If the K. B. L. T. model were metaphorically compared to a fruit tree, Knowledge would be the seed, Becoming would be the Sap and the Growth Rings and that vitality which is under the bark of the tree, Living would be the Leaves, the Buds, the Blossoms and the Fruit, and Teaching would be the Reproduction when the seeds of the fruit are planted in the ground. The Leaves, Buds, Blossoms and Fruit of the Tree is that which the owner of the tree values most.

For the person who desires the harmony of integrity and the cohesion of character, living is both the evidence of success and the fulfillment of the effort. However like Becoming. Living is also a process and not a final destination. Even as a fruit tree which bears few blossoms and fewer fruit would be a disappointment to its owner, so also a person who has only a few successes in personal development has not truly acheived the result intended.

It is in living that we accomplish our goals and objectives and in which we keep our commitments to others. It is living that causes us to have thriving relationships and the respect of those whose opinion is worthwhile.

Living also allows us to set an example and to vindicate the position that well-doing is worthwhile. Through living we are able to exercise a positive influence on others and to manifest our love to those who are close to our hearts.

Living also provides for us the criteria for self-assessment and evaluation. We are able to discover areas where we need to improve and where we need to make course corrections.

Just as the seed of a fruit tree is inside the fruit, so also it is living which provides us the platform for teaching others. If our living is in harmony with our words of teaching, then the listener is more likely to consider what we say to be worth his or her attention.

becoming personal development knowledge relationships commitments accountability accountable evaluation character integrity cohesive