I have a huge appreciation for personal development and follow all kinds of “gurus” in the field. Whenever I take in the content they offer I love that spark of inspiration and the “yes! that is what I need to do to improve” rush. Unfortunately I quite often somehow end up feeling like more of a failure after trying to implement what I had just learned but am not getting the results I thought I would. How can this be? I had just obtained the key information I was missing to do this life thing more effectively, why isn’t it working? So then I am left questioning why am I so inept that I can’t do what is needed when this very successful person with a huge following is giving me the secret ingredients they used to get where they are? The plan, mindset, principles, actions are right there in front of me, it sounded so easy when they were talking. Why am I not determined enough to follow through? All the Instagram memes I scroll through are so powerful and I try to embrace them but no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to stay motivated.
After years of struggling with this love affair with influencers and desire to get to where they are, I have finally been introduced to something that actually is working for me! I now view the plethora of amazing self improvement content out there with more discernment helping me pluck out the nuggets that fit who I am so that I can naturally follow the advice because it resonates with me, Shelley, not anyone else. We all know that people are unique, different and no two are exactly alike, yet we put so much emphasis into putting everyone into boxes, categories or stereotypes. Personality tests are designed to help us better understand ourselves but still plot you in some type of grouping. We are continually told that if we just put enough time, energy and effort into knowing where we are lacking and work on that, we will get to the next level. I now know differently and have never felt more of a connection with and acceptance of myself.
Don’t get me wrong, I still have the belief that people and their perspectives can be of great help, in fact, it is because of one of these people that I now finally have clarity. About 2 years ago I took yet another figure out who you are test called the Clifton Strengths Assessment, got the results, read the report, found it interesting but didn’t think much of it again. Just recently I was taking part in a leadership conference for doTERRA in which they had various people who are successful within the company speak. I enjoy these but never get too fired up about them because once again I find myself with the frustration of why can’t I just do what they do to get where they are? But this guy was different. He didn’t give the old if I can do it, anyone can speech. He shared with us his insights on the Strengths Assessment I mentioned above and gave life to the results. He brought to light that the emphasis is actually put on being an individual and how you are meant to do things different than anyone else. The depth of his understanding and explanation of the way the strengths related to one another showing us how to use specific talents in your own life in a practical way was so incredibly eye opening to me.
This man is Eddie Villa and he captivated me immediately with his passion and has kept my attention ever since with his knowledge because this was finally not a one size fits all idea of self improvement, it focuses on people as individuals so we can learn what works best for our authentic selves which leads to organic success not frustration of trying to follow someone else’s path. I have learned more about myself in the past couple of months than I have in years of blindly taking in information. Now I know exactly what will work for me and what is best left for other people to benefit from. I have been eagerly studying his method and am helping others to not just understand but embrace their unique selves as well. I have a deep desire to make a difference in people’s lives, now I finally understand where that drive comes from and what it will take for me to go from where I am now to where I want to be. Join me?
*Search Eddie Villa or Unleash Your Strengths on social media and be sure to check out his podcast as well
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