Why growth & contribution are everything!

Why do we behave, act and think the way we do?

Why is it that we measure success and value by materialism, wealth and status, yet frown upon complacency, health and connection?

What is it from the past that drives and shapes all our emotions, actions, quality of life and, ultimately, our destinies?

The best contribution one can make to humanity is to improve oneself.” – Frank Herbert

All dysfunctional behaviours arise from the inability to consistently meet these core needs. The hardest thing to do is to stop repeating the same behaviour from yesterday. People’s needs aren’t just behind the bad decisions we make – they are also behind all the great thing’s humans accomplish. Understanding your own needs and psychology can not only help you avoid toxic behaviours and habits but can also help you achieve your goals. Everyone wants to change in life, but no one wants to be changed.

We are only disappointed in life when we expect other people to think, act, behave and respond the way we do.

Many of your behaviours are based on which of your needs are – or are not – being met. Depending on which of the basic human needs are foremost in your personality, you could be spending a lot of time consciously or subconsciously meeting one or two of them. And if you don’t succeed, it could negatively impact your overall sense of well-being.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands—one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn

Today we are focused on growth and contribution. According to Tony Robbins these are two of six essentials. The secret to living is giving, and those who experience growth and contribution are more likely to have a happier perspective and purpose driven life. If you have a need to contribute, you will likely make a big difference in your community. However, you can lose sight of the fact that giving begins at home and neglect those closest to you as you change the world. You must give to yourself before you give to others.

Carl Jung states that the caregiver archetype is characterised by impulsively to care and protect others. This archetype is commonly associated with generosity, empathy and compassion. People who identify with this archetype often feel a strong need to help others and to make the world a safer and more welcoming place. The shadow side is that they often put the needs of others above their own, showing a great capacity for sacrifice.

Gandhi was a definite caregiver. Now you don’t have to be as big as Gandhi for growth and contribution. You can do it right her and right now on your doorstep in many ways. Gandhi’s building blocks in life caused a domino effect leading towards Independence.

Growth can be many different factors and measured in different ways of success by all of us. If you are a contributor, one of your core needs will be that you are an extremely empathetic and compassionate person. You enjoy giving back and sharing what you have. You want to leave a legacy. Yet you may burn out easily or be taken advantage of by others. I see this very much in the movement community.

“The quality of your life will be determined by the quality of your contribution. When you work to improve the lives of others, your life improves automatically.” – Kurek Ashley

Giving back in life is the best way to experience contribution. Don’t just join a volunteer group – start your own. The closer the cause is to your heart, the more fulfilled you will feel. Growth is important for our spiritual needs; it requires us to be uncomfortable.

Most of us will play small rather than play big in life. Growth can come from our most challenging moments. They can often stem from loss, and it can be these moments of grace and gratitude that we understand that we all have something to share and give back. Contribution can be defined as a sense of service and focus by giving and supporting others. It can steer us to our life and soul purpose and give us desire for true strength. If we want to better our lives, we have to be willing to change.

“Out of difficulties grow miracles.” — Jean de La Bruyère

Bibliography

Paul Mort media

Tony Robbins media

About the Author: Nisha Srivastava

Nisha is a certified level 3 Chek practitioner and holistic lifestyle coach specialising in Pilates and Yoga. Her journey started when a visiting Laban teacher introduced her to Pilates at Dance College in a contemporary class during her first year. Its effects were forgotten but she then re-discovered Pilates through Michael King eleven years later whilst running her dance school. Her background spans over 32 years with formal training in classical ballet, modern dance, tap, national choreography, stage production and theatre. Her formation includes Pilates, Thai bodywork, Yoga, GYROTONIC, GYROKINESIS, Garuda and anatomical studies. Her particular interest is fascia, and the connective lines and movement patterns that allow a full moving structure rather than the isolation of bones and muscles. Her fascination with questioning the traditions of modern medicine and fascination with searching for meaningful answers has taken her in many different directions and has offered her an abundance of opportunities gaining a wealth of knowledge. “I tried many movement modalities and extended my search after experiencing fascia, because of its connection of movement. Quickly, I noticed my own body changing, as well as the bodies of my own clients. In the last 32 years of teaching I’ve developed my own movement and lifestyle philosophy". Throughout her studies Nisha has done numerous dissections with Julian Baker, Mel Cash and Cery Davies and has the opportunity to take lectures and courses from James de Silva, Robert Schleip, Joanne Avison, Tom Myers, Matt Wallden, Leigh Brandon, Emma Lane, Gary Carter, Paul Chek, Dan Hellman, Peter Blackaby plus many more. Nisha's teaching method promotes reflective self-discovery and provides the requirements to integrate a shift in consciousness for attaining individual goals. Nisha teaches in her own studios in St. Helens and Manchester, plus she also has an online following. Throughout her career she has also taught Sting, Sir Ian McKellen, Cirque de Soleil, Will Young and Belinda Carlisle. She has also worked in professional football and both Rugby League and Union for over 20 years. Players she has provided a specific program for were former Manchester Citys Vincent Kompany, Everton's Steven Pinnear and goal keeper Jonas Lossi. She maintains that an attitude of compassion, consistency and joyous humour are excellent components to growth and expanded potential. She welcomes all level of movers from the beginner to the seasoned athlete who have a desire to increase their skill potential, also teachers and students. Her specialties include assisting post rehabilitative back pain individuals, injury prevention for athletes and spine health for everyday people.