“When I was a young man, I focused solely on my own betterment, because I often struggled just to pay the rent, but at this point, little gives me more pleasure than helping others and watching them grow into the best possible versions of themselves.” Those are the words of Dr. Michael Pariser, the author of No More Mr. Nice Guy, The Hero’s Journey. His book is the official companion to the famous No More Mr. Nice Guy by Robert A. Glover.
Michael Pariser, now a successful author and mentor to businesses and individuals alike, says that his personal and professional journey, once self-focused, is now driven by his embrace of generativity, a core principle based on a commitment to promoting the development of younger generations as a way of ensuring the long-term wellbeing of humanity. He has come to implement it in his practice as a basis for helping others transform their lives for the better.
Key Takeaways
- Pariser embraces generativity and its societal benefits, championing the importance of giving back to the community.
- Michael Pariser’s path showcases personal growth through volunteering, deeply intertwined with his grounding in the human experience.
- Additionally, Michael Pariser’s teaching positions at respected institutions highlight his commitment to mentorship and the advancement of education.
- Through varied forms of engagement and authorship, Michael Pariser’s actions reflect a holistic approach to personal and societal well-being.
- Generativity in Dr. Pariser’s work represents a guiding principle of emotional wellbeing for future generations and socially conscious individuals.
Generativity in Michael Pariser’s Career
Michael Pariser approached the initial stages of his personal and professional growth after facing his own financial hardship. “When I first started out, it was really hard. I was working as a freelancer in the movie business, and all I could think about was getting my next job.” Over time, however, and with a measure of success, he was better able to look at the bigger picture, and in 1998, when he moved into the counseling field, things began to change dramatically for him.
One thing that helped turbo-charge this change was his growing recognition of the importance of his emotions, which he came to realize were both the source of, and the solution to, the challenges he was facing at the time. “Putting myself in the hands of a truly capable therapist was the best thing I ever did,” he claims. “Doing so not only helped me to become a better person, but it helped give me the strength and ability to give to others.”
This change for Michael Pariser revealed the power of self-exploration and increased emotional intelligence in overcoming adversity and long term issues, and it was a major turning point for him. It marked a deep professional growth stage, which not only helped him live a better life, but shined a light on his way forward to helping others. That is, embracing personal growth and generativity gave Michael Pariser a way of transcending his situation and giving back to society, making possible the ability to craft a lasting legacy.
Michael Pariser’s story highlights how facing your own struggles and approaching them with boldness in the face of adversity and determination can inspire you to help others. His work and his dedication to teaching are two crucial components that have helped him persevere and adapt amid a demanding career and personal life.
Putting generativity into action
The area in which Dr. Pariser’s generativity manifests itself most is in the professional sphere, where he coaches his clients using an approach based in emotional intelligence. According to Pariser, “Emotions are processes that are essential for evaluating our environment and motivating us to take adaptive, even life-saving actions.” For this reason, he encourages his clients to embrace them. “I believe there’s nothing people cannot do if they are able to face their feelings,” says Pariser. “If you’re not afraid of feeling, then you’re not afraid of living.”
Using this approach, Dr. Pariser has helped people learn to speak in public, confront abusive bosses, have intimate conversations with their partners, set limits with their children and more. “It’s not easy, though,” he cautions. “Humans likely possess the most sophisticated emotional apparatus of all the beings on the planet, so sorting things out can be a challenging process.”
Nonetheless, it is a challenge that Dr. Pariser embraces as part of his commitment to generativity. In fact, he goes further. Pariser knew he had to learn each client’s situation and struggles on a personal level, so he does his best at all times to understand each client’s unique perspectives by putting himself in their shoes. “I aim to understand each and every one of my clients by entering as much as possible into the world in which they live. Only then can I work in the most effective way: from the inside out.”
That critical understanding allows Pariser to approach each case with fresh eyes, validate their worldview, even while challenging it, and help them transform into better versions of themselves. Through thought leadership, deeply personalized insights, authorship and actionable advice, Dr. Pariser is helping people build the fortitude and emotional intelligence they need to lead assertive and fulfilling lives. What’s more, he says he’s far from finished in his work and his efforts for a better world. His sense of generativity remains an overarching theme that motivates not only in his practice and thought leadership, but the plans he has for his future endeavors that he believes can help people going forward. He asserts: “It is my fondest hope that the work I do will make a lasting impact long after I am gone.”
Learn more about Dr. Michael Pariser
To learn more, you can visit the official website of Michael Pariser, purchase a copy of No More Mr Nice Guy: The Hero’s Journey, and get timely insights on living a life that’s both meaningful and deliberate.
