Recognition – what does this word trigger in you? Do you first think of praise, appreciation, honor, and esteem – recognition from others? Or do you sense that there is more to it than that? Recognition also comes into play when we acknowledge a legal claim or debt. Or when we acknowledge our own possibilities or limitations. But as diverse as recognition is, one thing always becomes clear: when we see something with a clear eye, we recognize how something actually is and not how we would like it to be.
Life as a teacher
Perhaps you have noticed that we tend to see other people's shortcomings more easily than their abilities. That is why the Sermon on the Mount says:
"Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?"
We are even harder on ourselves. Some people torment themselves with perfectionism despite outstanding achievements. Others demand an Oscar because they show up to work on time. Recognizing your own abilities, potential, and limitations is extremely difficult. In my experience, life is the best teacher for this.
A few years ago, after a lecture, the CEO of a pharmaceutical company said to me: "It's excellent how you convey the topic of leadership. Inspiring, clearly explained, and competently presented. Right to the point. Great! I just have one problem: accepting leadership from a man in a wheelchair." When I tell this story, my listeners mentally bash the CEO with their moral cudgels. I was shocked too, but then I realized that it is indeed difficult for a leadership expert in a wheelchair to symbolize strength. Leadership is primarily associated with strength, while a wheelchair is associated with weakness. I had three options:
- Complaining about society's perception of disability and fighting a losing battle.
Result: frustration.
Result: Stagnation.- Staying true to myself, continuing to believe in my inner strength, and working on it.
Result: Transformation.
Put up with yourself
It takes courage to look beyond the sunny side of life. It is an art to face up to your own limitations. Without coquetry! Courage and artistry are lacking when we criticize others more than ourselves or when we belittle the achievements of others instead of appreciating them. Instead, we should analyze ourselves. Recognize what is! Because only when we acknowledge reality can we live for what we were meant to do. Only then will we be ready for a life of maximum opportunity, fulfillment, and success. Without limiting ourselves.
Thanks to the CEO's honest feedback, I learned my lesson. Was it painful? Yes. Was the subsequent struggle for insight exhausting? Yes. Was implementing the insight exhausting? You bet! I have to admit that it pushed me to the limits of my commitment.
Develop freedom and strength
Was it at least worth it? Yes. Because over time, the tide turned. Today, my wheelchair stands for strength and opens doors. Some even claim that I am only successful because I am in a wheelchair. I have become free inside during this process, because I know that there is only one way to grow from this. Stay true to yourself, think things through, and act consistently. That's how you develop freedom and strength that no external recognition can match. Because you have recognized yourself. There is no greater gift you can give yourself.
Yours, Boris Grundl
Looking for more inspiration?
Take a look at Facebook, Instagram, or the video blog "Grundl's Reasons." Here, Boris Grundl examines current topics from different perspectives. Always with the question: "What can I take away from this topic for myself and my life?" In the video for Valentine's Day, for example, he talks about the distinction between "competence vs. commitment."
Valentine's Day is a celebration of lovers, who tend to see their partners through rose-colored glasses, especially in the early stages of a relationship. But love is also a process that can turn from initial euphoria to disillusionment. In the Valentine's Day episode, Boris Grundl looks at the difference between commitment and competence and how you can achieve effective sustainability after the euphoric initial phase. Because when you combine commitment and competence, you can understand change processes in depth. Only then can you achieve results that make you the best you can be.
Image source: ©Fotorech Pixabay
