In my personal development studies this week I learned about the evolution of personal growth philosophies. In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey points out that there are two kinds of personal growth philosophies: (1) character ethics, and (2) personality ethics. The one being changing yourself and adopting true principles like diligence, hard work, and loyalty. And the other being based on quick fix methods you can do to fake it or promote yourself public relations style without actually adopting a better character traits.
The true aim of everyone’s life is to be happy and feel fulfilled. Every other goal that people adopt leads to these ones, even altruistic goals like serving others.
The only path toward happiness is to create and own it. Happiness and fulfillment thankfully are the result of living principles of happiness. And those principles all have to do with being a better person. That means you don’t get there through positive thinking alone or going through the motions alone, it is through BECOMING. Becoming a happy person. Creating your world. And generating happiness whenever you want.
Many other books also show that true lasting happiness comes from just simply being a better person.
If you ask me, that’s the rub.
What do you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Can you think of anyone who has true personal growth who has not achieved personal happiness and fulfillment?
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