Imagine there’s a team being assembled to participate in a one day, “idea sharing” retreat. Team members will be paid $100,000.00 each for their time. Of course it would be held at some amazingly fantastic place, all expenses paid. To qualify, you must answer one question. If your answer is unique, you’re in. It’s that simple. The question is:
How are you different?
I’m different because:
- I’m tall
- I teach Pilates
- I’m an author
- I’m divorced three times
- I have a gay brother
- I was anorexic
- I was bulimic
- I’m a rape survivor
- I’m an Ironman
- I like strangers
- I believe in happy endings
My experiences, good and bad, have given me a unique perspective on life. Without a doubt, living through them has made me more compassionate and less judgmental but I’m still limited by what I don’t know. Imagine the wisdom I’d gain if I understood your experiences.
How are you different? Are you shy? Are you a pragmatist? Do you get depressed? Are you musical? Are you super smart? Do you have fears? Have you made mistakes, big ones? These things are important.
Instead of focusing on being similar and fitting in, we should focus on being authentic. If we can drum up the courage to share who we are with the world, maybe we can change the world.
Be brave enough to be different.
