One of my favorite commercials is the one for Dos Equis Beer involving The Most Interesting Man in the World. This fictional character seems to be involved in nearly everything and is described with such statements as His mother has a tattoo that says "Son". He doesn't always drink beer, but when he does, it's Dos Equis.
This past week I spoke to an old friend who is looking for a job. He actually made the statement, "I'm not sure I have anything to offer". I told him to leverage his personal strengths to compete for an open position. In my opinions, more people suffer a lack of self-esteem than are cocky and arrogant.
All of us have unique strengths and abilities. Those are tied into our life experiences. It's these experiences that define who we are. While we don't all have the same whirlwind lifestyle of The Most Interesting Man in the World, certainly we've done some interesting things. More importantly, if we've ever overcome adversity, that alone is worth leveraging as we work to position our experiences.
What have you overcome? Divorce? Health issues? Deaths of friends or family members? Financial catastrophe? If you've gone through these valleys and safely emerged on the other side, you're a survivor with a story to tell. Those intangible things you've learned such as patience, perseverance, compassion, or whatever makes you someone who can get things done. It makes you indispensible in some way. It also makes you interesting.
This week, do a self-inventory of what you've done in your lifetime. List highs and lows, accomplishments and failures. Each of these are the building blocks that define us. Then think of ways to take the lessons and traits learned and apply them to whatever you're wrestling with now.
All of us have something to offer but don't expect people to go out of their way to discover it. You have to identify it and promote it. Even The Most Interesting Man in the World needs to let someone know of his accomplishments. What makes you any less interesting than him?
I thought you were the most interesting man in the world, so who is this imposter that is trying to claim that title?
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because my recent work has been working with the "Golden Shadow" or those things we have that are good in ourselves. We see our reflection on those around us, and give them credit for being "put a good thing here" yet don't take credit for the source of the reflection, ourselves. Humility? Scared to be held to a higher standard? What ever it is, we all have them and should embrace our good qualities too.
I've come to find out that's no easier that dealing with our "Dark Shadows".
Keep it up, I'm glad you updated. I've been missing your words of wisdom.
Dennis
Thought you might like to see this interview with TMIMITW - Conversation with TMIMITW
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