by Maurine
Patten, EdD. CMC
http://www.PattenCoaching.Com
©
2008
Wisdom is defined as judging rightly and following
the soundest course of action. It is known that wisdom:
-
Is separate from intelligence.
- Is based on information,
life experience, and
understanding.
- Represents a higher
level of knowledge, judgment, and
capacity to give advice.
-
Lets you address important and difficult questions about
the meaning of life.
-
Is used for the good of yourself as well as others.
Positive
Psychology researchers Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman identify thinking
and behavior patterns for the character strength of wisdom in their book, "Character
Strengths and Virtues" (2004). Five of the twenty-four listed character strengths
contribute to the over-all Virtue of Wisdom/Knowledge:
-
Perspective/wisdom.
- Creativity.
-
Curiosity.
- Open-mindedness.
- Love
of Learning.
Researchers Dr. Barry Schwartz
and Kenneth Sharpe believe it is essential to have practical wisdom (perspective)
as a "master" strength to guide the other twenty-three strengths.
Wisdom
is learned through experience, not taught. It is acquired by the successful resolution
of crises and hardship. The capacity to integrate and find meaning and
purpose
in stressful life events is a prerequisite for practical wisdom or perspective.
Ways
of improving practical wisdom are:
- Be as active
in your career during your 30's as possible
to solidify your career plans.
This is also a good time to
make major life changes.
-
Successfully resolve any crises or hardships you might be
experiencing.
-
Find meaning and purpose in stressful events and respond
well to them.
-
Concentrate on doing "good" rather than feeling good.
-
Resolve any regrets that you might have.
- Find a mentor.
In
addition, psychologist Jonathan Haidt encourages people
to:
-
Read classic works of literature and philosophy; reflect
on their truth and
value for you.
- Think of something from another point of
view; explain
the broader outlook of your life in one or two sentences.
-
Find purposefulness in your last five significant
actions/decisions. Generate
wise alternatives for your
future.
- Look up prominent,
wise people in history. Read or watch
a film based on their life. How can their
lives guide your
decisions/actions?
- Think of the wisest
person you know; try to live each day
as that person would live.
-
Talk with older people about their lives and the lessons
they have learned.
-
Be aware of the moral implications and possible
consequences of your actions.
Wisdom
is a positive predictor of successful aging. It helps you balance your other strengths,
i.e. honesty, kindness, justice, self-control, or zest to mention a few. Some
researchers believe it is a "master" strength which guides your other
twenty-three strengths.
I hope you will try some of the
above options for becoming wiser. Your benefit will be an increased sense of inner
calmness about the choices and decisions you make in your life. It is key to successful
aging.
