Creative Cooperation
Finding ‘Me’ in ‘We’ - 3 minutes reading
All of us share so much in common and yet we end up with so many differences. We compete in almost everything: thoughts, values, principles, choices, materials, and objectives. These differences create conflicts. As per ‘societal norms’, a competitive approach to resolve such arising conflicts is to “win as much as you can”.
Although, unless the people competing on their respective positions reach a middle point, neither of them ends up being truly pleased. What a pity to have such conflicts lead people to the lowest common denominator between them! Why not unleash the principle of Creative Cooperation to develop solutions to problems? Solutions that are better than either person’s beliefs and notions.
Human beings have four dimensions – body, mind, heart, and soul. Which approach would you choose to enjoy the fruits of all four dimensions?
Body:
General tendency – a good lifestyle must be maintained; health problems can be treated with medication, surgery, etc.
Fundamental truth – align lifestyle with established universally accepted principles of health and prevent diseases.
Mind:
General tendency – watch television, spend time on social media, play video games, “entertain me”
Fundamental truth – Read, meditate, learn continuously.
Heart:
General tendency – use relationships with others for personal, selfish interests. Disrespect, hold grudges, and negative emotions.
Fundamental truth – deep respectful conversations, unbiased listening, forgiveness and appreciation and elevating others create long lasting relationships and bring joy.
Soul:
General tendency – Follow secularism, scepticism, cultural dogmatism and fanaticism
Fundamental truth – Willpower, self-discipline, small acts of courage and kindness are the sources which add meaning to one’s life. Natural laws which I truly believe comes from the ultimate Universal Power.
The quality of our life ultimately comes down to the quality of our contribution, communication and thoughts. Everyone has a unique model of the world. Creative Cooperation is to find the ‘Me’ in ‘We’. Hence, we can accept the societal norms, without learning the art of compromise by following the established principles and lead a life of purpose and fulfilment.
Ref: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey