The Human Evolution Journey: From Dependence to Independence According to the Farm Theory

Stephen Covey in his famous philosophy emphasizes that most attempts at personal transformation are hindered by a single psychological barrier: expecting change to happen immediately. This false belief is the main reason behind the collapse of most self-development projects before they even truly begin.

Pillars of True Transformation

Change cannot happen randomly. According to the famous “Farming” theory, the process of personal transformation requires four integrated elements working side by side: having a clear plan, allocating sufficient time, continuous practice, and periodic review. Each element reinforces the others, and the absence of one can lead to the failure of the entire process.

The Three Stages of Human Growth

Covey points out that human personality passes through three distinct stages of development. The first stage is complete dependence on others, which is natural in childhood, but the problem for many is that they remain stuck there throughout their lives.

The transition from dependence on others to self-reliance is what Covey calls the habits of true victory. In this stage, a strong personality is formed, capable of making decisions and controlling the course of life without external interference.

The third and highest stage is interdependence, where the personality surpasses the limits of absolute independence to become capable of building effective human relationships. Covey calls this the habits of collective victory, where the individual learns to wisely manage human relationships and direct them toward shared goals.

Summary

The “Farming” theory brings us back to the harsh truth: there are no shortcuts on the path to true development. The journey requires patience, meticulous planning, and daily practice until the personality reaches true maturity.