What You See Praiseworthy in Others
You may have noticed a distinct absense of Daily Masonic Progress last week. I was on holiday’s in Bali so today we return to our usual programming.
Have you ever admired someone's confidence and wished you could be more like them? Or seen an act of kindness that made you want to be a better person?
These moments of inspiration are at the heart of a powerful Masonic principle:
"What you see praiseworthy in others, carefully imitate, and what in them may appear defective, you will in yourself amend."
This principle teaches us three important things about improving ourselves: copy the good things you see in others, fix the flaws you notice in yourself, and always think about how you can grow.
In this edition of Daily Masonic Progress, we'll explore how you can use this idea to become a better version of yourself.
Copying What's Good in Others
Think about the people you look up to. What makes them special? Maybe it's a friend who always stays calm under pressure, or a teacher who explains things clearly. When you spot these good qualities, try to make them part of who you are.
For example, if you admire how your friend stays calm, practice taking deep breaths when you feel stressed. If you like how your teacher explains things, try breaking down complex ideas when you're helping someone. By doing this, you're not just wishing you were different - you're actually becoming better!
But remember, copying others doesn't mean losing yourself. It's about adding new skills and qualities to your own unique personality. Think of it like adding new tools to your toolbox. The more tools you have, the more you can do!
Try this: Make a list of three people you admire and what qualities you like about them. Then, come up with ways you can practice these qualities in your own life. Maybe you'll decide to be more punctual like your always-on-time aunt, or more helpful like your friendly neighbor. Small steps can lead to big changes over time.
Fixing Your Own Flaws
While it's great to focus on the good in others, it's also important to learn from the not-so-good things you see. When you notice someone doing something you don't like, ask yourself: "Do I ever do that?" If the answer is yes, that's your chance to improve.
Let's say you notice a classmate who's always interrupting others. It might annoy you, but use it as a reminder to check your own behavior. Do you sometimes cut people off when they're talking? If so, make an effort to listen more and wait your turn. By being aware of these things, you can work on your own weak spots.
Fixing your flaws isn't about being perfect. It's about becoming a better version of yourself. Everyone has things they can improve on. The key is to be honest with yourself and willing to change.
Here's a challenge: For the next week, pay attention to behaviors in others that bother you. Then, ask yourself if you ever do those things. If you do, make a plan to work on it. For example, if you realize you sometimes gossip, challenge yourself to say only positive things about others for a whole day.
Learning from Perceived Excesses
Sometimes, you might find a quality in someone else that you think is "too much." For instance, you might know someone who's extremely cautious, always thinking through every possible outcome before making a decision. At first, you might see this as a flaw, especially if you're more of a carefree, spontaneous person.
But here's where it gets interesting: what if this "defect" you see in them is actually pointing out an area where you could improve? Your friend's cautiousness, which might seem excessive to you, could be balancing out your own tendency to act without thinking things through.
Instead of dismissing their behavior as a flaw, try to understand it. Why are they so cautious? What benefits does it bring them? Maybe their careful planning helps them avoid problems that you often run into. By learning from their approach, you could find a middle ground that combines your spontaneity with a bit more caution.
This doesn't mean you should completely change who you are. But by recognizing and learning from these apparent "excesses" in others, you can round out your own character and become more balanced. It's about finding the sweet spot between two extremes.
Conclusion
Improving yourself is an ongoing journey of learning from others.
By imitating the good you see, working on your flaws, and even learning from qualities you initially see as excessive, you're constantly growing. Remember, the goal isn't to become someone else, but to become the best version of yourself.
Keep observing, learning, and growing – your future self will thank you for it!