Response to "Better Man 2010"
The “Secret” to Becoming a Better Man in 2010
Two kernels from this posting:
1. Core values.
What are my core values? I would like to say "family," but that's not true. Perhaps it should be -- my birth family should be more important to me. But I think the only core value that I actually value is progress -- career (which includes academic) progress.
If career progress is my core value, then I need to do everything that will make me more successful there. For example, instead of procrastinating doing easy work, such as editing a paper that has publication potential, I need to sacrifice some leisure and recreation and edit the dang paper, then look up publication formats, then send it off. If I know a research project is coming up, I must discipline my time and resources to begin early, consider new ideas, edit carefully, and be prepared to discuss.
Being physically in shape will help me progress professionally because it will prevent illness, provide more energy, increase my self-esteem to interact with my colleagues, and help me look more professional for interviews, etc.
Another core value has to be masculine assertiveness. This means assertiveness with myself, those immediately around me, and with my professional responsibilities.
Scheduling needs to happen. Core values need to be reflected in my schedule and how I use my time. One of my core values, then, is time itself -- I cannot waste my life in idle pursuits. Recreation has its purpose. But much of my leisure time is avoidance, not recreation.
2. Train discipline as you train your body -- small, growing.
If my core value appears to be career progress, then each day I need to work on advancing this goal. If I spend an hour a day on advancing my degree, working towards publication, and reading and researching, these are small steps that don't require much risk but will advance me and strengthen me.
At the same time, I need to train the body, exactly as noted -- something every day.
Assertiveness means I need to say, do something every day that marks my manhood and does not excuse any inaction or mis-action.
Two kernels from this posting:
1. Core values.
What are my core values? I would like to say "family," but that's not true. Perhaps it should be -- my birth family should be more important to me. But I think the only core value that I actually value is progress -- career (which includes academic) progress.
If career progress is my core value, then I need to do everything that will make me more successful there. For example, instead of procrastinating doing easy work, such as editing a paper that has publication potential, I need to sacrifice some leisure and recreation and edit the dang paper, then look up publication formats, then send it off. If I know a research project is coming up, I must discipline my time and resources to begin early, consider new ideas, edit carefully, and be prepared to discuss.
Being physically in shape will help me progress professionally because it will prevent illness, provide more energy, increase my self-esteem to interact with my colleagues, and help me look more professional for interviews, etc.
Another core value has to be masculine assertiveness. This means assertiveness with myself, those immediately around me, and with my professional responsibilities.
Scheduling needs to happen. Core values need to be reflected in my schedule and how I use my time. One of my core values, then, is time itself -- I cannot waste my life in idle pursuits. Recreation has its purpose. But much of my leisure time is avoidance, not recreation.
2. Train discipline as you train your body -- small, growing.
If my core value appears to be career progress, then each day I need to work on advancing this goal. If I spend an hour a day on advancing my degree, working towards publication, and reading and researching, these are small steps that don't require much risk but will advance me and strengthen me.
At the same time, I need to train the body, exactly as noted -- something every day.
Assertiveness means I need to say, do something every day that marks my manhood and does not excuse any inaction or mis-action.