“You’re so pensive”. I looked up to realize that someone was staring at me. I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn’t realize this. I also didn’t realize how much I was being observed. I just shrugged it off and continued taking in the sights and the sounds of Kingston, Jamaica. You see I was on a tour, and I can’t much remember what I was thinking about. But whatever it was, it consumed me. So much so that I wasn’t in tune with what was happening right in front of me.
Later on I realized that “this is me”. Always in my head. It’s one of the best parts of me. I’m a thinker, a creator, even a nerd. My thoughts, and my thinking are a big part of me. I discovered this part of myself a long time ago and I embrace it fully. That discovery came from studying myself……practicing self-awareness. Self-awareness is being honest with yourself while examining different parts of you. Really placing a mirror in front of yourself and taking it all in. The good, the bad and the ugly. Sometimes, during this process, you may come across something that isn’t that great and that is when you decide whether or not you want to work on being a better version of you.
This particular flash of insight brought me face to face with a part of me that I celebrate, that serves me well, but also is flawed. So first the good news! When you discover a strength in your character, I believe you should own it. You should walk in it and harness it towards your passion and purpose. I am a thinker! I make my living through thinking. My thoughts become advice, and lessons, and speeches, and business ideas.
The not so great news? Our strengths have limitations. A major part of self-awareness is understanding those limitations. What are the limitations of my strength? I can miss moments by being wrapped up in my thoughts. I can be not present for those who are trying to communicate with me. I can get so wrapped up in my ideas and thinking that I forget to share them with others. So now what? Now, I intentionally tell myself to enjoy each moment. Set aside time for thinking and time for being present. Now, because of my very nature, I won’t get it right each and every time. But, now I know better so I can work on doing better. Please keep in mind that you’re not taking this approach to be critical of yourself in a negative way. You’re simply taking stock with intentionality. So what are the flaws in your greatness?