Affichage des articles dont le libellé est self-leadership. Afficher tous les articles
Affichage des articles dont le libellé est self-leadership. Afficher tous les articles

Self-Action Leadership for Students

What do YOU remember most from
what you learned in your school days?
Looking back on your college or preparatory education (high school and below), were there ever any textbooks you read, or assignments you completed that were so special you decided not to sell them back or throw them away after your final grade was posted?

I know I have.

As I reflect back on the 19 years I spent enrolled in formal schooling and the thousands of different individual assignments I completed, there are only a few that really stick out in my memory.  Among these more memorable academic projects, TWO stand out above the rest in importance to me.  They are also two of the only hard copy assignments from my school days that I actually saved.

The most important assignment I ever completed was my doctoral dissertation.  This assignment holds great value for me not merely because it was the longest (1,149 pages) and most time-consuming project of my academic career, but because it formed the basis of nearly everything in my new book, Self-Action Leadership: The Key to Personal, Professional, & Global Freedom.

The second most important assignment I ever completed is something I specifically wrote about in my dissertation.  It was a capstone project (in lieu of a final exam) in a leadership course I took at Brigham Young University as a college freshman in 2001.

The name of this project was a "Personal Leadership Statement."  It consisted of a 10-15 page paper whereby I was required to formally articulate vitally important things about myself, my life, and my future.  Some of these things included my personal vision, mission, values, goals, standards, etc.

Unlike most other school assignments over the years that I eventually threw away and forgot about, I held on to my Personal Leadership Statement.  More importantly, I continued to work on it even after my final grade had been posted.

Not only did I continue to work on it diligently, but I also began to flesh the concept out more fully whereby I eventually produced my own, original scholarship on the subject.  Thus was born the Freedom Focused Self-Declaration of Independence and Self-Constitution.

Click HERE and scroll toward the bottom of article to read more about writing your own Self-Declaration of Independence & Constitution.

Click HERE to watch a video of Dr. Jordan Jensen explaining the principle of writing a Self-Declaration of Independence & Constitution.

My Self-Leadership Textbook in College
 Of all the courses I took throughout my entire academic career, that leadership class I took at BYU ranked highly among my favorites.  I enjoyed it thoroughly not because I had an outstanding professor (he was okay, but not one of my favorites).  I enjoyed it because the material, aside from being very interesting to me, was, in fact, all about me.  As an agent of destiny—and all human beings are—can there be many things more fascinating and enlightening than learning about what we can individually think about, say, and do to become our best selves and maximize the potential we possess for happiness, success, and most importantly—to contribute positively and constructively to the welfare of others around us and the planet-at-large?  To me the answer to this question is a resounding no!

As such, I'll never forget how cool I thought it was when I went to the bookstore and purchased my textbook for this course because it was all about these very things!

As you can imagine, this was definitely one of the textbooks I ended up keeping for future reference.  Later, I purchased an updated edition of the same text, which I used extensively during my doctoral research and writing.  In fact, of the 400 different books, articles, and other resources I cited in my doctoral dissertation, I referenced this one textbook more than any other.

John H. Zenger, an international leadership expert and renowned author of The Extraordinary Leader, has said the following about leadership education:
"The old paradigm of separating core academic curriculum from leadership, character, and life-skill education in America's schools is gradually beginning to shift. The time is coming when classes in leadership will be equally as important as those in mathematics, biology, or English; and from a career standpoint, possibly more important."
An Updated Version of my S-L Textbook
I Cited Liberally in my Doctoral Dissertation
Zenger's views effectively mirror our own vision of the educational future of students now in school—as well as those yet unborn.  We foresee the day when students from kindergarten up through the graduate level will be as likely to be toting around textbooks, e-books, apps, and URL's containing information about Self-Action Leadership, character, and life-skills as they are in reading, writing, math, science, history, technology, etc.

Indeed, we envision a day when society will collectively recognize that it is as important to do right as it is to read fluently or to calculate correctly—and that directing one's life and career morally and ethically as guided by a highly developed conscience is even more important than being literate and numerate (as important as those things clearly are).

We predict that this growing recognition will eventually spawn a seismic cultural-educational paradigm shift where a majority of lawmakers, educators, parents, and voters alike will recognize that being a highly developed human being—existentially and morally speaking—requires the same kind of rigorous study and practice that is required to become a highly developed anything else (doctor, lawyer, plumber, builder, engineer, teacher, leader etc.).  As such, proper allocations of time, resources, and human capital will gradually be invested to avoid falling behind the rest of the world and fail to rise to the full extent of our potential as Americans.

In the spirit of this vision and movement, we enthusiastically embrace the dawning of a new age—even an AGE of AUTHENTICISM.  In support of this vision, we invite YOU to begin today to become a student of Self-Action Leadership.

How?

Simple... we have written a comprehensive textbook replete with principles, practices, and even homework assignments that facilitate your completion of the SAL Master Challenge and your subsequent receipt of Freedom Focused's distinguished diploma* and medal.  We invite you to buy and then read this book, complete the SAL Master Challenge contained therein, and then share the book and challenge with others.

Click HERE to read more about the AGE of AUTHENTICISM

Click HERE to read more about the SAL Master Challenge.

As one-by-one people accept this invitation and take on this challenge, the movement will gather increased momentum.  Over time, we will, with accelerated alacrity make the desperately needed societal shift away from the self-centered, nihilistic philosophies of postmodernism and into a bright and sunny new age of authenticity and altruism founded on the self-mastery and inner security that can only come from a holistic commitment to personal discipline and excellence.  


Click HERE to buy Dr. Jordan Jensen's book — SELF-ACTION LEADERSHIP



If you are an INDIVIDUAL interested in accelerating your own Self-Action Leadership development and Existential Growth, click HERE.

If you are an EDUCATOR, click HERE to learn how you can start providing your students with an education in Self-Action Leadership to take your classroom, school, or district to the next level

If you are a BUSINESS leader, manager, or professional, click HERE to learn how you can start providing your colleagues and subordinates with an education in Self-Action Leadership for the benefit of your office interaction and bottom line.

If you are an ELECTED OFFICIAL or other high profile LEADER or ROLE MODEL, click HERE to learn how you can start promoting Self-Action Leadership to your constituents in an effort to make our nation and world the best it can possibly be.

If you are a PARENT or CAREGIVER, click HERE to learn how you can start providing an education in Self-Action Leadership to your children or dependents to increase self-reliance and encourage harmony in the home.

If you or someone you knows is struggling with MENTAL ILLNESS click HERE to learn how you can utilize Self-Action Leadership to bolster mental hygiene.

Notes:

* The SAL Master Challenge diploma is not an accredited diploma.


........................................................................................................................................................


SELF-ACTION LEADERSHIP is the key catalyst for initiating transformational leadership that lasts in any organization. The truth of the matter really is that simple; and the transformation of organizations through the holistic development of individuals really is that difficult—yet altogether possible for anyone willing to invest the time, effort, and sacrifice required to achieve authentic, transformational results.

Unlike any training program that has ever preceded it, Self-Action Leadership provides a single vehicle wherewith individual self-leaders can discover—and then act—upon the great truth that HOLISTIC personal development and growth spanning the mental, moral, spiritual, physical, emotional, and social elements of our individual natures is within the grasp of each one of us.

NoteFreedom Focused is a non-partisan, for-profit, educational corporation. As such, we do not endorse or embrace political figures. We do, however, comment from time-to-time on historical or political events that provide pedagogical backdrops to illuminating principles contained in the SAL Theory & Model.


Click HERE to learn more about the SAL Theory & Model.

To receive weekly articles from Freedom Focused & Dr. Jordan R. Jensen, sign up with your e-mail address in the white box on the right side of this page where it says "Follow by E-mail."

Click HERE to buy a copy of Dr. Jordan Jensen's new book, Self-Action Leadership: The Key to Personal, Professional, & Global Freedom.

Click HERE to read more about Dr. Jensen's book, Self-Action Leadership, and to review what experts in the leadership field are saying about this groundbreaking new personal development handbook.

Click HERE to learn more about Dr. Jordan R. Jensen. Click HERE to visit the Freedom Focused website.

Press Release

A Personal Leadership Handbook for Millennials 

(And the rest of us)


A new, critically-acclaimed Handbook for Millennials (and the rest of us) was recently published to meet the growing needs of generations past and present plagued by pedagogies of postmodernism that have left the rising generation (and many others) bemused about History, confused about basic definitions of Right and Wrong, and negligent in attending to personal, familial, and civic duties.

Dr. Jordan R. Jensen has dedicated the past 12 years of his life to researching, compiling, and composing this holistic Handbook for the express purpose of closing the profound educational gaps that exist between what needs to be taught and done and what actually is being taught and done in American homes, schools, communities, States, and the nation-at-large to protect our collective liberties, expand our personal freedoms, and maximize our potential for productive achievement.

Drawing deeply from the wells of wisdom literature (including history, science, philosophy, psychology, pedagogy, and theology) and his own detailed doctoral research, Dr. Jensen interweaves detailed anecdotes from his own life and the lives of others to present the most comprehensive personal leadership handbook to hit the market since Dr. Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

According to Dr. David G. Anthony, CEO of Raise Your Hand Texas, "Reading this book may be the most important thing you do this year (or next).  It's presence in the literature is a service to our Country."


Media ContactCall 832-618-5451 today to set up a live interview with Dr. Jensen


Click HERE to buy a copy of Self-Action Leadership



Read what the experts are saying about this Groundbreaking NEW BOOK...

According to a career Air Force officer and pilot, who served as a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hilton for five excruciating years...

“In Self Action Leadership, Jordan Jensen has assembled a leadership masterpiece anchored steadfastly in true principles of philosophy and human behavior. In wonderfully written prose, Jordan reminds us of who we are and what it takes to live and lead with honor. Moreover, he challenges us to live up to the high calling of being human beings with a special mission on this Earth. To accomplish our mission, we must do two major things: grow in our sense of personal responsibility, and in turn, care for others and help them to do the same. I grappled with these two areas in a primal way during more than five years as a POW in Vietnam. Now I’m thrilled to see how Jordan has laid out SAL by using the vehicle of story to illuminate his own, unique journey of transcending adversity. In so doing, he has inspired us all to become who we are capable of becoming. Bravo!”
Colonel Lee Ellis (retired)  CEO of Leadership Freedom and FreedomStar Media, and author of Leading With Honor

And according to a career academic, and the Father of the self-leadership field in the Academe:
“There is no more important contributor to your own effectiveness than how you lead yourself. If you want to learn a great deal about the latest thinking on self- leadership, read this book.”
Charles C. Manz, Ph.D.
Nirenberg Professor of Leadership, The University of Massachussetts

Self-Action Leadership uniquely provides a "Metaphysical Theory of Everything" that serves as a comprehensive guide to one's own self-leadership -- a subject sorely lacking throughout our troubled nation and world, and perhaps especially among Millennials.

Click HERE to buy Self-Action Leadership today. There could be no better Christmas gift for the Millennials you know and care about -- as well as anyone (educator or otherwise) who is interested in helping oneself improve while assisting the Millennial generation live up to its potential.

Dr. Jordan R. Jensen
About the Author: Dr. Jordan Jensen is the founder and CEO of Freedom Focused. He was born at the tail end of Generation X.  He holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and a Doctoral Degree in Education.  His wife, Lina, is a Millennial who graduated from The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  She works for a Fortune 100 energy company in the Houston, Texas area, where the couple reside with their two children.

Click HERE to read more about Dr. Jordan Jensen and Freedom Focused



Get Dr. Jordan Jensen's new Book FREE: 2-month Window

Dear Friends & Colleagues:


Like many of you, I have deep concerns about the direction our Nation & World is trending. For more than a decade, I have been racking my mind and heart in an effort to produce something educational that might give a voice to all those yearning to “do something about it.”

Last Friday I completed, and submitted to a publisher, a book I have been working on since 2003. The book is called: Self-Action Leadership: The Key to Personal & Professional Freedom (A Personal Leadership Resource for Businesses, Schools, Families, and Individuals).

I have spent literally thousands of hours over the past 12 years reading, researching, interviewing, writing, editing, proofreading, presenting and polishing the message in this book. I believe the importance of the message merits the kind of total effort I have invested.

Prior to the book’s official launch on Amazon.com in a couple of months, I am offering a FREE electronic copy of this book to family members, friends, and colleagues. If you are interested in receiving your FREE downloadable PDF of this manuscript, please reply to this e-mail with the word “YES,” and I will send you an invite to my Dropbox folder whereby you can access the downloadable file. Or, if you are reading this via a blog post, just send me an e-mail with the word, “YES” to…

jordan.jensen@freedomfocused.com


If you like the book, feel free to share copies of the PDF file with your own family, friends, and professional network.

The purpose of this book is 5-fold:

  1. Inspire a Renaissance of American Patriotism & Greatness
  2. Promote Personal Responsibility & Self-Reliance
  3. Restore the age-old, classical acceptance of a real Right & Wrong
  4. Eclipse the Postmodern Era with a new AGE of AUTHENTICITY
  5. Provide a comprehensive Theory & Model of self-leadership that provides a holistic roadmap to Personal Growth that will lead to organizational effectiveness and the achievement of the goals stated above. 

Here is a sampling of what some of the EXPERTS are saying about this book: Click on Names to learn more about each endorser.

Praise for Dr. Jordan Jensen & Self-Action Leadership


"In Self Action Leadership, Jordan Jensen has assembled a leadership masterpiece anchored steadfastly in true principles of philosophy and human behavior. In wonderfully written prose, Jordan reminds us of who we are and what it takes to live and lead with honor. Moreover, he challenges us to live up to the high calling of being human beings with a special mission on this Earth. To accomplish our mission, we must do two major things: grow in our sense of personal responsibility, and in turn, care for others and help them to do the same. I grappled with these two areas in a primal way during more than five years as a POW in Vietnam. Now I’m thrilled to see how Jordan has laid out SAL by using the vehicle of story to illuminate his own, unique journey of transcending adversity. In so doing, he has inspired us all to become who we are capable of becoming. Bravo!”

Colonel Lee Ellis
U.S. Air Force Retired. Vietnam POW survivor (Hanoi Hilton). President & Founder of Leadership Freedom® LLC and FreedomStar Media™ Author of Leading With Honor: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton.


“There is no more important contributor to your own effectiveness than how you lead yourself. If you want to learn a great deal about the latest thinking on self-leadership, read this book.”

Charles C. Manz, Ph.D.
Nirenberg Professor of Leadership, The University of Massachusetts, and the Father of self-leadership in the Academe


“Jordan Jensen has written a thorough, intense, and illuminating autobiographical volume about how to lead self.”

James G.S. Clawson, Ph.D.
The Darden Graduate School, University of Virginia, and author of Level 3 Leadership: Getting Below the Surface.


"A deeply personal and richly emotive narrative, Self-Action Leadership takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, providing one of the most detailed and applied treatments of self-leadership concepts currently available."

Jeffery D. Houghton, Ph.D.
West Virginia University, Associate Professor of Management, and leading self-leadership scholar.


“Reading this book may be the most worthwhile thing you do this year. Its presence in the literature is a service to our Country.”

David G.Anthony, Ed.D
CEO of Raise Your Hand Texas


“Jensen’s message is germane to civic leaders, business professionals and workers of all kinds, educators, students, parents, and children—in short, to EVERYONE.”

Christopher P. Neck, Ph.D.
University Master Teacher, Arizona State University


“Anyone who seeks greater insight into their inner struggles, and desires the tools to overcome those struggles—to master self, will find this book a must read!"

Bruce H. Jackson, Ed.M, MBA, MA, Ph.D., MPA
Founder and CEO of The Institute of Applied Human Excellence, and author of Finding Your Flow: How to Identify Your Flow Assets and Liabilities—The Keys to Peak Performance Every Day

SAL Seminar: Self-Action Leadership Explained

In today's post, we follow up on last week's self-leadership video with two videos that introduce Self-Action Leadership, including how it differs from regular self-leadership.

If you are receiving this message via e-mail, the video clips will not show up below. Just click on the blue title -- Self-Action Leadership -- at the top of your screen to access the video clip by visiting the actual blog site.

Self-Action Leadership defined from the SAL Seminar



Self-Action Leadership defined from Dr. Jensen's Speech on Education

SAL Seminar: Self-Leadership

Today's post shares a video segment on self-leadership from Dr. Jensen's recent live SAL seminar. Before defining, explaining, and highlighting what Self-Action Leadership (SAL) is, it helpful to first be clear on what self-leadership is.  In next Tuesday's post, we will share two follow-up video segments that address Self-Action Leadership, and explain specifically how it differs from self-leadership.


If you are receiving this message via e-mail and the video clip does not show up below, just click on the blue title -- Self-Leadership -- at the top of your screen to access the video clip by visiting the actual blog site. 


Dr. Jordan Jensen defines & explains self-leadership 
and its importance in our lives.

The Most Important EDUCATIONAL Message of the 21st Century




Dr. Jordan R. Jensen
Freedom Focused Founder & CEO, Dr. Jordan R. Jensen, Proudly Presents a Groundbreaking new Theory & Model of self-leadership.

View Speech & Seminar in two full-length VIDEOS below.












Video #1: A 21st Century Vision of Education in America


In this video speech, A 21st Century Vision of Education in America, Dr. Jordan R. Jensen introduces Self-Action Leadership with its focus of self-reliance, personal responsibility, and character development as the foundation of a holistic EDUCATION capable of restoring American Greatness and reanimating the American Dream for a whole new generation of U.S. citizens.

This speech was delivered on February 21, 2015 at Lone Star College of the Woodlands, Texas (Houston).




Video #2: Introducing the Self-Action Leadership Theory & Model


In this video seminar, Self-Action Leadership (SAL), Dr. Jensen unveils the SAL theory & model and its aims to fundamentally transform American EDUCATIONAL paradigms in the 21st Century.

This seminar was taught at Lone Star College of the Woodlands, TX (Houston on February 21, 2015.

SAL Seminar: Dr. Jensen & Self-Leadership

Today's post shares the next two sections of the SAL seminar video.  Section 3 provides biographical information about Dr. Jensen.  Section 4 provides an overview of self-leadership -- not to be confused with Self-Action Leadership, which will be covered later this week.  SAL has deep roots in the self-leadership field, so it is appropriate to cover self-leadership in some depth before providing more information about SAL.


Also...  I have noticed that links to the video clips don't show up in the e-mailed versions of the blog.  If you are receiving this post via e-mail and the video links do not show up, just click on the blue title link at the top of the page and you will be redirected to the actual blog post where you can access the videos.


About Dr. Jordan R. Jensen



Self-Leadership: the precursor to SAL


SAL Self-Action Leadership Seminar: Full Seminar

The following video is the full Self-Action Leadership seminar presented February 21, 2015. It details the background, theory, and model of this groundbreaking new self-leadership field.

SAL Seminar Preview: A Self-Help Theory of Everything


SAL Seminar Section 1: "Fire & Ice"


Our next several blog posts contain video footage of Dr. Jordan Jensen's new Self-Action Leadership seminar, as well as his groundbreaking speech on Education entitled: A 21st Century Vision of Education in America, delivered at Lone Star College in The Woodlands, Texas on February 21, 2015



SAL Seminar Section 2: "A Self-Help Theory of Everything"


SAL Book: Choices & Consequences

LAW 4


You are free to choose your thoughts, speech, and actions.

Exceptions to this law exist in cases of diagnosable mental illness or disability (particularly psychosis and extreme cognitive impairment). Therefore, unless you are severely mentally ill or disables, you are free to choose your thoughts, speech, and actions: the building blocks of habits, character, and destiny.


COROLLARY 4.1: All thoughts, words, and actions create consequences.

While we cannot always identify the precise cause-and-effect relationships in a complex network of human behavior, the reality of consequences is self-evident.

COROLLARY 4.2: You cannot choose your consequences.

While you are free to make choices, you are not free to select the consequences of your choices. You may manipulate consequences to your liking for short-term gain, but in the end, natural consequences will overpower even the strongest efforts to circumvent them.

COROLLARY 4.3: Consequences are no respecter of persons.

Sometimes your consequences are immediate (e.g., touching a hot stove); others require time to materialize (e.g., failing to care for your relationships, car engine, or health). The time it takes for a given consequence to materialize differs widely from choice-to-choice, and is based on a host of physical, mental, emotional, social, and existential variables. Consequences do not prejudice, nor do they play favorites; they are subject to natural law.

Newton’s Third Law of Motion says, “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” This law applies to everyone, and is an excellent illustration that even physics asserts the presence of consequences. Consider, for example, the law of gravity. If you choose to jump off a cliff without proper equipment, it doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, healthy or sick, famous or unknown, the result will be the same—and it won’t be pretty.

COROLLARY 4.4: Consequences shape your world.

The state of your world at any given point is the summation of consequences from choices both you and others around you have made over the course of your existence. This means that over time, you will ultimately reap as you sow. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. External forces, including death, can truncate or disguise your mortal harvest. Nevertheless, as a general rule, you will eventually harvest the fruits of all the seeds (thoughts, speech, and actions) you plant in your life.

COROLLARY 4.5: Harvests take time to measure. [1]

As human beings, we are apt to make premature judgments about the benefit or detriment of a person, action, event, or circumstance. Often, the passage of time proves such judgments to be short sighted, incomplete, or unfair. Some of life’s seemingly great successes may produce the seeds of your greatest grief and failure, while some of life’s most painful failures, tragedies, disappointments, and disillusionments may ultimately produce your greatest joys, successes, growth, and bliss.

COROLLARY 4.6: Your SAL capacity and potential comes with internal and external variables in the form of benefits and limitations.


The 16 SAL variables mentioned here were described in detail in BOOK THE FIRST, Chapter 16. To review, they are:

  1. Forces of Nature
  2. Congenital Physical Variables
  3. Congenital Familial Environment
  4. Genetic & Mimetic Inclinations
  5. Initial Opportunities for Education
  6. Congenital Social Environment
  7. Choices of Others
  8. Time
  9. Structural Inequality
  10. Geopolitics & Macroeconomics
  11. Good & Bad Luck
  12. Suprarational Intervention
  13. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
  14. Self-leadership Intelligence and Talent
  15. Self-leadership Desire
  16. Self-leadership Will



Today's post was kind of short. Want more? Read a Great Article on Serendipity recently published by Dr. Bruce H. Jackson, one of the world's foremost experts in FLOW theory.

Click on link below to Read Dr. Jackson's article...

Serendipity meets Karma meets Leadership

Click on link below to buy Dr. Jackson's book on FLOW...

Finding Your FLOW


Next Blog Post: Tuesday, January 27, 2015 ~ Taking Complete Personal Responsibility

[1] See Smith, H.W. (1994). The 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management: Proven Strategies for Increased Productivity and Inner Peace. "Results often take time to measure." New York, NY: Warner Books. Page 145.

SAL Book: A Moral Imperative

Self-Action Leadership is a derivative of self-leadership theory (more on this later). A key difference between Self Action Leadership (SAL), and plain old self-leadership (S-L), is that SAL theory invokes a moral imperative, while S-L theory is morally neutral—at least implicitly. SAL theory maintains that contributing to the long-term well-being of others is at least as important as earning Existential Growth yourself.
SAL raises the bar on S-L by taking into account the existence of True Principles in life, the world, and the universe. True Principles come in the form of causes and consequences that set the price for acquiring lasting success. For example, if you want oranges, you’d better not plant apple seeds. If you wish to be fit, you’d better get off the couch and exercise regularly. There is no other way. You cannot cheat natural systems.

“Natural Laws have consistent, predictable consequences. They exist whether or not we recognize them. And they exert their effects on us without our consent or awareness. … If we internalize [them] … we can significantly increase our personal productivity and happiness. … If you apply them, you will find inner peace, perhaps the most desirable gift you can obtain in this life.”[1]
– Hyrum W. Smith
(1943-Present)


Many of the world’s most evil and selfish people are (or were) quite effective self-leaders. History’s most salient example of evil self-leadership is Adolf Hitler. A talented, disciplined, and remarkably capable self-leader, this fiendish führer effectively used a variety of “behavioral and cognitive strategies”[2] toward achieving his ambitious geopolitical aims. The problem, of course, was that his actions were ruthless, immoral, and self-serving. The worst war and genocide in human history resulted from the remarkable self-leadership of this fiend.

Because Hitler ignored True Principles (a moral compass) in the pursuit of his grand objectives, his self-leadership results had a relatively short shelf life; the thousand-year reign he promised lasted only 12 years. Along the way, five to seven million Germans died—not to mention the tens of millions of soldiers and civilians slaughtered by the Nazi war machine. By the time he took his own life in 1945, much of Europe was in shambles. The scope of atrocity and destruction mirrored his talent and influence as a self-leader and leader of others.

SAL provides the moral compass that S-L theory lacks. SAL empowers you to not just permanently succeed, but to benefit others while doing so. When your time in this world is done, you can leave behind a lasting legacy that will make all who know you proud, and continue to positively impact those you leave behind. S-L can help you to do great (or terrible) things. SAL, on the other hand, can empower you to actually become great through doing good things.

To better illustrate the difference between evil self-leadership and moral Self-Action Leadership, compare and contrast the lives of Adolf Hitler and Nelson Mandela. Ironically, these two men’s journeys actually resembled each other in some ways in their earlier years. For example, both men had axes to grind for real and perceived injustices inflicted on them by family, institutions, or nations. Both were intelligent, capable men who were passionate about their country. Both worked assiduously and fought vigorously to bring about national changes in their respective nations. Moreover, in their efforts to bring about change, both men were eventually imprisoned for contributing to civil unrest (albeit Mandela was imprisoned much longer than Hitler).

The profound moral separation between these two historical figures was realized in the way in which they chose to respond to their respective imprisonments. Hitler used his time to let his bitterness fester and ferment. This led him to write Mein Kampf (“My Struggle”), Hitler’s famous philosophical treatise that argues for anti-semitism, Aryan supremacy, and German nationalism and power. Mandela’s heart, on the other hand, was softened in prison. Guided by the principles of self-reliance and personal power championed in William Ernest Henley’s poem, Invictus, Mandela charted a whole new course for his life that he pursued with integrity upon his release.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.[3]

Nelson’s positive transformation in prison led him to become President of his country, which led to the formal end of the evil, racist practices of apartheid. Both Hitler and Mandela were remarkable self-leaders, but only Mandela can be credited with being an effective self-action leader. This historical contrast underscores the importance of exercising morally informed Self-Action Leadership in place of morally neutral self-leadership. What different legacies Hitler and Mandela left behind for others to observe, study, and reflect upon! Self-leadership is easily hijacked by tricksters and tyrants seeking to swindle and subjugate. Self-Action Leadership is the domain of men and women seeking to practice fidelity to True Principles.


A TEXTBOOK FOR LIFE


I’m not the first to invoke the phrase “moral imperative” to describe SAL related principles. Daniel Goleman elevated emotional intelligence – a topic related to both S-L and SAL – to the same status, calling it a “pressing moral imperative”[4] in our postmodern society.

There are times when the fabric of society seems to unravel at ever-greater speed, when selfishness, violence, and a meanness of spirit seem to be rotting the goodness of our communal lives. … Those who are at the mercy of impulse—who lack self-control—suffer a moral deficiency: The ability to control impulse is the base of will and character. … And if there are two moral stances that our times call for, they are … self-restraint and compassion.[5]

Goleman continues by pointing out that temperaments can be changed, and that the time for rewiring bad emotional circuits should begin early:

Our genetic heritage endows each of us with a series of emotional set-points that determines our temperament. But brain circuitry involved is extraordinarily malleable; temperament is not destiny. … This means that childhood and adolescence are critical windows of opportunity for setting down the essential emotional habits that will govern our lives.[6]

To confront these challenges and embrace these opportunities, Goleman, “Forsee[s] a day when education will routinely include inculcating essential human competencies such as self-awareness, self-control, and empathy, and the arts of listening, resolving conflicts, and cooperation.”[7] M. Scott Peck, M.D. added his “two cents to the fire”[8] by expressing his desire to see a “program of mental health education in our public schools,” along with teaching the “old proverbs.”[9] An explicit goal of this book, and the express role of Freedom Focused, is to further the visions of Goleman, Peck, and all other exponents of this exceedingly worthy educational goal.

SAL is interested in the weightier matters of life and education. It is an umbrella topic that includes, but is not limited to a host of vital topics that every human being must study and practice if they seek lasting happiness, success, and growth. These topics include, but are not limited to:

Integrity                        Morality                    Courage
Patience                        Discipline                 Self-restraint
Self-Control                 Self-Regulation         Emotional intelligence
Determination              Persistence                Consistence
Balance                        Kindness                    Compassion
Humility                       Compassion              Empathy
Forgiveness                  Interpersonal skills    Frugality
Insight                          Foresight                   Hindsight
Generosity                   Wisdom                     Temperance
Tolerance                     Hard work                 Goal setting
Loyalty                         Love                         Self-Awareness
Values identification   Values clarification   Values prioritization
Vision                          Mission                     Endurance
Enthusiasm                  Realism                     Optimism
Faith                            Respect                      Reverence
Duty                             Honor                        Truth.


Despite the self-evident importance of these topics, isn’t it strange how you won’t find a single comprehensive academic text on these subjects? Amidst the mountain of textbooks out there, where is the textbook on life itself? Where is the syllabus for being an effective human being? Where on the Internet can you locate a holistic guide for effectively navigating Planet Earth? You will not find it in schools, colleges, universities, or even online… until now.

There are many ideologies, religions, philosophies, dogmas, and creeds, and each has books that promote their doctrine. Many of these books, which typically deal with topical, or peripheral SAL issues, are good books worth reading. I am unaware, however, of a non-ideological and non-religious, yet comprehensive and academic Guide to Being Human. I have therefore determined to write one myself. I have designed it to serve as a storybook, poetry book, textbook, and workbook all at the same time. This will allow you to read, ponder, mark, study, write, plan, and set goals all in one place.

If you are ready to go to work, read on…


[1] Smith, H.W. (1994) The 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management: Proven Strategies for Increased Productivity and Inner Peace. New York, NY: Warner Books. Pages 14-15.
[2] Neck, C.P. & Houghton, J.D. (2006). Two Decades of Self-Leadership Theory and Research: Past Developments, Present Trends, and Future Possibilities. Journal of Managerial Psychology. Volume 21, Issue 4, p. 270-295. DOI 10.1108/02683940610663097. Page 270.
[3] Invictus by William Ernest Henley. In Cook, R.J. (1958/1997). One Hundred and One Famous Poems: With a Prose Supplement (Revised Edition). Lincolnwood, IL: Contemporary Books.
[4] Goleman, D. (1995) Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More than IQ. New York, NY: Bantam. Page xii.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid. Page xiii.
[7] Ibid. Page xiv. For a further discussion on these Pedagogies of Personal Leadership for students of all ages, see BOOK THE FOURTH.
[8] Phrase coined by France Nielson, a college buddy of mine.
[9] Peck, M.S. (1993). Further Along the Road Less Traveled: The Unending Journey Toward Spiritual Growth, The Edited Lectures. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. Page 143.

SAL Book: It's Not only About You

I Am Responsible.

What does it really mean to be RESPONSIBLE?

Freedom Focused suggests it means two basic things. First, you have both the freedom and the power to choose your own response to any given situation, regardless how you might feel. This means you do not have to be a victim of circumstance; you can choose to rise above it. Second, it means you are accountable to others for the choices you make. This responsibility extends to at least ten different persons, groups, or entities:




  1. Yourself
  2. Significant other
  3. Family
  4. Friends
  5. Neighbors
  6. Colleagues
  7. All others possibly affected by your choices
  8. Families, organizations, communities, states, and nations in  which you reside
  9. The world at large
  10. Planet Earth

In other words, it's not only about you.  Yet paradoxically, it begins with YOU.  Beyond you, however, we are all responsible to ALL these people, groups and entities—and in this order. The order is important because you can only help others if you are in good working condition yourself, and families and organizations can only help communities, states, nations, the world, and Planet Earth if they themselves are practicing integrity and synergistically working together on realistic long-term solutions. Unfortunately, many people get this essential order mixed up. As a result, they end up sacrificing their talents, education, relationships, and sometimes even their personal health and hygiene on things that, in the end, are relatively meaningless in terms of authentic external contributions.

“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe(1749 - 1832)


In the grand scheme of things, you aren’t going to be worth a hill of beans to anyone or anything—including the planet—until your own life and house are in order. Caring for the planet and its flora and fauna residing alongside us, while vitally important, should never trump caring for the human beings who make it their home. Rather, it should be a natural outgrowth of a populace who, by virtue of their collective Existential Growth, naturally turn their attention to cleaning up their environment as a matter of duty and conscience.

Taking personal responsibility is often uncomfortable and inconvenient. We are not always naturally inclined to work hard, exercise self-discipline and self-denial, or sacrifice for the well being of others. Our base natures simply do not seek after anything that might be challenging, painful, or selfless.

Know it or not, and like it or not, as members of one mighty interrelated human family, we are deeply connected to each other in ways that transcend the understanding of even the wisest among us. As such, we carry certain responsibilities toward each other. When these duties are neglected, devastating consequences occur. Selfishness, while always an option, is also always wrong.

True Principles are sovereign. Consequences wreak havoc whenever and wherever human beings defy them. On the other hand, consequences also pave the way to lasting happiness, prosperity, and even greatness for those who abide by them. The natural obstinacy of mankind leads to repeated attempts to flout these laws—much to our collective detriment. One of the most fundamentally True Principles of life is that we all have an Existential Duty to act responsibly for the long-term benefit of ourselves, as well as everyone and everything else that may be impacted or influenced by our choices.

There are many individuals throughout history who have chosen to learn about, honor, and adhere to, True Principles. Many such people presently inhabit the Planet. These individuals experience perpetual happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment throughout their lives. They also grow, prosper, enjoy enriching relationships, and leave a positive legacy that burns ever brighter with time. Most importantly, these people make meaningful contributions to others and the environment in which they reside. They literally leave the world a better place than they found it. It is from such individuals that we can observe qualities of selflessness and integrity--and derive inspiration to develop these virtues within ourselves.

This book is written for individuals who yearn to escape the menacing gravitational pulls of Existential Gravity by owning up to their Existential Duties. You are obviously one of these people, or you would not be reading this book right now. I congratulate you for your desire to be responsible. Now it is time to put your desire into ACTION.

Will you choose to be RESPONSIBLE for your own sake, the sake of your fellow members of the human race, and the wellbeing of the planet we all call home? If so, then read on…



Next Blog Post: Friday, November 21, 2014 -- Chapter 6: The Age of Authenticism (The End of Postmodernism)