Transform

Transformation and Transcendence

State of mind? Reality? What is the difference? Is one better than the other? Let’s explore…

To change (something) completely and usually in a good way

“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam webster.com/dictionary/transform.

There are several types of transformation from business to digital to genetics. For this segment, we are going to look at personal transformation. Personal transformation seems to have a suggestion that one is coming from a place of lack and drastically changes something to improve. Whether it is their life, health, appearance or mindset to mention a few.

When you watch makeover shows, it’s all about a makeover. This is where someone is looking to improve how they think, look or behave. It comes from a place where you want to move to a better version of yourself. It’s like a life calling where one says – enough is enough.

After trawling through the internet researching personal transformation, I came across some great articles. Coincidentally they involved 6 steps.

Discovery: The 6 Keys to Personal Transformation

https://possibilitychange.com/personal-transformation/

In this article on possibilitychange.com Mark Swedberg writes about how one minute you are a carefree child and before you know it you’re now shaped by the pressures of life. This article highlights that reminiscing and reclaiming your ideals from youth is not about being younger, it’s about finding that pizazz and bright-eyed dreams you had before the monotony and conditioning of your environment set in. Swedberg’s 6 steps to personal transformation are not complicated, they are simple and the key is, to be honest with yourself.

Swedberg’s 6 steps to personal transformation

Step 1: Craft Your Vision

Step 2: Increase Your Knowledge

Step 3: Be Open to Feedback

Step 4: Embrace the Culture

Step 5: Track Your Progress

Step 6: Keep Things in Perspective

In this article on cbnc.com Rhett Power writes about how as human’s our greatest gift is the power of choice. There is a focus on how we can change things if we change ourselves. This is based on our inability to control outside influences such as events, people and the environment. So rather than looking to others to improve ourselves, it’s about being aware of what outcomes we want, facing the issues at hand and believing in ourselves.

Power’s 6 crucial steps for a powerful personal transformation

Step 1: Record the Outcome

Step 2: Take Baby Steps

Step 3: Learn From Others

Step 4: Be the Outcome

Step 5: Be Willing to be Uncomfortable

Step 6: Be Your Own Cheerleader

Discovery: 6 crucial steps for a powerful personal transformation

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/15/6-crucial-steps-for-a-powerful-personal-transformation.html

TRANSCEND

To rise above or go beyond the normal limits of (something)

“Transcend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcend.

Transcendence seems to have a spiritual undertone, rising to a superior state and moving beyond your physical state or state of current reality. For this segment, we are going to look at self-transformation.

The words that come to mind involve levitating, elevating, enlightenment, religion, spirituality.

Discovery: The 4 characteristics of self-transcendence

https://positivepsychology.com/self-transcendence/

Author Courtney E. Ackerman’s article on positivepsyhology.com writes about it’s hard to pinpoint other examples of self-transcendence, but its four characteristics will ensure that you know it when you see it::

A focus moves from oneself to others is the most relevant and significant.
When you do something, it is because are driven by is the activity itself. Your values are not based on external rewards-based.
More intensive focus on doing what is right.
Experiences of higher-order emotions can be triggered by all three of the characteristics described above; the emotions include awe, ecstasy, amazement, feeling uplifted, feeling elevated, etc. (Wong, 2017).

“If you know anyone who is constantly working to meet the needs of less fortunate others, who are driven not by money or rewards but by an internal drive and is always concerned with doing the right thing, you likely have an example of self-transcendence right in front of you!”
Courtney E. Ackerman

Ever heard of Maslow’s pyramid? An article in bigthink.com about Psychologist Abraham Maslow's highest level on the hierarchy of needs looks at seven common traits for people who have self-transcended.

The pyramid refers to the journey and steps of self-actualization that needs to occur before self-transcendence happens. Self-transcendent is an outward benefit that offers service to others as opposed to an inner benefit to oneself.

7 common traits of self-transcended people

A will to find meaning in their lives
Creating something for the world
Receptive to the inherent beauty in the world
Focus shifts from selfhood to the well-being of others
Change for motivation of values
A steady stream of elevated emotions
Morally concerned for others

Discovery: 7 common traits of self-transcended people

https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/7-traits-self-transcended-people/

Self-transformation is inner centric and is about changing something. You may be changing your appearance, image, and attitude, overall it’s about transforming into the person you want to be.

Self-transcendence is outer centric and is about raising and moving beyond. It’s more about being spiritually in touch with having some integral part of the universe. Self-transcendence is also about giving service to others.