“Don’t be afraid of being different, be afraid of being the same as everyone else.” -unknown
It’s easy to compare yourself to others and worry about living up to society’s expectations. Sometimes it’s hard being different from family members, coworkers, school mates, or friends. Those that try to blend in with others are truly taking the easy route; they aren’t required to think their own thoughts, so they just end up going with the flow.
Being different by thinking outside of the box is what has helped many people become great leaders, inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
Be an inspiration to others by forging a new path and staying true to yourself today!
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” -Nelson Mandela
Your current to-do list might seem insurmountable at first, but once you start, you will realize that you will finish sooner than you think. Tasks that are never started will never be completed. So, don’t fear that you’ll never finish, begin and you’ll be closer to the end.
It’s also easy to become discouraged when you hear that your goals are unrealistic. The most innovative people are sometimes told that their dreams are impossible. This quote of Mandela’s is a reminder that what seems impossible now will become possible when your dreams are realized. Those that never give up are the ones who are able to actualize their aspirations. So, if anyone disparages you from following your passion, listen to your drive instead of their disheartening words.
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A. A. Milne
It’s easy to focus on our short comings, because we know them intimately. We remember every time we make a mistake or fail miserably. This make us want to stay in our comfort zone; not wanting to try something new or venture out into unknown territory. We complete the tasks we know we can accomplish at our jobs. We don’t try to find new adventures on our days off. No wonder we feel like all our days are the same!
Repetition gets laborious and boring. We can accomplish more than we admit to ourselves. We can tackle new projects at work and display our talents in new ways we haven’t even thought of before.
Remember this week that you are braver, stronger, and smarter than you think you are!
On this Martin Luther King Day, I am reminded that every small step forward is vital. It’s easy to think that what you do in one moment is not significant; but moments become days, days become weeks, weeks become years, and years quickly become a lifetime. Every decision we make is one that can propel us toward a life full of positive productivity or we can easily waste it. Sometimes it is easy to go through the motions of going to our jobs, procrastinating as much as possible and then mentally checking out as soon as we clock out.
The leaders who inspire us, like Martin Luther King, Jr., are those who find ways to make a difference. They don’t take the easy way out. They take the hard, rocky path, because they know they are moving in the right direction. They go against social norms, leaving behind a legacy of both love and success.
So, whether you’re attempting to change the morals and ideals of a nation, or you are simply trying to become a successful entrepreneur; remember that every step counts. And if you can’t take a step, then crawl. The world needs your talents and your courage. Don’t give up, because you have chosen a more difficult path. Make every moment meaningful and then you will live a life full of purpose.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Every person has God-given talents. You may not be able to dance, sing, or act well, but you have your own particular set of gifts.
Society places certain expectations on everyone, such as success, beauty, a strong relationship and a sizable bank account. That can leave some of us feeling lack-luster as we may not currently possess a powerful job, model looks, a boyfriend or girlfriend (or husband/wife), or an overflowing abundance of cash. It’s easy to point out the ways we don’t measure up instead of appreciating how unique and special we are.
When we compare ourselves to others, it seems like we aren’t good enough. Some people are doctors, lawyers, and businessmen (or women). Others are photogenic, popular, or great public speakers. Some have long-time boyfriends or girlfriends, fiancés, or have already been married for years with a few kids. When we judge ourselves related to others, we sell ourselves short.
Our parents may have their own plans for us that aren’t realistic. They might want to live vicariously through us or just have dreams for us that we aren’t equipped to actualize. Mulan struggles with this when she can’t be the girl her parents expect her to be. She wants to bring honor to her family, but she is destined to be a heroine, not merely a desirable candidate for a matchmaker and future mate.
Instead of comparing ourselves to others or trying to fit into the mold created for us by society or by our parents, we should discover what talents we have hidden within us. Using these abilities will be your gift to God and your gift to the world. Don’t be a cookie-cutter version of someone else. Be yourself, because there’s only one you.
