From our earliest years, an unquenchable desire for betterment is instilled within us – a passion to grow, learn, and evolve.

The Pursuit of Excellence: A Journey of Self-Improvement

From our earliest years, an unquenchable desire for betterment is instilled within us – a passion to grow, learn, and evolve. This impulse is reflected in our first steps, in acquiring new skills, and in seeking the approval of those close to us. It is this internal driving force that enables us not only to develop physical abilities but also to enrich our moral qualities, thereby forming a deep and conscious self-awareness.

At the heart of this pursuit lies a natural, innate need for knowledge and an aspiration for moral beauty. We constantly seek new horizons, not merely to correct our shortcomings, but actively to develop our strengths. This approach helps harmonize the personality and makes us more capable of significant social and intellectual achievements. Much like a ship that is always sailing upward, our soul never allows us to be trapped in monotony, urging us to continuously grow and improve.

When the desire to change is directed not only toward personal growth but also toward supporting those around us, it becomes a powerful transformative force. By dedicating ourselves for the benefit of others, we open the path to self-realization and spiritual uplift, ultimately illuminating both our lives and the lives of those around us. This realization leads us to understand that our earthly existence is not a journey of self-aggrandizement, but rather an opportunity to become true creators of good—enriching the world with our presence and energy for higher purposes.

What is the significance of the desire to become better, and how does it influence personal development?

The desire to improve oneself is a fundamental trait that permeates a person’s life and significantly impacts personal development. This aspiration manifests from early childhood, when a child, learning to run, draw, or tumble, simultaneously seeks validation of their moral qualities and strives to gain the approval of those around them. This inner drive nurtures both physical skills and moral character, thereby deepening self-awareness and enriching social relationships.

One notable aspect of this aspiration is that it is inherent in human nature—a natural inclination toward knowledge and moral beauty. As one document states:
"The pursuit of perfection is inherent in our very nature; it is, in fact, the naturally necessary development illuminated by the consciousness. By nature, we are curious and love that which is morally beautiful. Human development occurs according to invariable laws and depends more on the hindrance of will than its positive force: man, by his own will, can impede it. Therefore, the pursuit of perfection may only be termed good in an objective sense – in the same way that light is good, the firmament is good, and man is created very good (Genesis I)." (source: link txt)

On the other hand, the desire to improve oneself also stimulates the development of positive qualities when it is aimed not solely at correcting deficiencies, but at reinforcing existing strengths. Thus, a person begins to consciously develop their assets, leading to the harmonization of personality. This idea is illustrated in the following passage:
"A child strives for self-improvement: they learn to run, jump, and tumble better; they endeavor to draw and construct more effectively; they want to do everything better! They also strive to better themselves, to affirm their moral qualities, to be good, and to earn the gratitude of others—and they work so hard for it!" (source: link txt)

It is also important to note that the constant pursuit of development is the essence of the human spirit, which cannot remain static. This desire for continuous intellectual and moral refinement is captured in the following thought:
"Secondly, an essential quality of our always active spirit is to endlessly strive for further development, for higher intellectual and moral perfection. According to Saint Gregory the Great, our soul is like a ship sailing upward along a river. If it ceases to ascend, it will descend; it cannot remain in one place. Thus, morally, it is impossible for us to remain fixed at one level unless we extend ourselves forward." (source: link txt)

Finally, when the desire for improvement is channeled towards both self-transformation and serving others, it becomes a powerful factor in personal change. A life dedicated to the welfare of others opens up the path to profound self-realization and spiritual growth, as emphasized here:
"Our earthly life is bestowed upon us for transformation, so that we might change from decaying, envious, debauched, greedy, quarrelsome, self-centered beings into heavenly angels who would forego their own interests for the good and well-being of their neighbors, in order to serve God. We should glorify God with our lives, seeking not our own benefit but His, enriching ourselves in Him. This is the purpose of the Church’s existence on earth and our participation in it." (source: link txt)

Thus, the desire to become better holds profound significance: it is the driving force that propels an individual toward constant development and self-discovery, thereby fostering both moral and intellectual evolution. This aspiration lays the foundation for building a solid, harmonious personality capable not only of self-improvement but also of contributing positively to society.