I’m sure that you probably by now that most people don’t think like us. What I mean by “us” are those of us who are laser-sharp focused on accomplishing some extraordinary goals. We know what we want and we’re not afraid to put in the work, time, money and effort to get there. We’re not chasing success, we’re unapologetically creating the life that we want and deserve.
But on the flip side of things, it can be a challenge to achieve those goals while you’re surrounded by a world that accepts, promotes and condones a mediocre, average, just-have-enough-to-get by lifestyle and way of thinking. We’re taught to just go to school, get a good and “safe” job, so we can pay our taxes, retire and die. I don’t know about you but that’s not the life I’m building and neither should you.
The battle of the “extraordinary” versus the “ordinary” is the epic battle of giraffes and turtles. I’ve shared this quote with you by Bishop TD Jakes before, “When you are a giraffe and you receive criticism from turtles, they are reporting the view from the level that they’re on.” Please don’t be one of those people that allows a “turtle” to talk you out of your giraffe vision. They can’t see what you see because they don’t have the capacity to.
The journey of success can get lonely because most people are content with an average lifestyle, but just because they’re content does not mean that you have to be. Nor do you have to dim your light around those people in order to make them feel better about themselves.
If the people around you (maybe coworkers, family, neighbors, or friends) don’t think like you do, then have compassion for them because people can only think to the level which they’re exposed to. You can’t expect someone who’s never been exposed to success to understand the lifestyle of success and wealth.
I see too many of us get in situations where we dim our own lights of beauty, extraordinaire, confidence, business savvy, fabulousness (yes that’s a word to me) to make other people feel comfortable. You’re too beautiful, brilliant, focused, driven and goal-oriented for that!
Instead of allowing the environment to control you, you set the atmosphere around you. If someone doesn’t like you because you’re confident, driven and focused then that’s their problem and not yours.
How other people feel about you is none of your business.
Make it your mission to surround yourself with other “giraffes” because if you’re the smartest one in your circle then your circle is too small. Better yet, if you’re surrounded by five other broke people then chances are you’re the 6th one.
Never be afraid to meet new people, especially other women who can add value to your life and who you can also add value to theirs. Instead of focusing on what you can get out of a relationship, start thinking of what you can give.
You NEVER know where your next opportunity is going to come from. You never know when you’re being interviewed and you never know who’s watching you. When I went from intern to employee at Warner Music Group, I didn’t get hired by the department I interned for. I was hired by an Executive Vice President from a totally different department who I had never even met before but he heard about me from other executives at the company.
Be committed to the excellent and extraordinary woman you are at all times because you might be dimming your light in the wrong room.
Of course don’t be a cocky, arrogant chick because that won’t get you anywhere either. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with letting your light shine and when you do, you’ll attract others who are just as bright, bold and beautiful as you!
XOXO,
Maria I. Melendez
@embraceherlegacy