"Feeling different or thinking you don’t fit in is a reminder that you are unique."

A thought by Chad Veach from his book, I Work with People (p. 60). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)

Yes, we are, we are unique.

Chad says, "That uniqueness needs to be celebrated and even enhanced. The goal isn’t to fit in, because to fit in you’d have to be like everyone else. The goal is to be you. So, rather than spending inordinate amounts of time and energy trying to strengthen your weaknesses, lean into the things you’re naturally good at or the areas in which you have greatest potential for growth. Don’t ignore all your weaknesses, especially if they are hurting you or those around you in some way, but focus most of your efforts on excelling in your areas of strength."

He continues, "It’s okay not to be good at everything. To use yet another sports analogy, most top athletes master only one sport—and often only one position or category within that sport. They might be skilled at other sports and they might enjoy other sports, but at some point, they choose to focus on the one area in which they have the greatest potential. In the same way, in your areas of strength, strive to become a specialist, an expert, an authority. Not to find value or identity in that (because there will always be a more specialized specialist or a more authoritative authority), but simply because those are the areas in which you can grow and give the most."

He then says, "Comparison is a black hole that sucks up every compliment and accomplishment and only grows bigger and hungrier in the process. When faced with your limitations, decide to lead yourself away from comparison and toward security. Acknowledge where you’re weak. Laugh at yourself. Praise people who are strong in those areas. And then, turn toward your strength and work doubly hard at being even better. If you are the numbers girl, be the numbers girl. If you are the book guy, be the book guy. If you are the systems person, be the systems person. Find your strengths, revel in them—and maybe stop being so dramatic about your weaknesses. It doesn’t do you or anyone else any good."

Such good advice, isn't it?

Yes, yes!

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