There are many ways to do fine work. One approach is to focus on finding, following and fulfilling your tradition. This involves asking:
Who are the people I admire who have made a positive contribution? What were the principles they followed? How can I follow this tradition and do my best to make a positive contribution?
People who recognise their tradition feel they are part of something greater than themselves. Others have taken this route before and many will follow it in the future.
People who find their tradition often feel humbler yet stronger. Let’s explore how you can follow these steps in your own way.
Finding Your Tradition
Start by writing the names of the people you admire whose path you would like to follow in your own way. For example, my own models have been people such as Abraham Maslow, Virginia Satir and Viktor Frankl.
Why? They each wrote books that gave a positive view of people’s possibilities. Whilst not having the same talent as these people, I want to build on their work in my own way.
What is your tradition? If you are caring for people in a hospice, you may be following the path taken by Dame Cicely Saunders, Sheila Cassidy and Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.
If you are aiming to encourage people in education, you may be following the path taken by Maria Montessori, John Dewey and other great teachers.
If you are doing pioneering work on the web, you may be following the path taken by Tim Berners-Lee. Alternatively, you may be pursuing a path taken by other people.
If you want to build a positive business, you may be following some of the principles demonstrated by Anita Roddick, Paul Hawken and other people.
Who have been the people you have admired whose path you would like to follow in your own way? What were the principles they followed? What happened as a result of some of them taking these steps?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
Following Your Tradition
How can you follow this path in your own way? How can you add to the tradition? How can you use your strengths to perform superb work?
Bernard Haldane and Richard Bolles, for example, helped many people to shape their future careers. They pioneered a path that has been followed by many others who help people to follow their vocation.
Barrie Hopson and Mike Scally did similar work in the UK and published their book Build Your Own Rainbow. Today there are many people who dedicate themselves to helping people do fulfilling work.
John Wooden followed the tradition of helping individuals to become the best they could be. The vehicle he chose was basketball. David Hemery and many others have followed this path in different sports.
Let’s return to your own life and work. What do you think may be your tradition? Try to think of a name for what you do. This may not be a perfect summary of what you do but it may point you in a certain direction.
You may follow in the tradition of being an encourager, educator, healer, coach or mentor. You may be a pioneer, problem solver, social entrepreneur, leader, orchestrator or play another role.
How can you follow your tradition? The key is to follow your principles each day. You will then honour the past and keep the road open for others to follow in the future.
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
Fulfilling Your Part Of Your Tradition
How can you contribute to your tradition? One approach is to focus on the following themes.
You can start by identifying your tradition.
You may be working as an encourager, counsellor, healer, artist, athlete, scientist, leader or in another role. If appropriate, you can focus on how you can continue to develop in this role.
You can do positive work by following the principles associated with the tradition.
This is a path taken by many people who serve something greater than themselves. They aim keep translating their principles into action and do positive work each day.
You can add to the knowledge base of the tradition.
You may can do this by building on your strengths and making a contribution. You may do this by performing pioneering work, producing a book, building prototypes or passing on knowledge.
You will, of course, find your own way of contributing to your tradition. Taking these steps can sometimes lead to a sense of fulfilment.
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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