The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule, Habits of Mastery, part 9

In Part 8 of the Habits of Mastery, I introduced the concept of becoming “other focused.”  To truly serve others we must embrace the Golden Rule because we are compelled to, not because it just makes sense.

What I mean by that is you are compelled to act in the interest of others due to your stage of human development. You can’t help it!  You are not thinking about it as a
transaction or hedge play. You “do unto others as they would want to be done unto” because you actually care deeply about them.

When we act in this manner we find dignity, grace and meaning in our service to others…even during the greatest challenges of our lives.

This is what Victor Frankl found in a concentration camp, beautifully recorded in his book Man’s Search for Meaning. He wrote that he observed how a sense of meaning through service defined who survived and who didn’t.

You Don’t Need To Be a Saint

We don’t have to wait until we are anointed a saint to begin developing this habit of being other focused.  We can start it right now by asking the right questions:

How can I help my team today? (versus what’s in it for me?)
How can I help my buddy right now? (versus doesn’t she see my suffering?)
How can I keep my focus on service (versus how can I advance myself now?)

Pondering these questions every morning when you wake up will begin to sow the habit and internalize the center of gravity to be “other focused.”

By the way, this practice will also lay the foundation for a positive and great day!   As you sow a habit, so shall you reap your character. As you sow a character, so shall you reap your destiny.

Awareness of Your Orientation

Keep your awareness of your orientation alive during your day: avoid the natural urge to be first in line, to grab the good stuff, or avoid the trouble of others thinking they may “rub off on you.”

Don’t be a taker or casual observer.   Dive in and be helpful – be part of the solution. It is your obligation to step up and lead. Imagine if everyone developed this habit – what would the world be like?

How will you respond during the next minor crisis, or major disaster?  Will you hunker down and take care of yourself, or will you be other focused, and serve?

Hooyah,
Mark Divine

P.S.

I am pleased to announce a new partnership between SOFREP and NavySEALS.com. SOFREP, led by my friend and former SEAL Brandon Webb, will be working hard at developing and adding new content daily to NavySEALs.com, bringing it to the forefront of SOF related digital media.

You will still be able to get the same great gear and deals at the NavySEALs.com store. Check it out!