How To Unleash Your Inner Guru
Posted by heatherrast on November 11th, 2009Gurus, experts, mavens, notables. They all have something you don’t.
An unwavering belief in self. This belief drives them to read the texts, take the tests, write the papers, debate the issues, write the programs, author the books, and lead the masses.
Gurus swallow the little butterflies, pull off the occasional technical faux pas with grace, and are comfortable in their own skin.
Are they smarter than you? Who knows, maybe. Are they more experienced than you? Well, certainly their experience and background is different. No two people travel the exact same education and career path.
I’m acknowledging that most popular figures (we’re talking the world of communications here) have indeed accomplished some real, tangible, noteworthy things in their lives. But then maybe so have you. Maybe you just haven’t been in the right place at the right time, grabbed the limelight when it swept over you, or swallowed your anxiety and stepped up to greet that one potentially critical connection.
Don’t worry about scale (regional this, national that). Just take a hard look at what you have to offer, reflect on your strengths, and apply yourself. Find that way in. In fifty years, do you want to look back and wish you’d had the guts to get in the car? (a little Transformers movie humor)
Doug Haslam wrote a great post recently about the difference between gurus and the rest of us. A powerful excerpt:
If you have any ideas at all, you are capable of sharing them in some form- teach, blog, speak, podcast, comment, rant at a Speaker’s Corner. It doesn’t matter, express an opinion, relate an experience, share what you are learning…You don’t have to be the best or the most popular. But you do have to do it.–Doug
No risk, no victory.
So get out there. Unleash your inner guru, or go down trying.
Great post, Heather. I think most of us struggle with releasing that inner guru every day.
Casey´s last blog ..Hello world!
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heatherrast
Twitter: heatherrast
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November 12th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I hear you man. But from over here I can easily name tons of cool things about Casey that make him front-of-the-room worthy. You’re about the most approachable, reasonable, even-keeled and genuinely nice guy I know. You shoulder hard work with quiet resolve, are a resourceful problem-solver, and a good communicator. You have an interest in growing breadth of skills as much as depth. You have this whole aviation passion thing which is pretty unique, and a desire to bring others along. You’re a man in need of a podium, that’s all. Get out there.
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Nice post. One of the things you mentioned was about strengths.
Some people don’t really articulate their achievements, even though they are pretty good at what they do. There main goal is the new missions and goals they set themselves. People who interact with them likely share their stories.
There are others though, who perhaps like to share their stories and successes.
Somewhere along the line, one gets the feeling there is too much thought leadership and not enough Thoughtful Action.
While I did write the post in the context of a company but it would apply equally to the individual. http://futurechat.in/a-company-at-work/
So the leap the guru takes is at multiple levels. Would like your views…
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heatherrast
Twitter: heatherrast
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November 12th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Syamant, what I hear you say is as a society, we would serve ourselves well to temper some of the hot air some of us are so good at generating, and instead spend some time on introspection, self-reflection, and practicing moderation. Exercising empathy and compassion to support the needs of others can be a beautiful way for a natural star – we all know one or two of those – to let their work speak for themselves.
I have this very intelligent and humorous friend who is repeatedly called upon for speaking engagements. She shared with me that honestly, she just sort of fell into it. For me (someone who strives to get a few speaking gigs), that provides hope and I am comforted by her self-deprecation. But like you suggest, her status is really just a result of her being herself – the natural talent, spirit, and generosity shining through. Others see it and are pulled in; they quickly and easily connect with her.
I can admire someone’s know-how, but if they aren’t in touch enough to realize that humility is an important element of being important, then it’s a quick turn-off.
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Syamant Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
So true and very well articulated..
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