Self-Improvement and Excellence

Perhaps the most interesting implementation of creativity that is never exhibited in the animal kingdom is self-improvement. Have you ever seen a squirrel self-help video? Sure, maybe some "higher" animals will learn tricks, or develop some minor tools. They show a degree of interaction with the world around them, a spacial awareness. What animal, though, shows self-awareness? When has a dog decided to bulk up? You never see a rabbit doing squats. Animals are content to live in their current state, provided it is warm and comfortable.

Humans seem to lack the ability to be satisfied. "If only..." has started so many wishes and so many hopes... Even those with the power to satisfy their needs, physically, seem to dream of better for themselves, for others, or for their children. This is exhibited in several forms, such as charity. Tonight, though, I'm primarily interested in one manifestation of humanity's dissatisfaction - self-improvement.

Perhaps our freedom from instinct is just too damning. It makes us imperfect. Proper habits are not ingrained from birth - they are only created through a lifetime of self-discipline and labor. Of course, that leaves the very real possibility that they are not formed. Fortunately, we have the self-awareness to recognize when we are lacking - if we care to admit it to ourselves, of course. The interesting counterpart to this skill is the skill of self-deception - what other creature pathologically lies to itself? But that's another excellent topic.

I've tried to improve myself many times throughout the years, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. It is difficult to break habits! Even more difficult, though, is forming new ones. The self-discipline! It is one thing to deny oneself - it is another entirely to force an unpleasant task. Nearly torture! Perhaps, truly torture. But when, and if, a person decides so strongly that his current state, his lack of excellence, is a greater torture than any he could inflict upon himself, he will succeed in his task. Not until that moment, when all becomes too clear, can it be achieved.

That may explain the ubiquity of self-improvement in today's culture, and the ludicrous paucity of excellence. Self-improvement cannot be taught, it can only be willed. It is one thing to want to improve, it is another to decide. Most people are stuck at the first step. They have proven their higher order - they have self-awareness. The ones who can form their own destiny, superseding their habits and shortcomings, are participating in the fullest potential of humanity.