Recycled Traits
A charge to self-reflection
If we see something done for long enough, we internalize it. Maybe it was wrong, maybe it wasn’t the best approach, maybe we even hate it, but it became normal for us.
And indeed we tend to recycle the traits that we dislike the most. We recycle traits that we have not yet addressed by articulation and intentional correction. Yes, we recycle the traits of those who were foundational figures for us — the good traits and the bad.
We told ourselves that we would never be caught dead acting the way they did, doing the things we hated. Yet here we are — caught alive displaying those very traits we once hated in our predecessors.
Here’s the thing. We must not simply wail about bad traits. Wailing constantly exposes you to the trait — you’re always complaining about it. Then you internalize it. Then you become it.
Rather, familiarize yourself with the traits for the sake of articulation. In articulation you’ll find the clarity to see areas where you’ve imbibed bad traits. In articulation you can correct yourself. In articulation you can assess your triggers and address them.
“I’ll never be caught dead doing that thing”. Don’t be. Make such an effort that you aren’t seen doing it, even when you’re alive.
