Develop: de-vel-op, verb.
- to bring into being or activity; generate; evolve
- to bring out the capabilities or possibilities of; bring to a more advanced or effective state
- to make active or promote the growth of
- to increase value or change the use of
The verb develop has the Latin prefix “de” meaning “away” or “off,” which, in English, generally indicates removal or reversal.
Other words with this prefix include: destroy, deactivate, deplane, detach, and defuse.
So maybe the process of developing someone (like ourselves) to this “more effective or advanced state” doesn’t require the addition of new skills and abilities. Maybe the process of developing ourselves calls us to remove things, to take things away, to get out of our way, in order to use the skills and abilities we already have and just haven’t been able to use effectively yet.
Development isn’t a game of Pokemon. We don’t need to catch em all – be them courses, skills, or habits. (That’s a fun game though!)
Development is a game rooted in archeology, where we dig deep to find the monumental treasures that were already inside us!
(Seemed an appropriate post considering that I am presenting at the UBC SLC tonight from Denmark on “Getting Out Of Your Own Way” with Krystal Gabriel. Can’t wait to rock my first digital workshop with her! #outofmyway)
Pick of the Post: Hellogoodbye – When We First Met
