Another Week of Wisdom is here

Last spring, I scared off many potential followers to this then-new "blog" with my first "Week of Wisdom." Given that the economic environment has not improved much since then, it doesn't hurt to give it another shot.

Starting tomorrow, I will offer a week-long series of tips (5-7) people might find useful, or at least humorous, as they seek to improve and develop in the personal and professional lives. I've only got a few of them in mind to write so far, so if you have any suggestions, please pass them along by emailing me ASAP.

Also, don't forget to follow Always Achieve on Twitter, as it is the home of constant updates related to developing your personal or business capacities, online and off.

Don't "say no" to your involvement

Vanity comes in several forms. Minimalism can be just as vain and inappropriate as conspicuous consumption, especially if it exists for the purpose of signifying elitism.

I am seeing a lot of minimalism adopted in a variety of ways. Given that we are all cutting back in some shape or fashion, the trend is understandable, and in many ways commendable. However, there is a facet of the movement that really makes me angry and often question the character of others, especially some I have valued and respected.

Along with cutting back on spending, reducing their environmental impact, and shrinking their lifestyles, some are extending the "less is more" approach to their time management. Several people I know are starting to tell people that they are "cutting back" on their civic involvement, not just in terms of monetary donations (a reasonable sign of economic stress), but also on their volunteering and general socializing.

I can understand this if these same people need to sacrifice volunteering for economic reasons, such as taking a second job, substituting child care, or helping with other family needs. For some, however, they just appear to be "cutting back" on their commitments to find time for themselves.

As a supporter of personal freedom and liberty, I respect a person's desire to use their time however they want to. As an active member of my local community, however, I cannot understand the negative impact this attitude is having. The trend is not an indication that people are tired or have something "better" to do. In reality, it is a reflection of the socioeconomic malaise bombarding us at every corner.

The "tune in, turn off" mentality represents a plague of apathy and social withdraw, as individuals overcome with dread and uncertainty retreat to their homes and loved ones. As they look inward for some sense of normalcy in an environment of personal comfort, the groups and causes they supported before fall into serious disrepair. More often than not, those most likely to be victims to the withdraw phenomenon are those who are critical to success of community efforts.

This is usually not a behavior an active person develops intuitively. It is often encouraged by society, especially during times when the media promotes such ideas as "sustainability" and minimalism in a misguided fashion. These messages attack the internal confidence of active individuals, encouraging them to believe that their efforts are ineffective. They are told that the best they can do, instead of redouble their efforts, is to simply "say no" and "walk away." Even worse, they are sometimes labeled "extremists" or contributors to trouble if their passions and pursuits do not match those held as high priority by the standard bearers of conventional wisdom.

Regardless of the incredibly destructive impact such campaigns initiated by the media and our leaders can have on society, active individuals have a responsibility to themselves to recognize how their own personal development is compromised by giving in to such prophetic poison. At a time when they can truly establish themselves as reliable leaders of truth and substance, regardless of their cause or activity, they resign themselves to detachment that will later punish them with future opportunities. They may see themselves as "survivors," but those who stay behind and do the hard work when times are toughest will classify them as little more than "quitters" or "fair weather supporters."

These later labels can stick for long periods of time, for they will be held in the mind of the leaders who will assume the roles that are abdicated by those who give in. Continuing to push oneself beyond one's limits, even when the positive impact of ongoing efforts may be visible, is a necessity in our troubled present. Thomas Paine's famous quote, "These are the time that try men's souls," should inspire everyone already involved to remain focused, vigilant, and passionate about their efforts.

Vanity is always a character flaw. Persistence, even when others tell you that you should be tired and take a breather, is always in style. If necessary, find small nuggets of success in the lessons you learn along the way, finding that the struggle does not disable our ability to always achieve.