Part 2: The Formula for Thriving in a 4th Turning

Published: Tue, 01/05/10


"Empowering Ordinary Citizens to Make an Extraordinary Difference"
 
 


The Formula for Thriving in a Fourth Turning

By Stephen Palmer
 
 
 
This is part 2 of a 3-part article. Read part 1 here.
 
 
 
Although more specific rules apply to particular components of the shift, the following six points comprise the universal formula that runs through them all:
  1. Turn Inward
  2. Find Your Core
  3. Leadership Education
  4. Build Community
  5. Earn, Innovate & Save
  6. Lead
Turn Inward
 

"A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the luster of the firmament of bards and sages."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson in Self-Reliance

 
Know this: To whom you turn for support and guidance during this crisis will largely determine your success throughout it and beyond.
 
In the past we've relied primarily on experts, rulers, caretakers and institutions for answers and support.
 
Now we must dig deep into our souls and discover our unconquerable power as creative beings. And we must connect with the Source of that power.
 
Among other disciplines, practically this should include prayer and meditation.
"We carry within us the wonders we seek without us." -Sir Thomas Browne
Turning inward goes beyond personal responsibility and willpower, though these are also essential. This is about raising consciousness.
 
This is an unleashing of dormant energy and inspiration that previously have been stifled by inner fear and complacency and flawed external forms. It is learning to trust our intuition, follow our creativity and choose confidence.
 
In the post-modern era facilitated by the current Fourth Turning, imagination and intuition trump logic and tradition.
 
In this new model experts and institutions still have a place, but as auxiliary, rather than primary, supports.
 
This is not a reactive approach based on democratic antipathy toward aristocratic expertise. Rather, this new model means that everyone becomes an expert on his or her mission through education and dedication.
 
Essential Reading: Find Your Core

"As you live your values, your sense of identity, integrity, control, and inner-directedness will infuse you with both exhilaration and peace. You will define yourself from within, rather than by people's opinions or by comparisons to others. 'Wrong' and 'right' will have little to do with being found out."

-Stephen R. Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

 When turmoil abounds in your external world, it is imperative to identify and adhere steadfastly to an unchanging internal core.
 
This core, comprised of the anchor of principles, the rudder of values, and the compass of Soul Purpose, provides both strength and direction.
 
What do you stand for and believe in? For what are you willing to pledge your "life, fortune, and sacred honor"? What things are worth never compromising? What are the most important things in your life? What are you passionate about? What were you born to do?
 
Identify those things and make them permeate all you are, say and do. Be unyielding in their pursuit. Never give up on them, regardless of the possible benefits for doing so.
 
For example, this may mean turning down a lucrative job, even though you're unemployed and struggling, because it would force you to compromise your values.

"This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man."

-William Shakespeare in Hamlet

 
Essential Reading:
 
Leadership Education
 

"...liberal education consists in reminding oneself of human excellence, of human greatness."

-Leo Strauss

 
There are three main systems of education: conveyor belt for the masses, specialized training for professionals, and leadership, or liberal (meaning "mind-expanding"), education for leaders and entrepreneurs.
 
The first teaches what to think, the second when to think, and the third how to think.
 
Knowing how to think is critical in Fourth Turnings. Since everything is engulfed in change and normal is being redefined, the thrivers create norms and tread paths for others to follow.
 
By understanding history and human nature, one's ability to predict and understand trends is enhanced. By learning from a broad range of fields, diverse connections can be made that others don't see.
 
Leadership education fosters innovation, ingenuity, adaptability, confidence, resilience and courage--the necessary attributes and skills needed in times of overwhelming change.
 
This isn't about degrees, diplomas or status--it's about genuine learning.

"The technology of tomorrow requires not millions of lightly lettered men, ready to work in unison at endlessly repetitive jobs, it requires not men who take orders in unblinking fashion, aware that the price of bread is mechanical submission to authority, but men who can make critical judgments, who can weave their way through novel environments, who are quick to spot new relationships in the rapidly changing reality."

-Alvin Toffler in Future Shock

 
Essential Reading:
 
 
 
Stay tuned for parrt 3, which will discuss the final three components of the formula: 1) build community, 2) earn, innovate and save, and 3) lead. 


 
 

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