Essay
The Matrix
Starting a Personal Development Journey
Two issues ago, we discussed the horizontal line dichotomy between being in a stable state in life versus feeling lost or in despair. In the last issue, we examined the vertical line of seeking contentment versus ambition. Now we can combine these concepts into a two-by-two matrix.
This gives us four starting points for a personal development journey. Depending on the starting point, the initial steps and path can be quite different.
This is a matrix with the Y-axis being a stable context in life versus being in a state of feeling lost or in despair. The X-axis represents a desire for a content peaceful existence versus a desire for outlier ambitions.
Upper-Left: In the top left quadrant, we have individuals with a stable life context seeking a content peaceful existence. They prioritize stability and satisfaction with their circumstances, finding joy in everyday experiences.
Lower-Left: The bottom left quadrant encompasses those feeling lost or in despair, wishing for a quiet peaceful existence. They yearn for tranquility and stability amidst their troubled circumstances, seeking solace and normality.
Lower-Right: The bottom right quadrant includes individuals feeling lost or in despair, who simultaneously desire outlier ambitions. Despite their distressed situation, they aspire to rise above and achieve extraordinary goals — wanting to demonstrate resilience and a drive to change their narratives.
Upper-Right: In the top right quadrant, we see those with stable lives who desire outlier ambitions. They maintain their foundational security while striving for exceptional achievements, aiming to leave a mark and push boundaries.
Starting Points & Action Steps
Note that when starting from either of the two lower quadrents, the initial objective is to move to the quadrent directly above.
Upper-Left: Those in the upper-left quadrant will take on their personal development journey with continual, modest tweaking and personal self-experimentation. They're not in a rush. They're trying and feeling their way toward improvement.
Lower-Left: Those in the lower left quadrant need to develop a deeper awareness of mind states and bring about a mind-framing shift. Such a first step will help them frame their reality in a more constructive and productive way — enabling growth toward the upper left quadrant. Improving basic health through good nutrition and exercise is essential here and will help the psychological shifts needed.
Lower-Right: Those in the lower right quadrant need to identify their direction. They need to determine what they value in life and what makes life meaningful in order to shape specific aspirations from that self-awareness. They need to be clear and specific about what they want to achieve in life, then take modest, intentional steps in that direction. It's important not to focus on speed or worry about pacing — just consistent, intentional steps in the right direction will build a sense of meaningful progress. Improving basic health through nutrition and exercise is essential to build the strength and stamina needed to accelerate in the next stages.
Upper-Right: Those in the upper right quadrant are launching from a strong position but have set distant, ambitious targets. They need to undergo personal transformations to become the kind of individuals who can achieve the things they dream of.
From these starting contexts, we can now speak with more substance and clarity on how to improve our lives. We'll build on this in future issues.