There’s Only One You

Let’s get this out of the way right up front. This post is intended for you. Yes, you. The guy or gal right there. With your eyebrows raised and a quizzical expression on your face. Looking over your shoulder to make sure I’m not trying to reach the guy or gal behind you. I’m actually talking to you. Whoever and wherever you are, I’m talking to you.

Now that I have your attention, let’s proceed.

I have something to say to you. Ready? You are amazing! Young or old, accomplished or novice, you are amazing! How do I know this? It’s simple. You are one of a kind. There’s only one you. And that makes you unique. And special.

As we posted earlier this week, in her book Everything Is Figureoutable, Marie Forleo includes a fantastic quote from legendary American dancer Martha Graham:

“There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.”

This applies to you. Yes, you. The one who is right now questioning (again) whether I am really, truly still talking to you. (I am.)

What You Owe the World

Now that we have established that you are unique and that you have something inside you that only you can give, let’s take it to the next step. You owe it to the world to empty the tank and give us your best contribution. We need no less than that from you. We need you to expend your full potential in making your unique mark on the world, and, in so doing, enrich all of our lives. Don’t settle for less than all you can be. That would not only cheat yourself, it would also cheat all of the rest of us who are counting on you.

I realize this is asking a lot. It’s not easy to give your all. It requires leaving your comfort zone, the place where you feel most comfortable (hence, the name). It requires stretching yourself, and stretching can be painful. It might mean all sorts of things, like breaking unproductive habits, such as doom scrolling on your social media platform of choice. Or binge watching the latest must-see TV show. (Or shows, plural.) Or gaming. Or golfing. (There, just to show that I’m an equal opportunity buzzkiller, I threw in one of my favorite time-consuming vices.) Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying there’s anything necessarily wrong with any of these, but if we let them they can rob us of the time and energy we need to pursue our passion and make our best contribution to the world.

And it’s not just hobbies that can hinder us. Maybe you’re stuck in a job that pays the bills but doesn’t fulfill you or bring out the best in you. Nobody would blame you for sticking with it because, hey, we all have to make a living, right? But at the end of your life, if that job prevents you from chasing your dream and honoring your true purpose, will it have been worth it? I don’t pretend to know your answer, I’m just asking the question.

What the World Owes You

Okay, I think we’ve said enough about what you (and I) owe the world. But what does the world owe us in return? In short, nothing. Sorry to be the one to break the news to you! But I care about you enough to want to save you from unrealistic expectations.

History is filled with examples of people who were never recognized for their contributions. Some finally received it after they were dead and gone. Some never did. I won’t give examples here, because this post is running a little long and I still have more to say, but just take my word for it.

We don’t do what we do because of what the world might give us as a result. It just doesn’t work that way. Instead, we take the high road. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it works. Let me explain.

I’ve noticed that whenever I do the right thing just because it’s the right thing, good things seem to happen to me. Maybe you’ve had the same experience. But I’ve noticed that it only seems to work if I give with no strings attached. I don’t know what it is but if I give with the idea in my mind that I’ll get something in return, that seems to short-circuit the whole process. Maybe the universe knows what I’m up to? I don’t know. But that’s how it seems to work for me. And I’d guess, for you too.

On the other hand, if we give from a pure heart, with no other motive than to be a blessing or a help, or to add value to those around us, that seems to be the magic formula that produces reciprocal blessings and goodness coming our way.

Come to think of it, I guess it makes sense, in a weird way. Maybe it’s the basic difference between selfishness and self-LESS-ness. Between an abundance mindset and one of scarcity. Or between an open hand and a closed fist. If I try to give while trying to hold on to what is already in my hand, I loosen my grip just enough to let a little bit of goodness trickle out. And then it’s hard for anyone to put anything back in my hand to replenish what I just let go. On the other hand (yeah, I know that’s a lot of hand mentions, sorry), if I am willing to open my hand completely to give all that I have, I’m in a much better position to receive abundantly.

So I ask you, will you open your hand completely and give the world your biggest and best contribution? Will you open your heart and pour out all that’s inside you for the benefit of us all? I really hope you do. Because there’s only one you.