/ˈbɛtəm(ə)nt/
noun
"they believed that what they were doing was vital for the betterment of society"
What a fitting example of the word! I don’t always include the dictionary definition but upon looking up ‘betterment’ I thought that the example was a very fitting usage, in line with what I have been thinking on this matter.
My big question is when are we our best selves? Does that need to be a future utopia or is it important to believe – or maybe even, with kindness, accept – that we are the best version of ourselves in any one moment?
Two-fold
After careful thinking I believe in both. I think that who we all are, right at this very moment, is a version of ourselves that is a betterment of the previous moment. And this moment, and the next, and the next…. We are ever evolving: ever learning, ever growing and ever better. Even when we are doing things that we don’t approve of for ourselves, there is a lesson we are learning.
This is the reason this article is not entitled ‘Better’ or, as it nearly was, ‘Best Self’. I think Best Self is what we are in the moment and betterment is the state of being that gets you there. Striving for our best self will not get us there as such effort comes from a place of lack, like it is not something we already have within us and don’t naturally have the potential to become. If we pursue betterment, then that is already a step on the right path. The path itself is betterment and is present even in the momentum of the leg swing that brings the foot onto it, the thought that has driven that leg swing.
It too is a path that we can get back on and one that can change shape, direction, momentum, but never in length as this path really is without end. It can be personal or professional, it can be internal, it can both shrink or grow but always includes learning and is never really limited to just the individual bettering person, for it possesses the inevitable charm of a ripple effect that will benefit others.
Take the example from the dictionary, “they believed that what they were doing was vital for the betterment of society”. There is belief – an implicit knowledge that putting the belief into action with vitality re-establishes the belief that this betterment will benefit a wider community.
What an inspiring thought that betterment cannot be contained and that it spreads its wings to help guide us all towards being a little bit better with each thing that we do. There are people who could literally not be doing more for our society than they currently are – your mind may have gone to the NHS workers currently working so hard whilst risking their lives. These people are experiencing betterment with every breath that they take and therefore enabling others to do just that.
My thought on betterment is that it is not something to be striven for, or obtained; it is naturally occurring but can be amplified by each of us - by learning, through action and always with kindness. Kindness to ourselves and to others. Becoming aware is the first step, there is no need to hide or strive. Just be.
Self-acceptance follows awareness and although it may not always feel like it (as we are not conforming to external pressures), it leads to a better view of one’s self. Again, I urge you to just be. This is betterment and I hope this leaves you feeling better than you did upon clicking to open. Enjoy that you are, right now, your very best self.
I am a coach, mentor and consultant focusing on all things that fall under the wellbeing umbrella - specifically relating to Mind, Body & Environment. I guide and assist individuals and companies to…
Post articles and opinions on London Professionals
to attract new clients and referrals. Feature in newsletters.
Join for free today and upload your articles for new contacts to read and enquire further.
