Know Who Aren't So You Can Be All You Can
As we journey through life, the path to self-discovery unfolds before us. With each passing year, we become more attuned to the essence of who we are. An integral part of this self-awareness involves acknowledging the aspects that simply aren't part of our makeup.
It's a bittersweet realization—some dreams may remain elusive, and certain desired traits might be absent in our repertoire. Yet, in this acknowledgment lies a profound clarity, a deep understanding that allows us to carve out our authentic selves.
Year after year, life subjects us to its tests, and the results paint a vivid picture of our true nature. The youthful ignorance of self gives way to a mature self-awareness, crafted by the crucible of experiences.
Nobody relishes the idea of being confined to a box or being reminded of their limitations. We all harbor the desire to believe we can transcend any boundaries and accomplish anything. However, the moment we confront the absence of certain traits, our instinct is to resist, to argue against the undeniable truth.
Picture this: you yearned for a magnetic personality, the ability to captivate a room effortlessly. You aspired to "hold court" in group settings, but as you navigate your late 40s, the reality is stark—no track record of being that person. The pain is palpable, yet the clarity is undeniable.
Consider another scenario: the ambition to make waves in business, to be a disruptive force. The dream of unveiling groundbreaking products, gracing the covers of prestigious business journals, and commanding attention at major events. Fast forward decades into your career, and the resume lacks the substance to support those grand aspirations.
And then there's the vision of being a persuasive leader, inspiring others with eloquence, intervening in lives to effect positive change. But, a pattern emerges—more follower than leader, succumbing to moments that demand courage.
Can people change? Perhaps not significantly. Instead of fixating on shortcomings, the key lies in embracing what comes naturally. Live authentically, revel in your strengths, and appreciate those whose strengths complement your own.
The Bible reminds us that everyone possesses different gifts and talents, likening the body of the church to a human body. Each part excels at its unique function, contributing to the overall well-being.
The notion perpetuated by movies—that one can do it all, a la James Bond or the protagonists of sitcoms—is pure fiction. Resist the allure of this fantasy. Find your groove, specialize passionately, and recognize that collaboration is not weakness but wisdom.
Imagine you excel at details, crunching numbers with precision but lack artistic creativity. Enlist the help of someone who can add aesthetic flair to your work. If you're a people person with a knack for connections but struggle with follow-through, delegate tasks to ensure promises are kept.
If you're a systems person, adept at efficiency but challenged in garnering support for your ideas, lean on trusted colleagues to champion your cause. Sharing credit for positive changes might be a small price for the greater good.
While involving others may incur costs, consider the greater cost of continually trying to improve yourself to save a few bucks. It's not just about finances; it's about admitting that you may not be good at everything—a personal cost that feels like failure.
So, what's more important: chasing the dream of being a "renaissance person" or becoming a results-driven individual? Can you accept what you're not to excel at who you are? Sometimes, it's about understanding that attempting to put in what is inherently absent may not be the path to fulfillment. After all, embracing our authentic selves often leads to a richer and more fulfilling journey.
