Unlocking Personal Growth: A Journey Through Time and Transformation

Personal development, often seen as a modern pursuit, has ancient roots that stretch back to the times of Plato and Aristotle. These thinkers, among many others, believed in the power of philosophy as a means to achieve personal development. As we journey through the annals of history, we find various cultures and individuals who have explored the need for personal growth, albeit under different names—virtues, moral character, or ethics. This exploration of human potential has been a constant thread in our shared human history.

The Ancient Quest for Virtue

In ancient Greece, virtue was defined as a commitment to “habitual excellence.” The pursuit of excellence was considered central to personal development. Thinkers like Aristotle, one of the great philosophers of his time, advocated for finding the “golden mean” between extremes. To illustrate this, Aristotle used the example of courage, explaining that it lies between cowardice (a deficiency of courage) and foolhardiness (an excess of courage). In essence, personal development, in his view, meant finding balance in various virtues and traits.

Benjamin Franklin’s 13-Week Plan

Jumping ahead in time, we encounter Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, who was not only a statesman but also a philosopher. Franklin devised a 13-week system, each week focusing on a specific character trait. These traits were considered essential for personal development, and Franklin believed they were crucial for success. Let’s take a closer look at some of these character traits:

1. Self-control: The ability to be determined and disciplined in your efforts.
2. Silence: The importance of listening actively in all discussions.
3. Order: The need to organize your life and not agonize over chaos.
4. Pledge: Making a promise to put your best effort into today’s activities.
5. Thrift: Being mindful of how you spend your money and time.
6. Productivity: Working hard and smart while finding joy in the process.
7. Fairness: Treating others the way you want to be treated.
8. Moderation: Avoiding extremes in your actions and emotions.
9. Cleanliness: Keeping your mind, body, and habits clean and healthy.
10. Tranquillity: Taking time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of life.
11. Charity: Helping others and practicing kindness.
12. Humility: Keeping your ego in check and staying grounded.
13. Sincerity: Being honest with yourself and others.

These character traits reflect Franklin’s belief that personal development is about cultivating one’s character, becoming a better person from the inside out.

A Shift in Focus: From Character to Personality Development

As we progress into the 20th century, Stephen Covey, in his influential book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” notes a shift in the focus of personal development. He suggests that before the 1920s and 1930s, personal development was synonymous with “character development.” The emphasis was on inner growth, the development of virtues, and becoming a person of substance.

However, as the 20th century unfolded, the focus shifted from character development to “personality development.” Instead of looking within to nurture virtues and genuine character, people began to focus on outward traits. This shift emphasized qualities like having a “pleasing personality” or a “positive personality,” sometimes regardless of the authenticity behind those traits. In other words, it became more about “acting” as if you possessed these qualities rather than genuinely embodying them.

The Allure of Surface Traits

This shift towards personality development raises questions about the importance of authenticity. When we prioritize the appearance of certain qualities over their genuine cultivation, we risk becoming all surface and no substance. Stephen Covey provides examples from the world of politics, where politicians may prioritize appearing honest or committed to integrity rather than truly embodying these virtues. This focus on superficial traits can lead to a disconnect between who we appear to be and who we truly are.

Personal Development and Sobriety: A Journey of Character

I, too, have experienced personal development in my life, particularly on my path to sobriety. In 1977 and again in 1978, I sought treatment for alcoholism. This March marked 30 years of my journey to sobriety. During that time, self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) emerged as a significant force in the United States.

These groups, inspired by A.A., adapted and modified the Twelve Steps to address various specific problems. However, at their core, these programs emphasize the importance of personal or character development. Bill Wilson, co-founder of A.A., stated that the primary purpose of the Twelve Steps is “character development.” He acknowledged that the term “character” development may not resonate with everyone, as it might sound like hard work. Still, he stressed that the path to abstinence and recovery involves a daily commitment to developing one’s character.

A Spiritual Kindergarten

Bill Wilson went a step further, describing A.A. as a “spiritual kindergarten.” While the primary goal of A.A. is to achieve sobriety, he emphasized that the only way to attain that goal is by dedicating oneself, one day at a time, to the development of character. This fundamental principle holds true for other self-help programs that draw inspiration from Alcoholics Anonymous.

In conclusion, personal development is a journey that has evolved over time, from the ancient pursuit of virtues to the modern emphasis on personality traits. Yet, the heart of personal growth remains in the development of one’s character. As we navigate the complexities of life, it’s essential to remember that true personal development goes beyond appearances; it’s about nurturing authentic virtues and qualities from within. Whether on the path to sobriety or simply seeking personal growth, the commitment to character development remains a timeless and invaluable pursuit. So, let us strive to be not just actors in our lives but genuine individuals committed to becoming our best selves.