Moving from theory to action [Archives:2005/827/Viewpoint]

There is a difference between personal development and success in general. This is one of the things I learned from my discussion with Dr. Ibrahim Elfiky who is visiting Yemen these days. Success can be measured by physical or measurable means, while personal development is quite intangible. As the word suggests, it's more of a personal issue. However, there is a very strong relation between the two as personal development leads to success and vice versa.

In Yemen, thousands of youth seem hungry to learn about themselves and how to control their lives. This is evident by seeing the number of people attending personal development sessions, and on a more regular note, people reading material concerning “knowing thy self”. I, for one, like to go through those personal tests that force me to explore my feelings or attitudes, and to end up with analysis to help me understand my nature.

Nevertheless, we get nowhere until we have a purpose. What am I to do about the results I get from the personal test? What will I change in my life after attending a personal development session?

The thousands of Yemeni youth who attended some recent sessions indeed presented zeal and great enthusiasm in developing themselves. But I wonder how much of that really sank into their heads and would make a difference in their lives. Is it just a matter of calming our fears, wanting to feel less lost in this world and more in control of our lives and our future? Are we just kidding ourselves with this, or is the interest in personal development in Yemen going to pay off and result in action?

Yemenis need a break from this frustration. Whether participating in demonstrations against price hikes in the streets of Taiz, Sana'a and Hudaidah, or wearing keen faces in a session about personal development, this is a clear indication that perhaps patience is reaching a critical point.

What happens once this point is crossed? I can't guess. Can you?
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