went to his Usual job. After work, he ate almost the same dinner he’d eaten the evening before. Then he sat in his recliner and watched the box that mesmerized most Nobodies on most nights. Sometimes, Best Friend came over to join Ordinary in front of the box. Sometimes, Ordinary went to his Parents’ and they watched it together. For the most part, not much happened in Familiar that hadn’t happened before. Ordinary thought he was content. He found the routines reliable. He blended in with the crowd. And mostly, he wanted only what he had (13).This section of the book is describing Group-C and it is urging us to examine our lives so we can move out of mediocre thinking and through fear, to live a more fulfilling life.
Group-C “Oblivious”
Is Group-C really oblivious? I believe some are and some aren’t. Human beings often have a way of de-sensitizing themselves or going to great lengths to avoid the discomfort of pain and fear, but life is full of pain and fear, so really—is it that much easier? Why not take that energy and move through it? For those who are truly “oblivious,” could they possibly be blessed to live their lives like that? Where’s the struggle?
I believe there are three types of people who represent the truly oblivious category: the people who were born into a life of luxury and never had to struggle for it; the people who were raised with that particular mindset and who’ve never been exposed to any other way (conditioned thought), and people who may be mentally challenged in some way. There are however, instances where people who have been born under these circumstances have risen up and done something really great for humanity. These are the people we tend to hear more about—as it should be.
This is a good time to use T. Harv Eker’s book, “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” as an example. This book describes how our conditioned thoughts determine our wealth. When I say wealth, I’m not just talking about money. To me wealth is the measure to which a person is comfortable in every area of his or her life, and it is different for everyone. Although T. Harv Eker’s focus is more on the financial arena; his principles still apply. In his book he states that “Your financial blueprint consists primarily of the information or ‘programming’ you received in the past, and especially as a young child” (18). To figure things out, we must take a look at the sources of our conditioning; who did it come from? Parents, teachers, extended family, religious figures, the media, and one’s own culture are who influence us most. T. Harv Eker goes on to say, “You were taught how to think and act when it comes to money. These teachings become your conditioning, which become automatic responses that run you for the rest of your life. Unless, of course, you intercede and revise your minds money files” (19); which leads us into the next study group.
Group-B “Battling.”
During this time of such economic hardship and uncertainty, we are seeing an unprecedented rate of financial failure in many different arenas. Most Americans are struggling—including those who before now have felt financially secure. But this isn’t the type of battle I’m talking about. The battle I’m referring to is the battle of the mind. It is the person who believes with all of his/her heart that there is something more to life, who has the greatest challenge. This person may have seen what success is through others, but has never experienced it personally and is not really sure how to go about it. So, in the meantime he/she keeps going through a frantic search, looking for what it is that will quench this desire. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about—and the clock keeps on ticking.
The big question for the people in Group-B is; “What can I do right now that will get me to the place I need to be?” This group is constantly dreaming of a life that will SOMEDAY be, and never really happy with the way life presently IS. Never enough time; never enough money, and with that, discouragement often sets in and manifests negative thoughts.
How do we go about changing these thoughts and the blueprint of our conditioning? How can we move into Group-A, where we can continuously be realizing our potential? It is by changing our reaction to these thoughts that will eventually attract the good things we yearn so tirelessly for.
I have studied a plethora of success gurus in an attempt to find my key to life, and believe one of the best to be Jack Canfield; well-known for his “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series of books. He is a world renowned speaker and motivator who also wrote a book called “The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.” In it he outlines a success formula that is extremely do-able for those who can stick to it. The challenge is in committing to it and making it a priority. We can tell from the dedication of this book that not only does the author give us guidelines; he also cheers us on. He writes: “This book is dedicated to all those men and women who have ever dared to step out of the dominant culture of resignation and mediocrity and endeavor to create the life of their dreams. I honor and salute you!” This is exactly what the “Battling” Group-B is living for.
Although I believe the “dream life” to be something different for everybody, there are certain issues that if were no longer were a concern—would free us all to focus on the things that matter most; love and humanity. Think about it; if money was no longer an issue, what could we do? We could enter into Group-A, and spend the rest of our lives there.
Group-A “Realizing”
For Group-A, those who are “realizing,” life means fulfillment. Obviously there are many under-handed, slime-balls, who somehow manage to become successful. But they aren’t reaching their “human” potential, and they aren’t becoming fulfilled. The good ones are the people who have worked smart and with integrity to get where they are. These are the people we see as inspirational and with whom we can relate to. We think in our minds, “If they can do it—so can I,” and after studying these individuals I have zeroed in on some consistent traits that I believe have gotten them to where they are now. These traits are: courage, vision, tenacity and service to others.
“Courage” was placed first on the preceding list because it appears to be the number one most important trait. It is the catalyst for freedom of thought and ability to visualize. Without courage we can get nowhere. “Vision,” establishes our plan and reason for living out our dream. It is the driving force and motivator for what we are about to undertake. Our vision is what fuels our “tenacity,” which is what moves us through the many obstacles that will inevitably come our way. The last, and most important piece to the puzzle, is how we use these other traits to “serve” others. It is our legacy and the impression in time that will witness for us that we took part in something important and much bigger than ourselves. It is the measure to which we profoundly affect each other (serve others) while we are here in this life that will determine our ability to reach our own human potential.
Bottom line, if we aren’t affecting humanity—then no one will notice us; and when it comes down to it, we rely on other human beings to bring us success. It may come off sounding superficial at first until we really think about it. Life has got to be about improving the human condition, what could be more important than that? It just so happens that our compensation is based on how effective we are at doing that. It’s not selfish or superficial; it’s just the way of the world. Group-A “Realizing,” has mastered the art of serving others. They have established their niche and are utilizing their gifts, talents and strengths to the best of their abilities to help others get what they need or want. Although I feel I must add here, that if it isn’t a genuine attempt at creating at the very least a “win-win” situation for all parties involved; it isn’t going to last, and it isn’t going to be fulfilling. Eventually, over time, the truth is revealed (look at “Occupy Wall Street”) and the riches comes tumbling down.
CONCLUSION
In summary, I would like to say that this paper is not meant to be an exhaustive study on the subject of “Human Potential.” I am not an expert. What I am is a student of life. I have spent much time observing the people around me, reading books, going to seminars, and experiencing some of this stuff for myself. It is the truth as I have come to know it. I believe in the laws of attraction and in a Creator God who has created humankind in His image. As it states in the bible; “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our Image, according to Our likeness’ . . . So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (NKJ, Gen. 1.26-27). What does it mean to be created in God’s image? I believe it means we haven’t even come close to understanding our potential. There is something inside each of us that tells us we are meant for great things weather we choose to acknowledge that voice or not.
I would like to wrap up with my favorite quote by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles,
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.We are capable of things we can’t even begin to comprehend, but we won’t know that until we try. We need to look at all that has come before us; all those things we learn about in our Arts and Humanities classes in school. This is what will inspire us to “conceive, believe and achieve."
That is the beauty of our Human Potential.
Works Cited
Canfield, Jack. The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. New York: HarperCollins, 2007. Print.
Eker, T. Harv. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth. New York: HarperCollins Publishers Inc., 2005. Print.
The Holy Bible; Wide Margin Reference Edition; NKJV, New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994. Print.
Wilkinson, Bruce. The Dream Giver. Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2003. Print.
Williamson, Marianne. A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles. Internet Resources. SKDesigns, 2011. Web. 1 May 2011.
