Oct 13, 2009

“Sustain - ability”



"Sustainability” perhaps the most abused word over various time periods (Latin Sustineo), that can be applied to almost every facet of life from economy, environment to society.

In society, sustainable development is to utilize resources to answer human needs sufficient not only for present generations but also for future ones.
In environment, sustainability is when natural resources are used up slower than it can be replenished.

In economy, more precise in business, sustainability focuses on the proactive approach that ensures the continuity of the organization by optimizing its resources while not compromising profitability.

“All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain” Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher

Furtherance of the above definitions, sustainability is a quite fascinating concept that touches every aspect of our human nature, our ambition, our beliefs and principles, emotions and our very existence.

As a matter of fact, we instill “sustainability” into our life planning as we grow. Indeed, almost all human beings are driven by the philosophy of “sustainability” to sustain their well being, progress, relationships and success.

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning” Benjamin Franklin

To be able to succeed in business/ work one should be driven by vision, values and even a fundamental shift in thinking. In other words: Change and forward thinking!

But isn’t it the same values and thinking that sustain our human-unity as individuals and groups. Seriously, how many “inflexible” individuals ended up with frustration and cynicism?

As people take the journey towards sustainability in their personal, social or work life and as the ability to sustain what really matters to us in the various fields grows, the question poses:

What are you sustaining?