Embrace Your Unique Power: Overcome Limiting Intimidation (why I do what I do)
If you've read my blog previously, you may have heard me use the term GUSTO. If you haven't yet heard me preach about living with great enthusiasm, my hope is that by the end of this article, you will understand the power of this mindset!
So, let's begin with a few startling facts:
As addressed in Yuval Noah Harari's book Sapiens, whether we like to admit it or not, most of what makes up our reality is really just imagined...in hopes of us surviving to live another day. Basically, we construct our reality so "kill or be killed" doesn't overtake us when we chat with a stranger on the elevator.
The average adult changes careers...not just jobs, careers...up to 7 times in their lifetime.
The average person thinks about themselves 60-80% of the time they are awake. (and you thought your coworkers would notice you wore the same shirt twice this week...probably not!)
So what does all this mean?
Raise a virtual hand (or leave a comment below!) if you have ever felt intimidated by someone who you perceived to have more knowledge or power than you.
I know as a 5 foot tall, 20-something woman, I can absolutely raise my hand high...but why?!? I may not have studied this phenomenon scientifically for the last 20+ years...but I have lived a lifetime of experiencing this and here's what I've discovered...
NO ONE HAS IT ALL FIGURED OUT!
From your point of view, it may seem like that rich man in the fancy suit behind the desk has all the answers, has it all figured out, but let me tell you, he doesn't. And if anyone seems like they do, they are most definitely hiding some other messy part of their lives from you.
If this is true, then why do we live in a society where people underestimate themselves more than ever? Where we are "never enough?" Where intimidation and fear cripples us into inaction and unhappiness day in and day out?
"No one is you, and that is your power."
Imperfection is part of the human experience. What if, instead of feeling intimidated or inadequate, we empowered people to:
learn about themselves and discover their talents
love their unique and valuable qualities
leverage their talents, tendencies and preferences
In order to live lives full of:
passionate productivity
fulfilled purpose
meaningful self-discovery
greater and more consistent joy
deeper understanding and connection
To feel empowered to live a life of great enthusiasm. Everyone is unique and deserves to live a passion-filled life.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
I truly believe this, and the reality is that life is short...we only have so many days to live joyfully, work purposefully, and love passionately. This is not sad or disappointing...it is empowering! It is inspiration to live with every single day full of meaning and life.
Gusto is defined as: great enthusiasm, enjoyment or vigor in doing something, zest.
I find this word to be startlingly perfect in encompassing the mindset and sentiment with which I hope to inspire and empower others. And so, it is my purpose to help others learn and embrace theirs. To not take monotony, societal pressure, or limiting expectations and intimidation sitting down. To realize that we are all in this together, that we are all on a journey for passion and purpose, and that we can choose to live each day with great enthusiasm...with GUSTO!
With my own unrelenting enthusiasm in my mission and belief in you,
