We are all human, and everything that means. There is no such thing as the perfect leader or person. There have certainly been great leaders throughout history who left an indelible impact on their company, community, country, or mankind. However, no one is perfect. We all have strengths as well as weaknesses. We all thrive in certain situations and struggle in others. We all have emotional trigger points. We all have good days and bad days – it is just part of being human.
Abraham Lincoln struggled with depression his whole life and often took things too personally. George Washington found communicating and connecting with others difficult and often appeared emotionally distant. Gandhi had a tough time seeing the other person’s point of view and was stubborn to a fault. While it’s undeniable that these men achieved remarkable feats, we often elevate them and overlook that, as human beings, they also had flaws. They just were able to overcome these personal liabilities by staying focused on the big picture, accepting their flaws, embracing their strengths, committing to personal growth and learning, establishing supportive relationships, and persevering during difficult times. They were also naturally gifted in ways many of us aren’t.
I often worry about people who read too many self-help books and/or set lofty expectations for themselves based on what others think or espouse. Many of these books or speakers attempt to create and communicate a common definition of success and/or happiness that resonates with everyone and is applicable in all situations. They also tend to offer flawed comparisons of reality and potential. It’s as if who you are doesn’t matter, everyone is equally capable in all situations, and there is a proven recipe for managing everything life has in store for you. Sorry to burst the bubble, but most of us are not Lincoln, Washington, or Gandhi. Many of us are just everyday people trying to get through the day and create a sense of meaning in our lives.
The reality is that you are purely you, and everything this means, good, bad, or otherwise. You will sometimes fail despite your best efforts. You won’t always show up with your “A game” and may not connect with everyone all the time. You will waver in your capacity to manage stress and motivate others. You will have moments where you are “in the zone” and others where you feel incompetent. You will struggle with self-doubt and worry. Sometimes you will be easily understood, and other times it won’t be easy to get your point across. You will enjoy your work and sometimes dislike it. You are a natural-born leader or follower. You will feel happy. You will feel sad. You will feel indifferent.
Not everyone is meant for greatness, but we can all live great lives. Everyone can find meaning in his or her life by accepting who they are and embracing this fact. They can then work on being the best person they can be, genuinely caring about the needs of others, working toward a higher purpose (whatever that may be), appreciating and enjoying the good times, and persevering when times get hard or you get in your own way. The key is to do your best every day and learn from your mistakes. Be gentle and forgiving with yourself when you need to be. Embrace being human; it will make life easier.
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- Take the good with the bad (growingthrulife.com)
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- The Art of Leadership and Lessons from the Past – Gandhi. (paulalexanderwolf.wordpress.com)
- Lincoln Leadership Executive Strategies (oftasteanddiscernment.wordpress.com)
- Daily Motivators (Nov-Jan) (tinawatkins.com)
- Your Relationship Triggers are Your Greatest Teachers (metaphyzgirl.wordpress.com)