Seven Deadly Sins

The Seven Deadly Sins of Self-Destruction

Assuming you’ve read at least one of my many previous blogs, you know I typically write from a broad perspective that opens the aperture of understanding, allowing a reader to see more of a topic, and in doing so, to see that topic a bit clearer.  I’ve decided to do something different this time by breaking a topic down into bite-sized pieces, effectively presenting a “how-to” approach on a very important topic – You.

It’s been said that real change happens slow, and typically comes with a price.  Although that’s generally a true statement, I believe it’s more acceptably and accurately stated by saying that real change happens methodically, and that the associated price can be one that’s enjoyed, rather than paid.  Make no mistake, there is a price.  But wouldn’t it be much better to enjoy that price than to dread it?  It's as simple as turning the bill of your hat from the back to the front in terms of the way we look at the cost of making changes in our life.  I’ll take the hit for the oversimplified, positive but honest spin, because I believe it portrays a point-of-view so many of us need to hear.  I mean, don’t we hear enough negative spin anyway?

This article can be applied universally across a wide spectrum of personal circumstances and personality types.  It was written to address attributes and behaviors that, if applied, will yield noticeable change.  Avoid these seven “sins” and your life will begin to take shape in ways that will surprise you.  

1. Envy – You are unique!  Capitalize on it.  One of the very first things we should do to initiate change is to take stock of who we are, and own it!  One of the best ways to do that is to avoid envy.  Envy blinds us to the true nature of who we are as individuals.  Each and every one of us possesses the ability to discover ourselves through honest introspection or self-discovery.  If we turn our focus away from others and take the time to conduct an honest self assessment of our own unique talents and abilities, we begin to see things about ourselves that reveal the core of our true joy.  The experience of self-discovery will change your life!  Unfortunately, most of us get so caught up in this thing we call “routine,” which serves only to rob us of the awesome revelation of the gifts and talents that lie just beyond the thin veil of our own discovery. 

2. Apathy – One of the biggest causes of apathy or laziness can be blamed on convenience.  Simple societal conveniences have convinced us over the years that things should be easy.  It’s true that technology has made our lives easier in many ways, but the universal rules that govern personal change requires a willingness to step out of our comfort zones and instill a belief in our personal ability to remain dedicated to the very changes we seek.  A change in our psychological, physiological, emotional, or financial circumstances takes time, dedication and action.  If you’ve read this far, you’re doing great, because you’ve taken action in the form of education in order to make a change.  Continue your momentum by stepping away from the television where you watch everyone else succeed, and instead, begin your own path to success.  Avoid the obstacles that drain you and keep you from what you truly desire. 

3. Pride – You should be proud of who you are and what you’ve accomplished in life.  Recognize, however, that you don’t know everything nor can you do everything alone.  If your pride prevents you from seeking help, insight, or valuable feedback from outside sources, it should be readjusted or completely set aside to allow for effective change to occur.  Recognize your weaknesses and don’t be afraid to seek help from relevant sources that will propel you forward.  And when you do reach an achievement or effect real change, refuse to allow your pride to swell to an egotistical arrogance.  Pride, unlike other sins, can serve to bolster confidence if a delicate balance is maintained.  Once imbalance occurs, a readjustment will be necessary.

4. Greed – Real change will affect several areas and layers of your life.  To seek change for the sole purpose of an increase of your financial status is a poorly-designed motive that’s typically doomed to fail from the start.  The silver screen’s Gordon Gecko tells us that “Greed is good.”  While that mantra can be debated, greed – in and of itself – typically carries a negative connotation that places the focus on what should be a result instead of element or action that produces a result.  Simply stated, it’s better to focus on a personal trait or behavioral change that will result in an eventual increase in prosperity.  Another note concerning greed…instead of greed, choose instead to be charitable, generous, and kind.  That which you push forward will return to you in similar fashion.  Sow the seeds of generosity and life will return the favor in more ways than you can imagine.

5. Anger – Control your emotions.  Every one of us occupies a position in life that is unique in its circumstance, and, for the most part, is a direct or indirect reflection of the decisions or choices we’ve made to this very moment.  That’s not to say that life doesn’t throw a bad card our way every now and then.  In those instances, we must play the hand we’ve been dealt by doing the best we can.  Yet, the result of how we play that hand requires us to make more decisions on how best to handle them…which will determine the course our lives take from that moment.  If you’ve been thrust into a circumstance or you don’t like your situation or the direction your life is taking, don’t get angry.  Instead, change it – make different decisions and choices…and make them often enough to affect the change you desire.  You’re not entitled to “more” or “different” simply out of fairness, so don’t waste your time and energy getting angry.  Be honest with yourself and decide what you’re willing to give to change your circumstances.  Then, put forth your very best and follow through…consistently!  Step forth in confidence, knowing that new decisions bring new results.

6. Lust – What’s your weakness?  Exotic cars?  Jewelry?  Electronics?  Real estate?  Travel?  All of these things are completely acceptable elements that are a natural part of the reward or results process.  Be careful, however, not to allow the veil of lust to cloud your judgment on what is truly valuable in life.  Because, in the end, “things” don’t define a person.  What truly matters in the end are the lives we touch along the way and the lasting impressions we make on someone just because we can.  Relationships and happiness are everlasting.  Things rust, break, and fade away.

7. Gluttony – It’s true that a well-balanced life can produce a level of prosperity that allows for some degree of  indulgence.  Indulgence in its most innocuous form can be healthy and can serve to modify or reward decisions that lead to positive, empowering personal changes.  However, indulgence taken to extremes can lead to gluttony and destructive behaviors that become personally harmful to you and those around you.  In extreme circumstances, gluttony can lead to corruptive behavior that is difficult to escape.  Avoid gluttony.  Instead, look for ways to share the results of your good fortune through education, philanthropy, or charitable endeavors. 

There you have it - The Seven Deadly Sins of Self-Destruction.  Avoid them to make your life easier and to affect real change.  Learn from them to make better decisions about the course you want your life to take. 

Until next time!

- G -

"We are not punished for our sins, but by them.” - Elbert Hubbard 

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