We have access to almost unlimited information. However, there is still a dearth of wisdom.
The progression from raw data to wisdom (raw data > information > knowledge > understanding > insight > wisdom) can be a long climb.
One of the biggest challenges you will face on your journey to wisdom is the battle to overcome the focus on self. Being selfless leads to wisdom. But, some will argue that most success comes from a self-drive, so how is it that we are knocking self. However, too much focus on self leads to selfishness and narrow-mindedness.
Here are several ways to overcome this potential problem:
1. Avoid feeling deprived – Your selfishness will be saying something like, ”I should be getting more recognition”. When, objectively, you are being treated appropriately. Realize that this is happening, catch yourself, and refocus on the task at hand. Focus on the present moment by experiencing the positive effect of the people, places, sights, and sounds around you.
2. Refrain from judgment and relinquish control – Remember you can only control yourself – give up controlling other people, circumstances, etc. The more in control of other people you think you are, the less in control you actually are!
3. Practice self-awareness – As you become more aware of your thoughts you’ll be surprised how many are too focused on you. Keep a journal to develop self-awareness. When we become sufficiently aware, the light of that awareness starts to starve the selfishness.
4. Focus on the big picture – Be driven by the importance of outcomes rather than the importance of self.
5. Start listening – Go beyond their words to grasp others feelings. Ask people who are close to you what they think about your behaviour and actions. And be objective about what they and others think about your behaviour and how it affects them.
6. Celebrate diversity – Value the differences in others and see their strengths. Celebrate the success of others as if it were your own.
7. Participate in life – Absorb knowledge from every encounter; every experience; every person; every defeat; every setback, and every opportunity.
8. Treat work like meditation – Work so deeply that the division between the doer and the doing disappears and work becomes sacred.
9. Embrace humility – Humility is born when you realize that you are simply the medium for the universal abundance to flow through. You understand that when you do commendable work, there is a higher force behind you, guiding you and using you as a channel.
10. Practice gratitude – Consistently ask yourself, ‘what five things can I be grateful for today?
What will your strategy be to go from raw data to wisdom?