To Be Yourself or Not To Be Yourself, Thats The Question
To Be Yourself or Not To Be Yourself, Thats The Question
There’s no need for you to imitate anybody else; they already exist. Do you want to be just like your colleague? If the Creator wanted two identical colleagues, then He would have created a copy of the first. If the Creator needed another person just like your neighbor, then He would have immediately created two of them. He never cloned somebody, so why would you? Every snowflake is different. Creation is not duplication.
Instead of copying an existing model, He created a whole new YOU! Why? Because He needs you to be just the way you are! Why bother and try to be somebody else?
Don’t imitate others. Observe them, learn from them, but don’t try to be like them. Learn their skills but then implement them in your own life and move forward on your own road. Because you are walking your own road, you cannot follow the footsteps of somebody else, nor can someone else walk your road for you. They have their road, you have yours.
Why did the Creator give all of us different fingerprints, different ears, different noses? Wouldn’t it have been much easier for Him to make all of us out of a single mold? One model; no differences, no comparisons. He could have done it, but He didn’t. Why not? Apparently He needs us to be individual. He needs us to be different. Certainly this fact adds to the pleasure of the game. If all the characters in the play were alike, then it wouldn’t be much fun to watch. He surely likes us all to be different. And He surely needs us all to be different!
Given the undisputed fact that we are all different, why would you try to be like somebody else? Why change your looks or your body with plastic surgery? Why not be happy with the way you are? I’m not just talking about appearance, but also about talents. Character. Everybody is unique. While longing for talents you don’t have, you are neglecting those talents that you do have. This is rather counter-productive, no? You have been gifted with a unique set of talents, so find out what they are and develop them.
There is no coincidence. Everything in the universe exists for a reason. You are not talented by accident! Neither is it haphazard that you don’t have some talents you would like to have.
If you don’t have a nightingale voice, you were not meant to sing. You can do something else with your life according to the talents you do have, and leave the singing to someone who is naturally equipped for that. If you have no acting talents, you should not act. If you weigh too much, you’d better start dreaming about something else than being a fashion model.
Another undisputed fact is that everybody is gifted with his or her own unique talents. Make no mistake! Talents are not only about activities like singing, acting, dancing, painting, writing or excellence in sports. Your unique talent could be your spontaneity, your enthusiasm, your connection with animals, caring for the disabled, your generosity, being a good teacher or public speaker, being a loving community member, or being a good problem solver. It could be your capacity to love, your natural joy, your brilliance, intelligence, easily assimilating new languages, radiating beauty, having a funny way of expressing yourself, making others laugh, kindness, tenderness, and many more. The list of possible talents is very, very long indeed…
What matters in the end is for you to be yourself, right? To be yourself is to find out what your unique talents are. Unique, you say? Others are spontaneous too! Plenty of people are generous or friendly. True, but your uniqueness lays in the combination of your key talents. Find out what your prominent talents are and how you can put them together. In the synergy and alignment of your key talents lies the beauty of your uniqueness.
It would be a big waste of time trying to be someone else. You are at your best being yourself! The world needs you as you are, exactly as you are! Dare to be yourself. The more you dare to be yourself, the more freedom you will feel. The more freedom you feel, the more you will dare. Daring and freedom support each other to re-create your unique self in an ever expanding celebration of Life. Your life.
Boost your life with enthusiasm! Find your passion, your mission on earth. Live your life your way, full of joy, abundance and enthusiasm! Two free e-courses offered!
Source: www.articlezilla.com
Ethics What Produces Human Fulfillment
One of the most important questions to ask ourselves in this life is: What produces ultimate and genuine human fulfillment? I think to answer that question effectively one has to take a moment to reflect upon what does not give fulfillment. Our society has placed such a value on money, even over the importance of relationships, that most of us have a shallow view of the potential of our ability to connect with others on a deeply personal and communicatively intimate level.
Which leads me to my thesis statement about how humans find fulfillment. I believe it is two things: relationships and achieving our goals. For those that are not goal orientated, I would lean towards relationships and contentment. Relationships are important because they give us connection, love, romance, friendship, and a person with whom to share our lives with–if we are blessed to have one. Married couples, I believe, enjoy laughter, romance, spending time together, and even debating on a daily basis. I am reminded of the scripture in the Book of Proverbs that states: “Iron sharpens iron.” When we learn to live with someone who at times can be very difficult or unlovable, we get a true picture of what agape, or unconditional love is all about.
When I love my wife when she gets angry, for example, I become a living model of Christ to her. I feel like more than a conqueror when I am able to stay in the spirit, when my wife goes into the flesh mode. One time, in particular, my wife said something very inappropriate at me in front of a slew of people. I said: “I love you.” She broke down crying. I was the victor because I surrendered to the spirit of God within me. Thus relationships,goal-achievement, contentment, and please allow me to add one more–submission to the Holy Spirit, are paramount to a satisfying life.
While thinking of those things aforementioned, I would now like to delve into the meaning of life. I believe the achievement of a pleasing relationship is attainable and of utmost importance to all mankind. When I think about the concept of giving, it is important to have someone to share the inner workings of your heart and soul with. For example, I know that I can talk to my wife about anything and everything. I even do funny things with her that I cannot do, and would not dare do, with anyone else. Without a person to sort of let your hair down with, be yourself and get real, we are dead in the water. Why? We were made to connect. It’s hard to explain. The best example would probably be the commitment within marriage. We choose to love. That choice is a big deal in my life, because I know my wife knows she can count on me and that means the world to me inside my heart. I know I can count on him too. This is the key to life for me, and quite possibly for many other happily married couples.
When a person achieves their goals, in the area of careers, dreams, and spiritual growth, they are truly experiencing the meaning of life. When a woman or man achieves their career goal, to be promoted to the highest office or objective, they may truly feel great about themselves. Much respect may come about as a result of it. Deeper still though, when one is blessed enough to be a Christian leader in the corporate realm, we have a responsibility to serve our clients as Jesus himself would have. That entails looking and caring for people’s hearts, and not just their pocketbooks or immediate needs. If a person is fortunate enough to see their dreams come true, that is the ultimate in fulfillment. I once heard an actor say: “I’m lucky enough to do what I love.” I believe many of us would experience much joy to do what we love, or to finish the call of God on our life. None of the above goals can take place without spiritual growth. None.
Don Alexander, Published Writer & Online Business Mentor http://www.leading-online-business.com “Helping ALL to Succeed”
Source: www.articlezilla.com
Become a Communication Pro in the Workplace
You have been chosen to conduct the meeting next week…how are you feeling? Nothing can frustrate your career faster than not being able to speak in front of a group. Although CEO’s are expected to be successful communicators, speaking is not just for C-level executives but for all employees.
Lets face it, the workplace is full of speaking opportunities; meetings, presentations, trainings, seminars, boardroom discussions, interviews, etc. and if you can’t articulate and present your ideas you will not be seen by your peers as a leader.
Public speaking can bring up the biggest fear in all of us. Even the most experienced speakers such as Bill Gates, Dr Phil McGraw, Mark Victor Hansen and others feel fear. In fact, it’s very common and natural to feel some level of fear when presenting.
What’s more important is how you manage that fear. The fear does not have to rule your experience. The more prepared you are the better your public speaking experience will be. Public speaking is a skill that can be learned and developed through practice.
It doesn’t matter if you are the president of an organization, an employee, or an entrepreneur looking for funding for a project…the time will come where you will have to articulate your ideas.
Most people find they hit a glass ceiling in their
career if they do not actively develop the leadership skill of public speaking. Learning to be a speaker or developing into a better speaker can open new doors for you.
Here are some quick tips to cultivate your public speaking skills;
1. Prepare - Make sure to do some research on current information if it is appropriate. Write your speech to include an introduction, some main points, and a conclusion. Decide if you will use the assistance of visual aids.
However, don’t use the visual aids such as powerpoint as a crutch. There are a lot of resources available online to help you when it comes time to write your speech so use them.
2. Humor - Your presentation should include stories, anecdotes, or quotes that directly relate to your topic. Humor embraces your audience and it helps to build rapport with them.
Laughter can put your audience and yourself at ease. Consider your audience when determining how much humor to incorporate in your speech. Don’t worry if you’re not good at telling jokes or view yourself as funny, humor can be developed with practice and resources.
3. Eye contact - Be authentic and make eye contact with your audience. Direct eye contact shouts confidence. While in Texas earlier this summer, I attended a presentation on a topic of interest. When the speaker walked out on the stage, he never took his eyes off of his notes through the entire speech.
Not only did I feel disconnected from the speaker but I could have read the notes myself.
4. Language - When practicing your speech record yourself. Listen for infection, rhythm, volume, pace, and pitch. You need to project your voice to be heard, maintain interest, and be perceived as credible. Body language can enhance your speech. So even if you are nervous you don’t need to show it.
Try not to fidget. Keep you posture tall and straight, both feet planted flat on the ground, your head up, and don’t forget to smile.
5. Practice - Prepare your speech thoroughly and practice it often. Through practice, you will develop your confidence and calm your nerves. You want your speech to be authentic not canned so rather than reading your speech to the audience, prepare keyword notes.
This will leave room in your presentation for spontaneity. A good rule of thumb is to memorize your opening sentence, know your main points, know your stories, memorize your closing remarks, and practice for time.
Practice your speech standing up it will increase your energy level. If at all possible, practice your speech in the room you will be giving your presentation. This will allow you time to get comfortable with the room.
When fear takes over it causes the speaker to react in one of three ways; bury themselves in their notes, find refuge in their visual aids, or fix on a point on the back wall behind the audience.
The effectiveness of a business presentation, no matter how large or small the audience, is largely dependent on the manner in which it is delivered. Nervousness stimulates us so use it to your advantage to get fired up and focused. It is imperative that you prepare your material and yourself well.
Record yourself if you can. Recording your performance is the next best thing to coaching. On video we see ourselves as our audience sees us. Try to be objective, remember this is an opportunity to develop your skills.
If you want professional support, consider hiring a coach.
Copyright 2007 Michelle Simms, personal development coach.Her ideal client is not defined by a specific profession, but by the passion they have to grow personally and professionally. Michelle facilitates weekly teleseminars for clients worldwide at http://www.SimmsInternational.com
Source: www.articlezilla.com
Leave a Reply