People Edit

The ‘My World’ Attitude: A Barrier to Individual and Societal Development

Herald Team

Dr Wayne Dyer, in his book 'The Sky is the Limit,' encourages us to actively influence our lives by making wise choices. He underscores the importance of introspection, suggesting that we thoroughly evaluate past challenges and obstacles to select the most optimal path forward. Presently, many individuals confine their thinking, becoming enslaved by setbacks and attributing blame to others. It's perplexing to ponder how long we can persist in such restrictive circumstances.

Reshma, having earned her MBA from a prestigious university in India, was promptly hired by a renowned company without an interview, presuming uniform excellence. Assigned an autonomous role within a department, Reshma initially demonstrated exceptional efficiency. However, despite initial success, Reshma's approach became stagnant over time, lacking innovation, and cooperation from colleagues was lacking. Those who upheld her self-centred attitude formed a barrier to progress. Unable to generate fresh solutions, Reshma eventually chose to resign. Presently, she finds herself at home, relying on her determination to persevere despite the setback.

Presently, we receive education across diverse disciplines and embrace a global perspective. We have embraced modern technology, which is commendable. However, we often overlook the importance of nurturing our mental faculties. It is essential to cultivate our minds alongside technological advancements. 

When this aspect is neglected, the repercussions are evident, as illustrated in the aforementioned scenario. Failing to enrich her mind led to stagnation and resistance to change. Our behaviour reflects the state of our minds and what we prioritize.

In recent times, the prevalence of the 'my world' attitude has become more apparent. In our childhood, we used to engage in communal play with neighbourhood kids, gathering at each other's homes and meeting each other's needs. However, this dynamic has shifted today. 

Circumstances do not alter on their own; rather, it is our adoption of an unfair attitude that initiates change. Regardless of the shift in attitude, the new perspective should foster constructive contributions to society. If self-centred attitudes like 'my world' are detrimental to both individuals and society, the efforts to promote attitude change are warranted.

Adhering to the 'my world' attitude brings immediate gratification. This sense of satisfaction often leads to a disregard for others and a tendency to assert dominance. Consequently, pride and arrogance seep into our demeanour, trapping us in a cycle of self-centeredness. Under this mindset, we fail to foster independent thought or engage in creative endeavours. While we may perceive our opinions as unique, they are often tainted by the narrow perspective we have adopted. How long can we sustain this pattern?

Renowned writer and psychologist Shiv Khera asserts, “We cannot choose our circumstances but we can always choose our attitude.” This rings true. Our attitude significantly influences our actions and behaviour. A positive attitude enables constructive responses to challenges, while a negative attitude hampers growth and progress. To foster personal development, we must transcend our self-imposed attitudes and broaden our perspectives. Let us actively contribute to the growth and advancement of our lives by embracing more conducive attitudes.

 We need to make wise choices and reflect on past experiences to foster personal growth. Reshma's narrative illustrates the repercussions of stagnation resulting from neglecting mental development. Additionally, the prevalence of self-centred attitudes poses a barrier to societal progress. By prioritizing positive attitudes and continual growth, individuals can collectively contribute to a more prosperous future.

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