I understand why as I’m listening to a podcast I’m beginning to feel so yucky. Icky. Low. Blah.
Why? The advice on the podcast was not at all what I need at this time. Furthermore, I don’t agree with her.
The podcaster is a well-known online business guru. She seems lovely, down-to-earth, and natural. I’ve listened to quite a few of her episodes. She has a ginormous following and is known for the millions she’s earning and thought of as an expert in her field.
So what’s the problem? I didn’t connect with her advice. It was well-meaning and obviously, there’s a market for this information, but for me, it was just standard operating procedure. I realized I haven’t enjoyed listening to her in a while. So why was I choosing to tune in to her podcast? I had allowed myself to fall into the all-too-common habit of “follow the leader”.
I’ve spent nearly 10 years getting off the “follow others” to “do it their way” plan, to instead uncover my way.
As a result of going my way, I’m enjoying my life more than ever. I love my imperfect journey even when I navigate through the bumpy spots in my life. And I’m thriving because it’s me being me, rather than trying to be similar to others.
We’re meant to be ourselves. Yes, we can learn from each other. But it’s a slippery road when we follow someone so passionately we forget to check in with how we feel about their ideas. We can ask ourselves, is this what I want to align myself with? Do I really feel the same way he/she does? Am I following consciously or blindly? Am I impressed by their supposed power and is that informing my experience?
When we see others as an expert, it sometimes serves as a diversion. It can take us away from looking at ourselves as creators in the world. In reality, every one of us is creating what is.
The more we assign power to others, the more we don’t stand in our power. We don’t even realize we too have power. It’s all too easy to agree with some people just because of what their stature represents to us. This is a good time to remind myself that I’m all grown up now. I get to have an opinion, even express it, and stand in my own space.
Be yourself unapologetically.
Do you follow blindly? Are you able to break from your tribe?
Within the categories of our life, there’s no shortage of opportunities to follow an idea, a movement, a person. Just because the other person has a seemingly powerful position, it doesn’t mean they’re an expert on you, others, or humanity. You get to agree/disagree with those in seemingly powerful positions. Any leaders, across the categories of business, mind, body, spirit, political, religious, health, education.
You have a right to form your thoughts. Use that right.
Of course, we benefit from each other’s inspiration, ideas, and support. This is how we assist ourselves in nurturing and acting on our ideas, hopes, and dreams. But true power is being true to ourselves. It allows us to beautifully come together to support, collaborate, and share so that we create something of actual benefit. Together.
We’re not here to follow, we’re here to create.