Finding one’s true path can contribute to a personal growth plan

August 1st, 2011 by Phil

While every person has one true direction they must follow in their life, it is not always clear what this is. Starting from a very early age, it may appear as though a person's personal growth plan could include nearly anything. This is why it is important to seek the council of older, wiser individuals when deciding which direction to in life.

There is a Korean term that refers to this type of person. A person who holds the moniker Ilchi is said to be "one who points to the truth." This personal growth experts shows others the path they may follow in order to attain a higher level of peace and fulfillment in their daily lives.

The events of life have a way of weighing down a person. This may make them feel less interested in making a change. Consequently, many of us simply go through the motions of our work and personal lives without ever thinking about how we may be able to make our existence better.

When this type of life becomes all a person can imagine, it is time to call in the help of a personal growth expert. This person can point to the truth that others may not be able to see. Since everyone has an established life purpose, there is no need to continuously repeat the same mistakes over and over again. If a person has found their unique path in life, they will know only inspiration and joy.

While it is impossible for one person to decide the true path of another, it may be useful for individuals to consult with one another about the various possibilities. This type of counselor, or Ilchi in Korean, can do a great service for their friends.

 

Unity can inspire personal growth

July 25th, 2011 by Phil
Personal Growth

At times, the divisions in the world may seem too deep to bridge. Like the churning seas that lie between the continents, which drift ever further apart, humanity's differences place a briny barrier in the path of individuals who would like to unite.

However, it may not always be this way. The Korean phrase Han-se-gye translates to "one world" and describes a time when everyone will live in harmony and peace. Personal growth expert Ilchi Lee says that it is possible for the world to attain this type of bliss. All that people need to do is overcome their differences.

All too often, people focus on the things that make them different. We live in an individualistic society. However, when dealing with people from other cultures or nations, this can make things difficult.

Instead of focusing on our differences, Lee says that individuals should embrace their commonalities. Rather than identifying with any one nation, religion or culture, people should first consider themselves citizens of Planet Earth.

Lee describes this as the Earth Citizen movement, and it describes a time when people from all around the globe embrace their common humanity and overcome their differences to live in peace and harmony. Rather than fighting wars or spreading violence on the basis of skin color or religion, individuals will share resources and take care of the least fortunate members of this global society.

The world may be some ways away from setting this personal growth plan in action, but many people are beginning to think of ways to nurture it. As more people begin to accept their common humanity, it will become like a great bridge spanning the continents, uniting people in their similarities despite the gulf of differences that lie beneath.

 

Getting promoted and advancing your career is as easy as counting to five

July 21st, 2011 by Phil

According to an article written by Amy Levin-Epstein and published in CBS Money Watch, those hoping for a promotion tend to make the same five mistakes that keep them from advancing beyond entry- or mid-level work. Fortunately, there are five solutions to solving the mystery that is occupational stagnancy.

First of all, Levin-Epstein notes, you may be getting passed over for a promotion because the skill set you have, the set you demonstrate everyday to the best of your abilities, may be the perfect set of skills for the job you currently have, not the job you strive for. While this may be fine for the mid-level manager not looking to move up a rung, it can create serious problems for someone trying to exhibit personal development and get a promotion. Instead, decide the skills necessary for the desired position, and display these to your boss and coworkers.

Another obstruction to promotion lies in being too quiet. You may be doing great work, but if nobody knows about it, you won't go too far. Go out of your way to make sure your good work gets noticed by the right people, but be subtle. Screaming your success from the rooftop won't get you promoted either, the author warns.

If you fear you may be seen as simply "the guy who knows the fax machine code," then you probably are. If you want to be taken seriously for an executive position, Levin-Epstein writes, follow the old adage "dress for success" and understand well-timed office humor.

Speaking in a way that commands respect is an important aspect of being promoted. Present yourself in a manner that exhibits your personal growth as an employee, and jump at extra-work opportunities.

And finally, according to Levin-Epstein, get your timing right. Network with coworkers that know the inside scoop of a company, and use this information to your advantage.  

Limiting connections is key to public service and personal growth plans

July 21st, 2011 by Phil

Many people get involved with volunteer efforts out of a strong desire to address a situation that has personal significance to them. However, an individual may be able to set a more effective personal growth plan by eliminating all their attachments to the people and things in the world around them. This is the most effective approach to public service.

The Korean phrase Gong-shim addresses this issue. Literally translated, it means empty mind. However, it has come to be used to refer to a person who has a mind for the public good. By ridding one's self of attachments and connections to the world, a person is able to work toward peaceful ends with no motivation other than to make the world a better place.

It may sound like this approach is backwards. Certainly, in Western cultures, we tend to associate public service with individual passions. People get involved with causes that have touched them personally or that they think they can use to get them somewhere in life. Public service is never a bad thing, but taking this approach can leave a person short of their personal growth goals.

Before embarking on a journey of public service, an individual should work to eliminate all of their connections to the outside world. Through isolation it becomes possible to eliminate all the distractions that could have held a person back. This frees them to pursue their charitable efforts with vigor and honesty.

There are many paths to personal growth, and public service is certainly one of the most effective. However, in order to get the most out of this, people should take the right approach.
 

Trying too hard for career happiness may lead to job dissatisfaction

July 20th, 2011 by Phil

It may sound counter-intuitive to say that searching for happiness and pursuing one's life dream in the workplace only leads to further dissatisfaction, but a recent study, published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, suggests exactly that, MSNBC reports.

"People who are striving to pursue happiness have a need to maximize their happiness, and those people are the ones who actually feel less happy and more disappointed," June Gruber, the co-author of the study wrote in the report.

Gruber states that there is an "obsessive preoccupation" with being happy in a career, which most likely is contributing to society's high rate of job dissatisfaction, according to the news source.

The report explores the notion that while happiness is absolutely necessary in some respects – such as its ability to "facilitate the pursuit of important goals," its importance in social bonds, its ability to broaden attention spans and its proven record of improving overall health – it could possibly have a negative side as well.

The authors outlined four questions that may shed light on whether or not the continual pursuit of workplace happiness is really beneficial. The study inquires about the degree of happiness one should strive for, the time, place and appropriateness of happiness, wrong ways to pursue it and wrong types of happiness. Answering these questions is a personal responsibility that may lead to a deeper awareness of the occupational problem at hand.

According to Psychologist Simon Rego, focusing too hard on career happiness leaves you absent from the present moment, invariably leading you to push what you want further away, MSNBC stated.

Gruber concludes the report with a comparison of happiness to food, stating that food, of course, is necessary, but there is a limit to what foods are good and appropriate.
 

More employers are looking to encourage personal growth through online education

July 20th, 2011 by Phil

Many people believe that a personal success plan can take them far, particularly in today's society, where there are a number of issues plaguing the job boards. Enrolling in a higher education is becoming increasingly important, but some individuals may feel as though they do not have the time to go back to school because they have other commitments such as work and family. This is why there has been an influx in people pursuing online degrees, which could actually be attractive to more employers.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that some employers are encouraging workers to go back to school through an online program in an effort to boost their credentials, particularly during a time when one's academic background is key.

"In this economy, we're seeing more workers go back to school for traditional or online degrees," Megan Graham, vice president of workforce strategy and planning for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, told the news provider. "We value people who have gone back to get a degree."

This is the perfect opportunity for individuals who are looking to go back to school to do so. With online education continuing to grow in popularity, it is becoming more widely-accepted among employers. As a result, those with hectic schedules will suddenly find themselves with the opportunity to really work on their growth.

Several reports have been conducted that have demonstrated the growing popularity of nontraditional courses, such as internet-based learning. According to the most recent findings from the Sloan Consortium, more than 5.6 million students were enrolled in at least one online course.

Experience unlimited personal growth in Costa Rica

July 20th, 2011 by Phil

In order to live our lives to their full potential, we must constantly push ourselves to meet the next big goal and achieve the next important thing. Individuals must seek personal growth opportunities whenever and wherever they can find them. For those who are interested in planning a vacation for the purpose of improving themselves, Costa Rica is a fantastic destination to consider.

Cost Rica is a fabulous Central American locale that has much to offer the traveler who seeks peace and relaxation. There are many activities that one can engage in while on vacation, including hiking, trekking, snorkeling and meditating. The latter is a very important and necessary part of each individuals' daily life and needs to be practiced often for optimal stress relief. The beautiful and serene atmosphere found in Costa Rica is ideal for establishing harmony between one's mind, body and soul.

Personal growth for women is vital, as many females find themselves bogged down by the stresses that daily life and taking care of others brings. In addition to being a wonderful vacation destination for peace-seekers, Costa Rica is a fantastic spot for groups of women who wish to get away from it all and work on improving their quality of life. Individuals may enjoy embarking on an overnight hike through the rain forests of Costa Rica, where they can engage in moving meditation. This practice may be particularly helpful to women, as it includes both the mind and body in the search for peace.

Other activities that may be enjoyable to women on peaceful vacations to Costa Rica include sea kayaking and canoeing to the surrounding islands off its coast. The Coiba and Las Perlas archipelagos are particularly relaxing destinations and groups are sure to enjoy the camaraderie that results from a day-long trip on the open ocean.  

An empty brain is primed for creativity, says personal growth experts

July 15th, 2011 by Phil
Personal Growth Expert

Most people have a tendency to fill their life up with a million things. Activities for the kids, meeting with friends, work responsibilities and recreational activities are a major fixture of today's culture. The same can be said for mental activities. Multitasking has never been a more prevalent pastime. However, the Korean phrase Gong suggests that this may be an unproductive personal growth plan.

In Korean, Gong means "empty." It is used to refer to a state of mind in which an individual has cleared their brain of all the unnecessary and negative thoughts. This leaves room for a person's true self and expressions to come to the surface. It is a much more natural way to live life, and personal growth experts like Ilchi Lee says that it can lead to strong spiritual development.

Attaining an empty mind can be difficult. In Western society we generally operate on a "more is better" approach to life. This is why most people are so busy and why schooling often stresses the accumulation of knowledge. Those seeking the transcendency of a blank mind may need to take steps to remove themselves from this popular approach and find a new way.

The benefits of this type of struggle may become apparent relatively quickly. It is commonly said that an empty mind is the surest way to unleash natural creative forces. This allows individuals to live their lives with spirituality and inspiration.

While the idea may run counter to everything that people in Western society are taught, focusing on emptying the brain is critically important. One cannot expect to fit anything new into their mind if it is already at full capacity.
 

Nolan’s “Batman” films show off personal growth, martial arts

July 14th, 2011 by Phil
Personal Growth

Christopher Nolan's "Batman" films have broken box office records worldwide, but these films, and the character of Batman, demonstrate some of Ilchi Lee's teachings: especially personal growth through the use of martial arts.

Most everyone knows the origin of Batman, but it's heavily expanded in the first film of the series, "Batman Begins." Thomas and Martha Wayne enjoy great personal success, and give back to the community through their charitable works. However, they're brutally murdered by a robber, leaving Bruce Wayne an orphan.

Alone, Wayne travels the world, eventually meeting the mysterious Ra's al Ghul (Liam Neeson) who teaches him various meditation techniques and martial arts moves. Wayne eventually returns to Gotham City to defend it from the corruption and criminals that have plagued it for so long, growing from a disinterested billionaire into a hero of the city.

Dressing up as a bat to intimidate evildoers, Wayne uses a combination of his sharp investigative skills and newly-learned martial arts to protect the city. Things get even more complex in the sequel, "The Dark Knight," where Batman famously goes toe-to-toe with The Joker (the late Heath Ledger), a homicidal maniac.

With "The Dark Knight" breaking all sorts of records, speculation has surrounded the final film in the trilogy, "The Dark Knight Rises." It's been heavily under wraps up to this point, but fans of the comics might have a few clues as to what will happen. For example, Marion Cotillard has been cast as someone named Miranda Tate, who is not in any of the comics. Since Nolan has stuck mainly to the comics, some fans have speculated that this may be an alias, and Cotillard is actually playing Talia al Ghul, the daughter of Batman's mentor and a potential love interest.

With the first teaser trailer for "The Dark Knight Rises" releasing this weekend with "Harry Potter," fans will finally get their first glimpse of what Nolan has in store when the movie releases in the summer of next year. 

Learn about Korean culture in the modern age

July 14th, 2011 by Phil
korean culture

The Korean peninsula is a beautiful place inhabited by intelligent, spiritual and culturally vibrant individuals. Unfortunately, this area has also been the site of much conflict, recently and historically. Individuals may wish to travel to Korea to lean more about modern Korean culture and gain insight on the country in which Ilchi Lee grew up. For those who are interested in becoming educated in the recent past of the country and its people, a visit to the Seodaemun Prison in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, is a must-do.

The Seodaemun Prison is now a museum and testament to the struggles of the Korean people during the Japanese occupation of the country in the mid-20th century. During this period, the Japanese used the jail to house individuals who had engaged in what they declared anti-colonial activities. The structure was built to accommodate 500 people and was packed to capacity during most of WWII. The prison was used by the South Korean government following the end of the occupation period in 1945 and closed for good in 1987. In 1992, it was declared a historical monument and renamed the Seodaemun Prison History Hall.

Individuals who visit the Seodaemun Prison will be able to learn much about Korea during the period of Japanese occupation. Following a tour of the site, travelers may find it helpful to engage in quiet meditation and contemplation on the nature of the world. While we may never be able to put an end to conflict and strife world-wide, practitioners of meditation and yoga can work to calm the struggles and disharmony that they encounter in their own lives. As Ilchi Lee reminds us, by starting small, we can eventually achieve great things.