Don’t Be An Imitation!
“Do You” It’s a Statement, Not a Question. That’s the phrase I’ve used for many years to describe the importance of “being yourself.” Many times we go through life and try to imitate the likes of other people. You know what I’m talking about, you find some attributes that you admire in a boss, friend, public figure, family member, mentor… and attempt to replicate those things and literally try to become that person.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t acknowledge and learn from others strengths; I’m simply saying you need to “Do You,” in other-words find your own voice/identity in those attributes instead of being an Imitation.
Nearly five years ago, I was called into full-time vocational ministry at my home church LifeChurch.tv. I was immediately surrounded by a lot of gifted leaders with some serious “skilz.” It would have been easy for me to gravitate towards their style, ways of thinking and particular cultural elements. I could have easily lost my own identity and originality. I had to recognize the tension of who I as created to be, while at the same time embracing the culture, DNA, values and mores of the organization. If handled correctly, that’s an appropriate tension to have.
In life you must learn to embrace the values, DNA, culture, expectations, traditions… of an organization, relationship or system. While embracing these things you must find Your Voice, ”Do You” and Don’t Be An Imitation. Leaders should encourage their staff to be themselves, leverage their gifts, find their voice and keep it real.
Seriously, who wants a bunch of Mini-Me’s running around?
“Trust yourself. Think for yourself. Act for yourself. Speak for yourself. Be yourself. Imitation is suicide.”~Marva Collins
Imitate Jesus!
Why do so many people struggle with being an imitation? How can organizations foster a healthy “Do You” culture?
