At a very young age, we notice the things that make us different from other people. Sometimes we voice those differences, other times we keep them to ourselves. We begin to keep a mental log of all the subtle or not so subtle, aspects of ourselves that don’t fit with what we are taught is the right way to be .

 

As we age, we internalize those differences, and often judge them against what we believe those around us deem as “normal”, “appropriate” or“lovable”. Often, as we adapt to align with those around us, we also decide if we are good or bad, capable or incapable, fun or boring, successful or mediocre.

 

To fit in and appear lovable we often dampen our Greatness.

 

At VAST we say, not so fast!




The courage to be oneself originates with the courage to be whole instead of perfect. If we dare to believe that each of us is capable of magnificence exactly as we are, instead of contorting to conform or doubt ourselves, we must begin by learning how to work with that wholeness.

 

A whole person can give wrong directions, burp at dinner with new in-laws, and not know the answer to many questions. Wholeness is embracing the inability to fit in a box and instead choose to construct a life; the box that honors, nourishes and delights you!

 

By acknowledging and taking responsibility for your whole,authentic self, the greatness within you naturally emerges.

 

By acknowledging the Greatness in others, you awaken to the unique mix of qualities presented by each of them. You see others for who they truly are, precious examples of imperfect humanity working so hard to contribute their best selves each day. You learn to value different things about people than you might have appreciated before. You Notice that the new person you are training at work, who has not stopped talking all week, is better at handling phone calls than any other member of your team because they possess the gift of an extroverted nature and simply enjoy talking a lot. That quality that can be frustrating turned out to be a huge asset to your team and to you as a leader. You then learn to be appreciative of something you once deemed imperfect.

 

Accepting our wholeness instead of seeking perfection imbue your daily interactions with authenticity and adds to a richer, more vivid life experience. You notice your limiting expectations melt away as you interact genuinely with others, creating synergy and enhanced outcomes.

 

The ability to see people authentically, affords you a greater confidence to trust the decisions you have made and strengthens your personal power as a leader; shining into every corner of your life. When you are making decisions with, and based on, authentic contributors, better outcomes follow and suddenly everyone is winning. People love to be around winners!

 

At Vast, we believe that everyone possesses a unique brand of personal power that adds zest to the collective success of human kind. By encouraging everyone to be their authentic selves in service to their Greatness, we believe a better quality of life at work, home and on the planet is built.

 

If Greatness Becomes You, dive deeper into “Acknowledging Greatness in ALL with the Courage to be Oneself” with VAST Thought Leader Catherine Corley and myself for this installment of the Conscious Commerce, Code of Conduct Series Streaming live this Wednesday, May 2nd at 1:00PM PST .
Online to follow.

 

The Vast Institute’s mission’s Conscious Commerce infuses the business sector with the power of practical optimism through the development of Socially Intelligent Leadership.