To the Protege: Becoming Who You Are

RW West
Jan 3, 2015
3 min read

You never know where these so-called proverbs actually come from, but I was told this one was Scottish. Perhaps, many older cultures have their own version of it. Who knows where these "truths to try" come from? I just know this: the moment I heard it come out of my mentor's mouth over 20 years ago, it seemed to give me ready power to start new habits instantaneously whenever new seasons emerged. And I've continued to use this mental habit-starter for more than 20 years!

When any kind of natural, seasonal marker arrives such as the New Year, a new job or project, a new friendship, a new home, or a new car, this simple phrase seems to always meet me at the front door. It beckons me to seize the "turning page" transitions offer. It invites me to open a new chapter. It offers a chance to play my way toward my own development, toward my own destiny.

In order for these words to work for me, I have observed a few things are necessary IN me:

1. TAKE TIME. Before invoking this proverb, I need to have taken a few moments or a few months to think about where I want to go, how I want to go, and which way I want to go.

2. TAKE STOCK. It's hard to dart out into the next adventure when you are burdened by excess baggage. "Staying light, living lean, leaving a light footprint" is the lifestyle principle that allows us to break with the past or adopt new habits. And practicing "no" strengthens the muscles for saying "yes" when the new day appears.

3. TAKE ADVANTAGE. Let the soon-arriving date motivate you. Let the countdown discipline you. Let the sunset on the day before offer a benediction on what must be forsaken, lost, closed. Let the rising sun celebrate with you. If a company of trusted friends or family members aim to become something larger in their hearts than they have been, covenant to start anew together—it takes a community sometimes to become what we must become. Don't miss the change of the calendar, the season, the location, or the story.

So what's this simple idea that has offered me the ability for more than 20 years to get quick clarity for the road ahead?

Here it is: "Start as You Mean to Go On."

Simple, right?! Well, I place it in your safekeeping to reflect on and multiply it's power in your life. It works like this:

If you intend to eat a low fat diet, start the new season by finishing that last package of bacon but no more.

If your sister humiliates you on every phone call, announce to her it is no longer an option for you, and you intend to immediately close conversations that are hurtful.

If you were tired of being treated like a teenager, but insisted on "your individuality" by dressing like one in the last workplace, experiment with wearing clothing that matches the culture of the new place and your season of life in the new job.

If morning punctuality is bothersome, take yourself to bed earlier as your new habit.

If volunteering in a cause that changes the world is what will affirm your values then cancel several key appointments and events to make room for service and direct action.

If you want a day of rest, fill your gas tank, shop for food, and cancel all obligations in the days prior to that intended day of rest.

If you want support, dare to tell your mentor what you are hoping to become through minor life refinements.

But do start. Leap. Begin with strategic purposefulness just as you mean to go on. Then, never stop becoming that. This is how you BECOME who you ARE.

Happy New Year!