Know Better and Be Better

How many times have we heard someone say, “I know this is my issue,” and then continue on to discuss or enact that issue. Sure, one can appreciate that someone recognizes his/her faults. However, sometimes there is a certain complacency that comes along with declaring one’s issue. It is as if acknowledgement has become some sort of get-away-with-it-for-free pass, because, after all, it is an issue he/she is confronting.

However, is it really being actively addressed, or rather being treated as an unfortunate, yet stubborn trait to be accepted? The issue itself takes on a tangible form as it is scape-goated in lieu of accepting responsibilities for one’s actions. How can you be upset with someone for forgetting important paperwork when, as we know, he/she is forgetful. Once we label ourselves, we take ownership of qualities that do not serve our best interests. It is easy to hold ourselves to lower standards because the set expectations are mediocre at best. Perhaps we should take the position that in the process of getting to know ourselves, we note our faults and failings, and as we periodically review our selves, we can chart our real progress in becoming our better selves. If we rest on our “knowledge,” we deprive ourselves of realizing a truer expression of our core selves.

Knowing that you have faults is vastly different from acting upon them to transform yourself into someone better. Know Better and Be Better.