It’s FANTASTIC.
In short, it’s an update on Abraham Maslow’s thinking—moving us beyond self-actualizing into the ULTIMATE realm of “transcending” ourselves in service to the world. Or, as Scott puts it in the sub-title to the book: “The New Science of Self-Actualization.”
It’s an important, wise book. If you’re into the science of Optimizing and Actualizing, I think you’ll love it as much as I did. Check out the Notes, get it, etc.
So…
I imagine we’ll talk about a number of Big Ideas from that book. Today I want to chat about one in particular.
Have you ever heard of “The Jonah Complex”? I hadn’t before Scott introduced me to it.
We meet Jonah in the Old Testament. God has big plans for him.
But…
Jonah isn’t such a big fan of those big plans.
So…
He tries to hide from God and avoid his destiny.
Of course, important detail to the story: You can’t hide from God. (Hah!)
So, eventually, Jonah accepts his fate and does what he’s here’s to do.
Scott talks about this in a chapter on “Self-Esteem” in which he walks us through a nuanced discussion about what healthy ambition (and pride) looks like vis-a-vis the less healthy expression of ambition and pride that shows up in what psychologists call "vulnerable” and “grandiose narcissism.”
We’ll save that important, nuanced discussion for another time.
For now, here’s how Scott frames it in Transcend:
He continues by saying:
That’s Today’s +1.
If yes, are you answering the call?
If not, are you quieting down long enough to hear that quiet voice?
As you’ve probably picked up by now, I believe we are ALL being called to shine.
So…
Let’s humbly yet powerfully answer that call as we overcome our avoidance of fearful experiences, take responsibility for our behaviors and take it as a given that we are worthy.
Then go give our families, communities, and the world all we’ve got.
When?
How about TODAY.