Who’s Writing Your Story?
Stories and Beliefs:
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Have you ever let others define your potential based on superficial factors? This article is not about height but about the stories we tell ourselves and the missed opportunities that arise when we buy into these narratives.
Overcoming Challenges:
"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."
~ Michelangelo
Growing up shorter than many of my classmates, I faced comments about how I was "too small" or "too short" that planted doubts in my mind. I believed I couldn't play football due to my size and endured bullying from classmates who preyed on my vulnerability. During one particularly embarrassing incident, my friend Greg stood up for me, saving me from further humiliation. Today, Greg thrives as a successful attorney, always defending others. Leaders recognize that challenges are opportunities in disguise, and we must discover our personal strengths to create advantages for ourselves.
Redefining Limitations:
"Don't let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul."
~ Ratatouille
To compensate for my perceived shortcomings, I honed my wit, delved into my imagination, and became an astute observer of people. Along my career path, I acquired leadership skills that complemented these early skills and helped me grow and accelerate my development. However, even with increased confidence in my own abilities and a solid group of friends, I found myself seeking validation from individuals whose opinions should not have mattered. How many of us sell ourselves short by accepting limiting beliefs at face value?
Breaking Free from Others' Opinions:
"Believe you can and you're halfway there."
~ Theodore Roosevelt
We often shrink ourselves by giving undue weight to others' ideas, opinions, or criticisms. Fear of being cut down prevents us from speaking up or pursuing our passions if they deviate from societal norms. We dislike the discomfort of challenging popular opinions, and those who appear different become easy targets for judgment. What happens to our dreams when we place too much importance on others' opinions?
Embracing Our Dreams:
"Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life."
~ Steve Jobs
During our youth, we are filled with dreams and goals. Shockingly, research suggests that 92% of people do not achieve their goals. However, when 70% of people share their goals with family or friends, they accomplish them. If we want to defy the odds, we need to enlist others to create accountability. It doesn't mean that our friends and family will instantly become our support system. There will be naysayers and critics in our inner circle. It's crucial to surround ourselves with supportive individuals, even though some may question our aspirations. We must not let others write our story.
Becoming the Author of Our Own Journey:
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
~ C.S. Lewis
If we believe in our own leadership, our dreams, and our goals, we must become the authors of our own journey. Transformative leaders like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Sarah Blakely, and Jamie Kern Lima possess the ability to drown out the naysayers and forge ahead. We need to recognize that dreams aren't just for the young. Many people tell themselves the story that it's too late to start, but examples like Bernie Marcus, Ray Kroc, and Leo Goodwin prove otherwise. They created remarkable ventures later in life, defying societal expectations.
The Courageous Path:
"Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going."
~ Sam Levenson
Leadership and blazing a new trail can be a solitary endeavor, but if we summon the courage and perseverance, we will find daily pride within ourselves. The person we must strive to make proud is none other than ourselves. To embolden your journey as a leader, here are a few reminders:
Clarify your dreams and goals.
Share your aspirations to create accountability.
Don't wait; start and allow your path to evolve.
Trust yourself and bet on your abilities.
Remember that critics and naysayers have already given up on themselves.
Seek like-minded individuals to join you along the way.
Keep a journal to reflect on your transformative journey.
Closing Thoughts:
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
At 5 feet 7 inches, my height is no longer something I consider. Height has become a mere observational note for me. Every day, I work hard to write my own story. And I want to encourage you to do the same as a leader. By taking control of our own narratives, we liberate ourselves from the limitations imposed by others. Let us embark on our unique journeys, pursuing our dreams with unwavering determination. Together, we can become the authors of our own stories.
