Evolve U

Don’t Fit In

4th August, 2009 - Posted by Shaunice Hawkins - No Comments

The biblical tale of David and Goliath is the ultimate “underdog ” story.  It  tells of an ominous and terrorizing foe triumphantly defeated by a least likely victor from humble means.   

According to the tale, David, a teenaged shepherd boy, wasn’t his people’s choice to defeat the menacing Goliath.  There had been others who were more skilled, trained and equipped to handle the enormous giant however, David surfaced to the forefront.  David’s eldest brother chided David for his audacious involvement in the battle.  The nearly ten-foot tall Goliath jeered David’s boldness as well.  David’s father and king both expressed similar concern over David’s abilities.  Upon being suited with heavy armor and weaponry in preparation for the stand-off, David felt paralyzed.  The very equipment that was to protect and serve him was unfamiliar so he took them off.  With each side was caught up in their respective chaos,  an undeterred David took his slingshot  and collected one of five smooth stones from his shepherd’s pouch, approached the venomous Goliath, slung the stone and slew Goliath between the eyes.   

Awesome!!

What I like most about this tale isn’t so much about the “good versus evil” theme but  the method in which evil was defeated.  David didn’t listen to what others said about him.  Nor did he allow what they said to define him or determine his destiny.  He used what he carried everyday (his ordinary slingshot) and achieved an unlikely result (an extraordinary victory). 

We are all born with a measure of skill, talent and ability.  However , we tend to think the “grass is greener on the other side” so we easily and readily discount what is in our possession.  We clothe ourselves with others’ views and perceptions believing that they have the best insight as to who we are and what we can accomplish and buy into their opinions as if they provide us with purpose.  We allow others’ comments to shift our focus from quality to quantity too often.  If we would only take time to truly assess and evaluate those opinions, views and perceptions, we’d realize that they are, in fact, immobilizing and impeding.  By adhering to others, we subject ourselves to others’ manipulations and become paralyzed to our truest selves.

Recognize what is best for you. Forget about the negative things others say to and about you.  Stop associating yourself with those who don’t have your best interest at heart and/or who will tear you down to make themselves look and feel good.  They are cowards.  They don’t have the courage or ability to stand out, to be amazing  or to be extraordinary.  Don’t allow your talents, skills and abilities to be restricted by their opinions.  What do they know anyway?

The more you fit into their view of you, the less visible you become – you essentially erase the ability to be uniquely innovative and entrepreneurial.  So what if they don’t understand your vision?  Who cares if they don’t think you can meet your goals?  All that matters is what you think.  You have the ability to do great things, just do them.  Stand out! You can do anything you put your mind to do.   You only need one stone and one shot. 

FINAL THOUGHT
Obstacles can’t stop you. Problems can’t stop you. Most of all other people can’t stop you. Only you can stop you. ~ Jeffrey Gitomer