Power Produces Fractal Growth

We can recognize those activities that create lasting values by their systematic characteristics of being repetitive, powerful, and gentle (RPG). This is characteristic of all of God's gifts to us from sunshine and rain to love and joy. These activities are the drivers that raise mountains, carve canyons, build successful organizations, and change societies. If we fill a lifetime with them, we fulfill our destiny and achieve peace.

Being powerful is the centerpiece. Exactly what does that mean? To start, the opposite of powerful is not weak, after all, the meek shall inherit the earth. No, the opposite of powerful is forceful.

Force creates change; but only as long as the forces are applied. Eventually they dissipate and the changes are lost. Force does not create lasting values. A deeper explanation of this can be found in Dr. David Hawkin's eye-opening book, Power vs Force.

Powerful activities are simple patterns that have universal application. They are those simple things each of us discover we can do well. Because of their universal applicability, the results of powerful activities build in a replicating, self-similar fashion. What begins to happen is fractal growth, represented by this week's illustration.

Fractals are the design of nature. Think about the shape of a cloud, a leaf, or a sea shell. They don't consist of circles, triangles, or polygons. Mathematicians have discovered these shapes are created when a simple function is endlessly repeated.

Our personal shapes are a good example. We are cellular. Our cells keep repeating (they are good at that) and our shape and capabilities form from that activity. We aren't assembled; we self-replicate and experience fractal growth.

A powerful set of activities is the heart of a good business plan. Is there something universally applicable incorporated into the business plan? Something that will work under alternative circumstances? Are those activities allowed to replicate and grow? If that's the plan, it's one to build lasting values.

Our personal schedules are no different. Am I repeating those powerful things to create success every day? What we are discussing here is both a financial strategy and a moral obligation.

This thinking then moves us to the importance of clear self-direction; and that is the secret of gentleness.

Image credit: SantaRosa OLD SKOOL