1-1-1: Y(our) Biggest strength, seeking Challenges and the formula for Happiness
1-Thought-Starter
How often do you try to fit in? To be like those around you? Try to adapt yourself to the ways and opinions of the people seated at the table of your life?
It's an urge we all have to ensure we fit in so that we don't stand out. And in doing that, we undermine our biggest strength - "The uniqueness within us”. If we all painted with the same colour we’d never see a rainbow.
Because, let's face it, if we were all exactly like each other, we wouldn't progress at all. We'd all be sitting around saying the same thing, agreeing with each other and just being stuck with no progress. In their book "unleashed" Frances Frei and Anne Morriss put it beautifully when they say
"When we choose to bring our unique selves to the table, the parts of ourselves that are actually different from other people, then diversity can create an unbeatable advantage by expanding the amount of information the team can access."
Your need to fit in could be the reason all of those around you can't progress! Think about that for a second and let it soak in. The very thing we hold back in showing is the thing that can be our biggest strength. So, whenever you hesitate to show your unique self and perspective, remember that you're not just doing yourself a disservice but also the world.
1-Insight
As much as we might hate them, it’s the challenges we face that help us grow. But most of the time we wait for life to throw us challenges. Instead, we should pick challenges that push our own boundaries. That’s when we will truly thrive and realise our full potential.
I spoke to Le15 founder Pooja Dhingra in her unique approach to challenges that further her growth. How would you go about it?
1-Recommendation
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you read the word “Happiness”? Does it seem attainable, wishful, or a mere myth? Is it a conscious practice or an unconscious action? In the few years that we spent in the confines of our home, there was a shift in priorities, a shift in our definition of happiness, and maybe a shift in where it now stems from. Our happiness became free of the shackles of external factors – people’s validation, materialistic joys – and moved towards finding the small pockets in our lives that are filled with happiness.
The reason I recommend this podcast today, on a Saturday, is that in our long ‘To-Do list’, we sometimes forget to add space for our happiness. In this podcast, Simon Sinek talks to Dr. Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor, Ph.D., social scientist, and bestselling author. Arthur talks about how the age-old adage – happiness grows when shared – is actually true and that it follows a simple three-step formula. He also talks about how we often just wish for happiness and do not apply it in our lives. Happiness, like everything else, requires practice and effort.
Something to think about!
✌🏽