It used to bother me deeply that I never really fit in with the "popular kids". I used to get angry with myself, and even with God, because I was soooooo awkward and soooooo nerdy and people never seemed to understand the way my mind worked.
While growing up I read as many books as I could, filled up many journals with my dreams, and I kept most of my thoughts and ideas to myself, so people wouldn't think I was strange or crazy. I thought my visions were impossible because I wanted to do things that other people told me were neither feasible, nor practical.
I wish that I could say that these feelings stopped in high school, but the alienation and loneliness actually worsened when I became an adult. I tried hard to fit into traditional molds, follow popular trends, and walk conventional pathways... but I was still a "misfit".
Overtime I realized that the ongoing pain of being inauthentic was worse than the sting of rejection.
I also recognized that if I really wanted to be outstanding, blending in was extremely counterproductive. I wish that more leaders understood that embracing authenticity is one of the greatest contributions that we can make when establishing or improving an organization's culture.
As I look back I am so thankful for the mentors and loved ones who taught me how to accept myself. I wish I could tell my 12-year-old self to hold on because her "gift of awkwardness" and inclination for innovation would eventually help her to create spaces for other leaders to embrace their uniqueness, pursue their passions, and.... Live, Lead & Inspire.
One of these spaces is the virtual Leaders Lab. I hope that you can join us.
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