The wise will always thrive…How to join them (if you haven't already)

As we notice people around us, we realize they have all achieved varying degrees of success and are at different stages in life.

1. The “works in progress”: These people for one reason or another are continually struggling as they move through life.  They are by no means bad people, but usually are making enough bad decisions to put them beyond the threshold of being able to fall into another category (described below). They are confused.  Their perspective is usually that things just continually happen to them and weigh them down.  It is usually someone’s fault, but not theirs.

2.  The “treadmill runners”: They are bouncing from one thing to another and continually trying to find the next best thing.  They are moving anywhere from about 5.0 to 8.5 on the treadmill, but when all is said and done, they are just running (and they keep changing treadmills). They get an “A” for movement and a “D” for consistent, focused determination.

3.  The “slow bees”:  These are the people that can’t continually stay motivated to operate beyond 1st gear.  I mean they are moving, but very, very slowly…turtle speed.  They are okay when it comes to making good decisions, but it takes them a considerable amount of time to realize they need to make a decision and do something.

4.  The “status quoers” :  These are the people that are doing more than okay and definitely above average.  They don’t mind the status quo and are somewhat complacent with going through the motions.  They have found different ways to be happy and are comfortable enough with where they are.

5.  The “fakers”:  These are the people that think they are doing the right thing, but they really are not.  In many ways, they are lost, but they aren’t all that concerned because they are fooling themselves.  They are convinced they are moving in the right direction, but in reality they are on the wrong path and will eventually have to get on the right one before they make any real progress.  Let’s just say that their bad decisions have not caught up with them yet, but in time they will.

6.  The “seekers”:  These are the people that are doing well, but just haven’t found that perfect equilibrium.  They make consistent good decisions and are very successful.  They are happy, kind and people enjoy being around them.  They are very comfortable with how they are developing and how their life is unfolding, but they do realize there is something more.  They are focused on making continual progress.

7.  The “wise ones”:  These are the people that just know.  Do they know everything?  Of course not…but they have a very highly developed skill that allows them to recognize opportunities and know how to make the best decisions.  They have a compass that is always guiding them in the right direction and everything in life is falling into place.  They have figured out the formula to living a great life and put it to work everyday.  They are amazingly kind and generous people.

Now there are lots of different types of people who are “wise ones” in the world. The “wise ones” don’t all necessarily play the same song, but they definitely march to the same beat.  They also serve as evidence that there really are many paths to success as they are all achieving success in their own unique way.

What type of person are you?

Many of us realize that it is our job to find our own unique path and to become a “wise one”.  So, what does that mean?  Do we just do all we can to be a better person and transform into a “wise one” or is there a focused approach we can take? Many people will argue that there is not just one right way to go through life.  People are different and their paths are different.

The alternaview:
The alternaview is that although “wise ones” are on different paths, all of the paths they are on have a common thread and how they move through life is very similar.  Once we understand that common thread and the similarities, we can work to ensure we are doing the things we should in our own lives.  We can take notice of and work to emulate their characteristics and skills so that we are also marching to their same beat.

The reality is that the characteristics “wise ones” embody allow them to positively benefit from the rule, “the wise will always thrive”.  “Wise ones” have strengthened certain characteristics and attributes that allow them to prosper in their current environment. They have developed a certain perspective on life and an effective way of going about things that allows them to continually succeed.

The life formula they utilize everyday puts them in the position to live life the way it was meant to be lived.  They understand what is important and they know how to interact with others.  They are able to get out of their own way and know how to push toward success.  They are continually motivated and passionate to do what they were meant to do.  They care and help others as much as they can.

How to use this alternaview:

If you are interested in being a “wise one” or if you feel you are a “wise one” and just want to make sure, take a look at the list below.

1.  “Wise ones” have figured out what they were meant to do. They are aligning everything they do with what they have determined is their purpose.  Granted, this may change and evolve from time-to-time, but they are consistently focused on making certain they are on the right track.  They are passionate and committed to everything they do.

2.  “Wise ones” are AMAZING when it comes to interacting with other people. They have figured out how not to get caught up in other people’s melodrama?  It’s not that they don’t express their opinions or concerns, but rather they have figured out the most effective way to be heard.  They understand how to connect with people.  They know how to deal with challenging people.

3.  “Wise ones” are confident…not arrogant. They know that they can do what they need to in order to move forward in the direction they desire, but they don’t flaunt their ability and they don’t flaunt all that they have.

4.  “Wise ones” have the right viewpoint on life and any challenges that may confront them. They totally buy in to the truism that everything happens for a reason.  They don’t get discouraged or frustrated if something appears that they don’t like.  They simply and effectively manage through challenges and reflect on the lesson they are supposed to take away from each circumstance.

5.  “Wise ones” enjoy other people. They are friendly and easy to talk to.  They are genuinely committed to helping as many people as they can and are able to see the good in people when many others do not.  They are generous. They have great relationships with their friends and families.

6.  “Wise ones” are not scared of change. They understand that in order to progress, things have to change and even if they can’t explain why everything is happening, they realize that there is wisdom in uncertainty.

7. “Wise ones” always can see the bigger picture.  They remind themselves to look at it whenever they need to. They know how to keep everything in perspective and how to control their reactions.

8. “Wise ones” consistently take time for themselves. They escape from the hustle and bustle of life. They know how to clear their minds of any disturbances.

9.  “Wise ones” are dedicated to continually growing and evolving.  They allow life to unfold the way it was meant to.  They know they are on a journey that will continue to get better and better.  They see all the different puzzle pieces that make up their life.

10.  “Wise ones” have great instincts…but, they know when to ask for guidance and direction.  They await the right answers and follow the guidance they receive.

It’s not important what category you currently fall into or where you have been…what matters is what you are doing about it at this very moment if you want to be a “wise one”. If you are already a “wise one”, please add to this list and help the rest of us out.  If you are working to become a “wise one”, then know that you are on the right path and taking notice of the attributes of other “wise ones” will allow you to develop in the way you desire…this is the alternaview.

Are you a “wise one”? Do you agree with the attributes of “wise ones”?  Do you have any to add?  Do you agree with this alternaview?