Authenticity is all well and good when the going is great. What I'm most interested in is how we choose to manage this when the times are a little tougher. It seems to take practice but the benefits are significant. When we're called to put ourselves, our beliefs and our dreams on the line or out there for all to see it's true we take a risk. An exciting one if it comes off. No-one has ever gained anything of substance from hiding their light. As we display our talents and passions we invariably open ourselves up to the pain of rejection. This seems to be one of the reasons many people choose not to show their true colours. When we show ourselves for who we really are, and others reject us, we really have to just accept it. But what about when the times are tough. Many of us shrink a little, pull back a bit, reassess the situation and adjust our energy and enthusiasm, dimming our light a little. The most amazing people are the ones who turn the light up, they put their head down and keep going, being true to themselves despite adversity, negative feedback, prejudice and the like. The people who make life a joy - are inspiring - don't change based on external influences, they stay true to themselves. Sure they need help and support like anyone does but by being creative, expressive, taking risks and trying new things they give so much. Their talents entertain us, their opinions bring us together in conversation, they challenge our own thinking and contribute to our growth. Sportspeople, entertainers, politicians, designers, leaders, social entrepreneurs. The Steve Irwin's, Barack Obama's, Germaine Greer's, Ben Cousins - no matter what you think of them and their opinions or approach they make a contribution, they have a go, they keep going and ultimately they end up having an impact just by being who they are, despite the struggles or adversity. Shouldn't we nurture them, thank them and support them? Give them second, third and fourth chances? The only way to be brilliant is to take risks so maybe we should all get out of our armchairs and have a go too. Taking a risk might just pay off, even it means a stumble or two along the way.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Into the Spotlight
Authenticity is all well and good when the going is great. What I'm most interested in is how we choose to manage this when the times are a little tougher. It seems to take practice but the benefits are significant. When we're called to put ourselves, our beliefs and our dreams on the line or out there for all to see it's true we take a risk. An exciting one if it comes off. No-one has ever gained anything of substance from hiding their light. As we display our talents and passions we invariably open ourselves up to the pain of rejection. This seems to be one of the reasons many people choose not to show their true colours. When we show ourselves for who we really are, and others reject us, we really have to just accept it. But what about when the times are tough. Many of us shrink a little, pull back a bit, reassess the situation and adjust our energy and enthusiasm, dimming our light a little. The most amazing people are the ones who turn the light up, they put their head down and keep going, being true to themselves despite adversity, negative feedback, prejudice and the like. The people who make life a joy - are inspiring - don't change based on external influences, they stay true to themselves. Sure they need help and support like anyone does but by being creative, expressive, taking risks and trying new things they give so much. Their talents entertain us, their opinions bring us together in conversation, they challenge our own thinking and contribute to our growth. Sportspeople, entertainers, politicians, designers, leaders, social entrepreneurs. The Steve Irwin's, Barack Obama's, Germaine Greer's, Ben Cousins - no matter what you think of them and their opinions or approach they make a contribution, they have a go, they keep going and ultimately they end up having an impact just by being who they are, despite the struggles or adversity. Shouldn't we nurture them, thank them and support them? Give them second, third and fourth chances? The only way to be brilliant is to take risks so maybe we should all get out of our armchairs and have a go too. Taking a risk might just pay off, even it means a stumble or two along the way.
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