Consequences of Goal Choice

Goal of Self Above Service

              From the human experience of inadequacy feelings, those who choose the “Self Above Service” goal create a self-interest only motivation.  They see all others as competitors and tend to be distrustful of others.  By expressing intense self-interest and striving for individual entitlement, they create a status-seeking pattern.  As they experience a life as if living “behind enemy lines,” they become overly sensitive, suspicious and filled with self-doubt.  Oftentimes, they “succeed” with single-minded control, attack and accomplishment.  This “win” leads to an unstable “entitlement” and the appearance of “success.”  However, chronic frustration and unhappiness result as continued self-interest feeds on dissatisfaction. By remaining unhappy with their “success,” they tend to over-reach their ambition, seeking even more “success” as a compensation for dissatisfaction and begin to deteriorate further.  Feelings of inadequacy and resentfulness, in the midst of unhappiness, may lead a person to finding targets for blame and the creation of even more enemies.  As they feel sabotaged by others, they may resume their striving with dysfunctional revengefulness and may climb again toward the “unstable entitlement.”  They may re-cycle in this sub-system for years.  At some point, the self-defeating pattern fails even more, perhaps moral bankruptcy, and leads to increased risk taking and panic.  As they constrict further from inter-personal connections, they become even more moody, hostile and angry.  Continued withdrawal may take the form of chemical use, substance abuse, depression, and other behavioral / psychological problems.  As they “hit bottom“ they may be open to other choices.  Ultimately, they may re-cycle again toward self-interest only or become intensely discouraged and self-destructive.  With assistance, encouragement, professional intervention and wisdom, they may choose the goal of Service Beyond Self and create a happy and successful life.

Goal of Service Beyond Self

              From the human experience of inadequacy feelings, those who choose “Service Beyond Self” move forward with courage while respecting self and others.  They connect with others, have faith in self and others, and express social interest.  As they strive to solve problems cooperatively, they create a problem-solving pattern in a friendly world.  Feeling “at home” and with increased feelings of confidence, they aspire toward continuation through contribution and community interest, as courageous contributors.  By creating visions and systems that contribute beyond the self, a sense of synergistic satisfaction and encouragement from others is created in the blend of self-respect, relatedness with others and the experience of real contribution and a meaningfulness in life.

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