Understanding the uniqueness of our experience as human beings is always an incredible journey. From the moment we take our first breath and realize that we are individual sentient beings, we embark on a pathway to discover not only our five senses but also our innate specialties that propel us into a life of exploration within a vast unknown. This journey into the unknown is collective and comprises all that we learn when we realize that we are part of a system of human beings – a family system and a system based on cultural perspectives.
Each day, as we grow and change, we are exposed to a variety of different elements that help us determine our main skill sets. We discover that the definition of a genius may not simply be someone with an incredible IQ for a specific subject, skill, or task, but rather someone who experiences 90% of their God-given talent and utilizes that skill to improve the world. Historical geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci Einstein, Michelangelo, and others all attest in their writings that they never discovered their full potential. Our goal is to ascertain if we are living up to much of what we intended to be in order to Realize our Potential.
Therefore, whether you are working in the media, private industry, government relations, or any area where you must focus on your contributing factors, ask yourself: Are you realizing your potential, or are you in denial of who you are?
Realize our Potential is a subjective journey that varies from person to person. However, here are five ways to help determine if you are on the path to realizing your potential:
- Passion and Fulfillment: Assess whether you feel passionate and fulfilled in what you’re doing. When you’re working towards your potential, you often feel a sense of excitement and joy, even when facing challenges.
- Setting and Achieving Goals: Consider if you are setting goals for yourself and actively working towards achieving them. These goals could be personal, professional, or related to skills you want to develop. Regularly achieving these goals indicates you’re moving forward.
- Continuous Learning and Growth: Evaluate if you are constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow. This could involve taking courses, seeking mentors, reading, or gaining new experiences that expand your skills and knowledge.
- Facing Challenges and Adapting: Reflect on how you handle challenges and setbacks. Realizing your potential often involves stepping out of your comfort zone, facing obstacles, and adapting to different situations with resilience and determination.
- Impact and Contribution: Consider the impact you’re making in your chosen field or within your community. Realizing your potential often aligns with contributing positively, whether through your work, relationships, or by making a difference in the lives of others.
Remember, realizing your potential is a continual process. It’s not a destination but rather a journey of self-discovery, growth, and development. Regular self-reflection and adaptation are crucial to understanding if you’re on the right path towards realizing your potential.
Lawrence Story, LMSW, LMFT