Use the Gifts that You Have

Ever since my children were newborns I have read to them each night before bed. It is a ritual that I have very much enjoyed over the years. I get to spend time with them and be there as they fade off to sleep.

 

We have read all sorts of books over the years from Dr. Seuss to princess books, good books to real sleepers, chapter books, picture books and even recently a book with no words (I had to make up a story to go with the pictures- it was actually quite fun).

 

Tonight I read a story about a race through the jungle with various animals (Jungle Run). The race consisted of an obstacle course and in the beginning the animals scoffed at one young cub who wanted to participate but appeared too small. As the race got under way the cub was left in the back as the larger animals surged ahead.

 

At the first obstacle, a net close to the ground that the animals had to go under, the cub overtook the larger animals because of her size. The next obstacle was a rope swing. The elephant was too big and fell in but the small cub swung straight across. In the end the cub emerges triumphant and the moral, as I took it, is that we all have special abilities that can help us emerge triumphantly.

 

Some characteristics that you have that may initially appear negatives but could help you surge to the lead

 

1-      Quiet– Are you the type that likes to stay back in a conversation, taking it all in. Some may describe you as a little shy? Maybe you have the ability to listen and process conversation and predict outcomes. The art of listening is much understated these days. With the aggressive tell all- sometimes the one who listens best can pick up on things others do not notice.

 

2-      Humor– Do you have an ability to make people smile or lighten the atmosphere in a room? I am not talking about the class clown who does more to annoy than to entertain. I am also not talking about a standup comic who adds nothing to a conversation except humor. In tense situations it is nice to have someone who can lighten the mood. A person who doesn’t take himself too seriously and is comfortable enough to laugh at his own mistakes.

 

3-      Imperfect– Do you make mistakes? Of course you do and we all do, but how your react or respond to mistakes can tell a lot about who you are and if people are willing to follow you.

 

4-      Honest– Can people come to you for honest feedback and advice? Having a reputation as someone who is honest but fair brands you as a leader.

 

5-      Sympathetic– Do you have the ability to see things from another’s point of view? Even if you do not agree with the other person or if you know that they are definitely wrong, having the ability to see it from their eyes can help you lead.

 

6-      Humble– Do you recognize your own limitations or graciously accept victory? Being humble and being confident are not mutually exclusive.

 

At the end of the race in our story above, the cub comes out triumphant because she is able to use her unique situation, her smaller size, as her advantage. We all have abilities that help us come out victorious, even if on the surface those abilities may not appear valuable.

 

Question: What attributes or abilities do you have that may be understated or dismissed as invaluable? Leave your comment below or by clicking here.

 

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