Lately, I've come across too many individuals that make wrong decisions and then wonder why certain things happen to them. I remind them that they chose that path.
"No, I didn't."
"Um, Yes you did. When you decide to go this route, you have made the choice to pursue that path with its risks and benefits."
I have come to the understanding that we constantly make decisions, whether good or bad, and then we reap the benefits or consequences of such.
Everyday is the constant battle to do right and make right decisions, as we grow older, it is hoped that this becomes easier. However, I have come to find that many individuals (both male and female) struggle with making right decisions. I would add that some have yet to learn how to make right decisions - whether it be my a biblical-moral standard of conduct or just a personal one. I recall a rather wise individual, Pastor Steve Alessi, say once that "wisdom will get you out of the mess that your faith will need to get you out of". Simply stated: had we used wisdom in the first place, maybe we wouldn't need the 'miracles' or be anxious for anything.
Time after time, I become frustrated with individuals that share with me their dreams and desires. As a friend and mentor, I support, encourage, and motivate each one to research, plan, and pursue. Somehow, everyone feels great with the encouragement, but getting from dream to reality is harder than it seems. And when people start seeing the hurdles and obstacles in the way, it's like they give up. They continue to stagger through life, having staccato moments of excitement & hope, and yet live life complaining about their jobs, family, and the famous "I wish...." statements.
I have taken upon myself to try to understand these people. I conducted a non-scientific study to see if my thesis was correct: Drive & Motivation is contingent upon personality type. Conclusion: Well, it being non-scientific, I have begun to see some clarity and positive response towards my thesis. Needless to say, what I have learned is the following:
1. Choleric individuals have a more natural drive & motivation to succeed and pursue. It's just who they are.
2. Sanguine: Well, their drive and motivation is sought in more 'people oriented' missions. Sanguine is the "popular" or "attention-seeker" personality - the life of the party.
Now, here's where it gets interesting:
3. Phlegmatic
4. Melancholy
Both of the personality types struggle with the natural drive and motivation. They are more 'emotional' and pursue things based on emotion. When it fails, the person feels like a failure. When it succeeds, the person feels on top of the world. It's when it fails, that these two personality types are closely dangerous to depression. At the same time, they are not necessarily ones to do anything about "when something needs to get done". Passivity & decision-making go hand in hand. Having a choleric or sanguine as a close friend or spouse can be a challenge but can also be the supplement.
The question becomes: Can a Phlegmatic or Melancholic person be driven/motivated? After so many inquiries, I have learned the following:
1. Yes, these two personality types can be driven and motivated to research, plan, and pursue and still succeed in life after failures. The secret is that in order for these individuals to do so, it needs to become a learned behavior.
This idea and notion goes back to what Pastor Steve was preaching about this weekend - renewing of the mind. We are futile vessels, fragile, complex, and yet intricate and designed perfectly in His image. But we can all agree on one thing - we are not perfect and we continue to strive after God. This being said, the changing of our thoughts and the type of thoughts that we allow to entertain us, become who we are. We are who we think we are - true statement. If we want change, then we have to change who and what we are and do - another true statement. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. So this is also true with our thinking process. I don't necessarily feel the need to further augment this conclusion. It speaks for itself. However, I need to add one thing. No change and renewing of the mind happens without the source of wisdom - Jesus Christ.
So can a Christian be unmotivated? Sure. Some along the journey have yet to learn that all it takes is a renewing of the mind. Once this lesson is learned, an unmotivated person can become all of what God has intended for him or her.
Capish. Capish. Carpe Diem.
No comments:
Post a Comment