Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the personal development space, and attempting to identify categories and levels within it.
This simple illustration is based on my own experience and gained awareness over the last 20+ years I’ve been focused on this topic. I’ve also played a role within each level, as my awareness continued to grow.
It’s important to note that the people within each level have demonstrated success and proven results. I believe that these characteristics are even more valuable, the more successful someone is who demonstrates them.
At the bottom of the mountain, most of us start out with very little. We’re trying figure things out, so we’re easily distracted by those who appear to have more money and a bigger lifestyle.
It’s also because this category of people are often the biggest characters. The loudest talkers with the most bold attitudes, they are mavericks against societal norms.
They inspire us with thinking about what is possible. They encourage us to do more, in order to earn more.
At this point, those influenced are always thinking about how to make more money. How to get rich quick. They’ll disregard proven methods which require years, and look for shortcuts.
As you ascend the personal development mountain, perhaps even with some cash and lifestyle improvements of your own, your awareness begins to shift toward different mentors.
We are no longer infatuated with the loud and flex crew, so we begin to remove that noise from our attention. This is when I believe real leaders begin to emerge.
These are the successful people who are doing amazing things to create positive impact within communities, society, and truly aligning people with purpose, rather than focusing on financial wealth.
These leaders are philanthropists with their money, and more importantly; Their time. They don’t need to do what they do, they do it because they can.
Finally, we approach the top of the mountain. We are no longer impressed with financial flex, and we are moved by purpose and creating massive impact for others.
But there is still an important component missing from many of the mentors and leaders within the middle of the mountain…
Many highly successful people do not have freedom. They live under constant obligations, high stress, and anxiety. They haven’t mastered emotional control, mindfulness, or awareness.
They have all the material things, but these come at a great sacrifice in their mental and physical health. We see them have breakdowns and burnouts, sometimes disappearing for months.
These days, I admire those who’ve become highly successful while living a life of freedom and calm confidence. They live with purpose, pursue fun and building memories. They continue challenging themselves and improving.
As you become more aware of your time being limited, you’ll then value it more than money. You’ll then admire those with a wealth of time freedom, mental freedom, location freedom, and a heart to serve others.🧡
-Tony