Do you know you? I ran across the phrase in the title and it stood out to me. Be You. Do You. For You. As people I think we are getting better, but we have a long way to go. More often than not, I find people who act a different way everywhere they go. Like they have to be someone else for everyone else. Are we as society really so afraid of being disliked by a couple people? Are we really that uncomfortable in our own skin and unsatisfied with who we are? These questions made me think of a couple different areas.
What are your strengths? Do you do as much as you can to utilize those in your life? Do you find jobs, hobbies, or other activities to utilize those strengths? I see so many people stumble through their days and weeks thinking, “I’m going to go work for most of the week doing something I hate so I can finally spend a little time doing something I love.” Or “This gets the job done.” I get it, sometimes we just need ends to meet. Why not find something that plays to the things you enjoy doing a little. We perform our best when we work in our strengths. Maybe you can also develop the skills you are not so good at.
I had a conversation recently with a couple women who talked about their current career. Some of them were in their career because it was their parents or family’s wish. Others went against their grain and did the things they were good at even if their path to success would be a little more bumpy. They said, “This wasn’t what anyone wanted me to do, but I enjoyed the work and was good at it. So I took the risk.” They did what they wanted to do, for themselves.
Another area I thought about was how few people do the things they love because they like to do it. We get so self conscious about the things we like to do. Were you talked down to all your life because the people around you did not approve of the things you liked? Did someone once tell you enjoying your craft was stupid or a waste of time? I ask one question. Why do you care so much? We should not need approval from anyone to do the things we enjoy. Maybe you get judged for watching YouTube videos too much or you enjoy working in the yard. Most of my family always have projects going because they like to piddle in things. Are you someone who likes a spa day or getting nails done? If that’s your thing, do it. Do it for you. We are at our best when we do the things we enjoy, for ourselves. Even better if you can find a way to channel that into a career.
The last thing I thought of is what makes everyone different. This might sound cliche, but its true. Everyone has something they are great at, something to share. This is a common interview question but also something that trips people up way too much. What makes you different? I thought about this yesterday and I thought way too long and hard. The answer I came up with was simple. Its a skill I’ve recently developed. I’m good at emotions. Now yes, I know there are tons of people who would say this too. But I’m good at shifting perspective on mindset when it comes to emotions. I have come to believe we have our strengths and the things that make us different for a reason. Those reasons may change in every season of life. We are all meant to impact something or someone. If we don’t play into those things, we miss our chance to impact people. They miss the chance to be impacted.
Where do you need to be you for you? What parts of your life could be better if you did the things you were good at for you? Don’t get stuck in the habit of being closed minded because you want things a certain way. Be open to the different ways you can utilize the things your good at. Take a chance and get a little uncomfortable. Do something that makes you nervous but excited. Be yourself, do it for you.