Why We Do What We Do
In order to fully ingratiate us into this new paradigm, Dr. Covey has developed the 7 habits into two main parts. The first part contains the first three habits, which move a person from Dependence to Independence through Private Victory. The next three habits comprise the Public Victory which helps a person more from Independence to Interdependence. The 7th habit is regular improvement and maintenance of all of the other habits.
Private victory begins with self awareness. Whether we are seeking improvement in our business, health or relationships, the ability to look at ourselves objectively and realize what aspects are working and what aren’t is an invaluable trait. Although humans are the only species that seem able to do this, all too often it is an ignored ability. When we miss out on that opportunity, we limit our own potential and our ability to help others reach theirs.
Sometimes, mastering this self awareness can take awhile.
I started seriously exploring my own paradigms about ten years ago. I even got two books about the journey. And yet I still notice new things about my behavior and thought life that do not work for me which are marked easily enough by gaping lapses of time in between blogs. These behaviors are due to antiquated paradigms that no longer work well for me, but I haven’t quite gotten rid of yet. They’re kind of like that old broken appliance in the garage. I keep meaning to fix it, but I’ve got other things to do. Nevertheless, when I finally do take the time to address the problem, things tend to run a lot more smoothly. There is a lot of to be said for living consciously.
There are many reasons why we act the way we do, though some may seem more hard-wired than others. As much as they might determine our behavior, each also gives us the opportunity to change through conscious endeavor.
Dr. Covey points out three theories on why we are the way we are. The first is genetic determinism, which states that our personality is defined by the code in our DNA. Just as your eye color was predetermined, so was your disposition. The second is psychic determinism, which involves not only the moral and ethical codes our parents taught us consciously, but also the lessons we learned from their unconscious behavior. (Note to parents: just because you stop teaching does not mean they stop learning.) Lastly, environmental determinism means that our behavior is caused by those around us, either the people or the activities.
Dr. Covey also highlights four “endowments” unique to humanity that give us the power to change our behavior. Self Awareness allows us to step outside of ourselves and see when changes can be made. Imagination gives us the ability to see with our mind’s eye the outcome we are aiming for in any given situation. Our Conscience allows us to determine which moral and ethical codes we will adhere to. And our Independent Will gives us the freedom to use these traits in order to choose our responses to all of the stimuli in our lives. Our most pressing and conscious choice is whether or not to use these gifts in creating our own paradigms or to continue being blown by the winds of determinism.
In any way that we may be predisposed to react in ways that do not serve our well being or the community of which we are a part, be it genetic, psychic, or environmental, we have the ability to change those reactions. For example, I am genetically predisposed for Attention Deficit Disorder. Though undiagnosed, my father has it, and from what I’ve heard, my grandfather had some of the traits as well. Being raised on television, I’m psychically prone to it, and living in contemporary society, I am also environmentally predisposed for it. Knowing all of that, I still have the power to choose how it affects my life.
I use organizational tools. I observe my progress. I take medication and watch my diet for foods that may trigger impulsivity and lack of focus. I take several measures to ensure that my predisposition to think and behave in a particular way does not impede my ability to succeed while also realizing the strengths hidden within my ADD tendencies.
However we are stimulated, genetically, psychically, or environmentally, we have the opportunity to choose our response. It’s not always an easy thing to do, but it is quite simple.
Keep checking back as I make my way through all 7 habits.
