Dynamics of a Transformational Person (2 of 4)

This is the second of four BLOGS dedicated to reflecting more of the “why” of being a transformational person.

My premise is that if someone understands the “why” being of transformational person it will sustain them, inspire them, and give them sustainability.

Transformational people are inner-directed!

At first blush this may sound that I’m advocating a type of focusing on self that borders on narcissism. Actually, it is quite the opposite. The airlines have been instructing passengers for decades that if the emergency oxygen masks deploy and you have a child be sure to put your mask on first. They are reminding parents that to “be there” for their child they need to take care of themselves first.

All of us face some kind of “normal” whereby we tend to define ourselves by the opinions, beliefs, and perceptions of others. Marketing campaigns are designed to appeal to our temptation to purchase products based on how it will establish us in relation to other people. They have learned that whether we like it or not, there is a part of us that is tempted by social pressure. It is manifested at its worst when we make decisions based on upon “what other people think.”

The ugly truth is that if we are intentional, this ugly dynamic will be a driving force by which we measure our success and compare ourselves to others.

Transformational people – who are pursuing inner transformation and a new normal – choose a different perspective. They intentionally put rhythms in their life to support the “why”: they seek to become people who are inner-directed.

• They are clear about their values and define themselves by these non-negotiable.
• Their values not only give them strength and freedom. They approach life with a deep sense of calmness because they have clarity about who they are.
• Because they have deep-seated values, they can view situations with a more complex understanding because the situation does not define them.
• They recalibrate to their values on a regular basis in order to assure that their behaviors match their intentions.

If you want to take some steps on becoming a transformational person, step two is to be clear about your values. When you know the “why” your “how” and “what” will have the right inspiration and direction.