‘Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.’ (Margaret Mead). If we are so distinctive and unique, there is no reason why we must not attempt to carve our own success path that is just as distinctive.
This thought about being unique is both sobering and energizing. A definitive identity to one’s work and methods exhilarates and also places a fair degree of responsibility. You know that you don’t play around with your identity or whatever it is that makes you so different. You also recognize that aspiration taking birth within you to make your uniqueness immortal and, therefore, you keep polishing it until it becomes charismatic and not merely different! Let me give an example here. My aunt makes delicious vegetable korma! She’s been preparing this dish a long time since she got married, and somehow, it always has that same wonderful flavour and it’s always lip-smacking. Many others prepare the same dish, including me, but it always tastes different. Why? Here’s the striking part. We both use the same ingredients, so what is it that makes the some dish taste so different. I could just come up with a simple answer. The difference is in the proportions of ingredients and may be even the sequence.
I don’t think I can count the number of individuals I have seen or met or interacted till today. But I can tell you this: no two were alike. That’s one thing I appreciate most about human nature. It celebrates the uniqueness of individuals. There are approximately 72 traits in each person and it is the proportion of motivational intensity for every trait that makes us do the same task differently. ‘Unique’ is the word that fits the definition here. There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression… you must simply keep learning and improving what you do, without succumbing to the temptation of copying any other way. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open.
Have you ever met anyone just like you? I mean really 100% like you. Someone with the same height, weight, complexion, appearance, talents, preferences, hopes, beliefs, aspirations, behaviors, habits, or passions is more of a fantasy than a reality. Not even identical twins are a perfect match in all respects. There are no two people in this world who are truly identical. Even our bodies testify to our uniqueness. We have chromosomal differences and have our own unique combinations in our DNA/Genes, different finger prints and different retina patterns. God has made us each into a unique masterpiece. This dogma of differences is equally true for our talents and motivations.
Being different is not bad, being an individual having something special in his personality, behavior or attitude is not wrong. So why not enjoy being you, what you are, the way you are. An important thing to keep in mind is to learn to respect the uniqueness of others as we grow as unique persons ourselves. Rejoice the life so uniquely yours.
A final mantra to help you understand and believe in your uniqueness is captured rather well in this Buddhist saying: “If you are facing in the right direction, all you need to do is keep on walking.”
[Arvind Passey]
[2007]
