Personal and Professional Growth–Quiet Rather Than Dramatic
Growth doesn’t necessarily involve moving.
It is easy to assume that personal and professional development involves action and motion. When we read about the topic it is nearly always about doing something. Nothing I’ve read–or taught–on the subject says, “First, stop working at it and just relax.”
However, there is a lot to be said for quiet concentration, calm confidence and gaining wisdom through waiting and watching. Have you noticed that most of the unpleasant situations at work are the result of too much activity? Busybodies are called that for reason! Hyper, obsessive, over-the-top, stirring the pot, out of control, bulldoze, frantic, hectic, running around, bouncing off the walls, are all words and phrases we use to describe people and situations that involve negative activity.
Dag Hammarskjold, the remarkable statesman who was the second Secretary General of the United Nations, was noted for his humility and quiet but strong convictions. He once said that his goal was simply not to encumber the earth.
After much prompting by friends and colleagues he decided to allow his journal of meditations to be published as a way to help others. It was aptly titled, Markings. It was not only his personal markings in a journal, it has left a mark on millions of readers around the world.
One of Dag Hammarskjold’s prayers was, “If only I may grow: Firmer, simpler, quieter, warmer.” That is the English translation, by Auden, of the Swedish text. Another version is this:
With all my heart I want to grow: To be more calm, more steady, more at peace and more caring of others.
A worthy goal for all of us.
