A Personal Development Lens for Voting

So what does voting have to do with personal development?

Some of you are nervous right now. Or groaning. You hate and / or are sick of politics. I get it. Don’t worry, I’m not going to mention any candidate or party. I have family, friends, and readers across the political spectrum. My purpose is not to get on a soapbox for a particular agenda.

I bring up voting because I believe personal development is about committing myself to a certain set of practices that provide a better life for me and others. It’s recognizing that my choices and actions impact not only my quality of my life but that of others as well.

For my American readers, the upcoming Nov 3 election is an example of how our personal decisions will have genuine consequences for real people in this country and, by extension, around the world. Our decision whether or not to vote, and the party and people we choose to support, will be a stone thrown into our societal pond, sending ripples far and wide.

So how do we make such an important decision? It’s common to vote based on the party of our parents, the one we were raised to believe was the “good one.” Some of us are “one issue” voters, be that issue abortion, supreme court nominees, immigration, tax policy, the environment, racial justice, fill in the blank. Whoever agrees with us on that one issue gets our vote. Others vote based on a desire for change or who they’d rather have a beer with or a candidate’s platform or experience. There are pros and cons to many different voting criteria. So how do you choose?

Here’s my suggestion in this highly important election. Step back from both parties, from specific issues, and from individual people. Think about the kind of person you want to be. What values and characteristics do you want to define you? Then widen your gaze. What values and characteristics do you want to define our society? Which ones do you truly believe lead to human flourishing? Let your answers to those questions be your guide in this election. Not how you’ve voted in the past. Not how your family votes. Not what your friends are pressuring you to do.

For me, the values and characteristics I want for both myself and our country include honesty. Humility. Empathy. Love. Compassion. Sincerity. Truth. Grace. Maturity. Competency. Discretion. Wisdom. Inclusion. Unity. Self-sacrifice. Decency. Respect. Equality. Generosity. Honor.

I often fail to live up to that list. There are no perfect candidates or political parties because there are no perfect people. That said, I’m going to vote for people I believe best exhibit those characteristics personally and who advocate for policies that seek to elevate those values for all of us.

What values would make your list? What characteristics do you want to describe yourself? Our society? Step back. Listen openly. Think carefully. Vote honestly and soberly. If you do, you’ll help positively shape our collective future and take another step toward Becoming Yourself.