It’s okay to be one among others!
Growing up, we are programmed for individualism.
Teachers single out “special kids.” At birthday parties, the special kids get presents for their special-ness. You grow up and move into the workplace, and you receive accolades for being special. So you live your life believing that you are super special, and that everyone else is living below their potential. Even when people are happy and growing, there’s a part of you that becomes judgmental because you really believe they can do “better.” What nobody tells you about this is that being special can come with unhealthy pressure, to always be doing better, and more. To always be at the top of your game. Even when you do great work that would be considered sufficient if it were someone else, people still expect more from you. It’s like… “Hey, great work there…when is the next one?!” After all, you’re special.
Hyper-individualism says that you are living a purpose driven life, and others aren’t. It says that you have big dreams, and others don’t. It says, “I can’t believe that such a talented person would settle for such a small goal.” It says that people who have decided to contribute to a whole, instead of taking lead, are “settling.” It says a lot of egocentric silly things in the name of inspiration.
Life is really about community and collaboration. About being a “follower,” as much as you’re a leader. About working with people for people.
Don’t let the fear of being “one among others,” put unnecessary pressure on you, and cripple your life’s purpose. We are all special; every single one of us.
The goal is not to stand out. The goal is to STAND FORWARD.
xx
Adaora ‘Lumina’ Mbelu