12.22.07
Set Your Happiness Free!
Stephen Covey correctly stated that when we live according to our values and principles, we will be happy. In order to happier and more fulfilled, therefore, we need to remove anything that prevents us from creating a lifestyle that is congruent with our personal philosophies and ideologies. “There are people in the world who need to believe that perfection is not possible, in order to justify their compromise and mediocrity”, James Valiant tells us in his interview with Prodos. But I believe it is possible to live in full congruence.
Naturally, the people in your life need to be in harmony with your aspirations and values. The Buddha taught us, “If the traveler cannot find master or friend to go with him, let him travel on alone rather than with a fool for company.” And your work, hobbies, and lifestyle needs to be carefully created, using your philosophy as the blueprint. In order to build a fine new building, you first have to clear the land. “So cut through the strap and the thong and the rope. Loosen the fastenings…” - remove people, obligations, commitments, partnerships, input, and associations that will undermine and sabotage your ideal life.
We need to emulate Ayn Rand’s Howard Roark character, a man who doesn’t care what the world thinks about him and insists on being true to what he believes in. It is possible to live congruently. Yes, you have to continually remove the weeds, plant and nurture the right seeds, work hard and courageously to consistently create and perfect, but it is quite an attainable objective and very satisfying indeed. Break free from the cage that limits, dwarfs, and frustrates your true purpose. To grow, you need an environment, people, and circumstances that will nourish, bolster, and support you on your mission.
When you live a congruent life, you will be happier, more attractive to successful people, enjoy higher self-esteem and confidence, and consequently achieve more than you ever thought possible. Look at your life, your home, your car, you work, your friends and associates, the place where you live, and decide if it what you really want, and if it all makes you happy. Be objective, avoid excuses and justifications, and don’t be swayed by the parasites, losers, and leeches in your life. Decide to set your happiness free. Become the butterfly you were meant to be.
Here are my values, and I will not let any choice, commitment, situation, or person get in the way of their blossoming in my life: Freedom, responsibility, creativity, accountability, contribution, power, production, and personal growth. How about you?
Robin J. Elliott www.DollarMakers.com
