What Makes You Think That You're Special?

The great corrupter of public man is the ego....Looking at the mirror distracts one's attention from the problem.

-Dean Acheson

We have a problem among us. It has been creeping in and taking over for a long time now. Everyone thinks that they are special. And when everyone is special, then no one really is.

Everyone thinks that they are absolutely unique and amazing. This has created a pandemic of overinflated attitudes and egos. So, what's the problem in everyone thinking about how wonderful and amazing they are?

They haven't learned what it takes to be truly special. You see, the word special actually means:

spe·cial/ˈspeSHəl/

Adjective:

Better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual: "a special effort".

Noun:

A thing, such as an event, product, or broadcast, that is designed or organized for a particular occasion or purpose.

Synonyms:

particular - peculiar - especial - specific - extra

Special is outside of the norm. It is very specific. Being special takes thought, planning and work. When everyone thinks they are special, and haven't done anything to make themselves special, then their expectations are incredibly out of whack. Everyone being special means that very few are looking to improve things. The masses follow the status quo in all that they do. They think that success will just magically fall into their lap. They don't have a good grasp and understanding that distinct effort is needed for any success in their life and pursuits.

Normal is not special. We need to get back to an understanding that normal is where we all begin. Special is something to strive for. To be achieved. It takes work.

Can a person be special? Absolutely! Will they be? Only if they determine to be, and then pursue it with all their heart. We do need more special in our world. Apathy with attitude is the new norm, and it is apparent. It has infected us all the way to our leadership. As leaders, we need you to lead the way. If we want change, we have to be the change we want.

If you want to be special, then do it. We're all waiting, and we're very tired of the norm.

Tags: apathy, decide, leadership, normal, special, success, work

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Comment by Peter A Ferguson on August 1, 2012 at 6:37am: Rick, that is one thing I love about this network. We are all "normal" but also "special." As we work daily to write and define our thoughts, we are taking action on goals we've set. Which makes us special.

But among friends here, we are "normal." But it is a great normal. And we all build each other up. Which is "special." I have yet to hear "can't" in these forums. Instead I hear encouragement, receive advice, feel appreciated, even loved.

That is special.

Pete

Comment by Rob Clinton on July 31, 2012 at 12:48pm: It's a whole different ball game of being special when we can shift our ego's or somehow get rid of it. From this point, we may no longer need to be uniquely better than everyone else, but instead be incredibly better than we were before. I think real growth comes from allowing our real selves to come alive not in competition with others, but in the creative spirit that everything must increase. Probably any hindering comes from the ego. Remove that, and that changes everything... I think leadership won't even need a title, because it'll be just a way of life. Great post, Rick!