By Sharon Emephia
One thing I’ve observed is that people interpret life and its realities differently, largely influenced by their personalities, upbringing, training, experiences, exposure and individual circumstances.
This is why it is unwise to adopt every piece of information, suggestion or advice we hear or read and apply it to our lives hook, line and sinker without first considering whether it aligns with our peculiar configuration, personality, circumstances, purpose, calling and journey.
Consider these examples:
Imagine a newly married couple, still trying to find their financial footing, deciding to run their home based on the financial principles of another couple who have been married for over 10 years and have spent that time building a thriving business empire.
Applying the same financial expectations and lifestyle without considering the difference in their stages of life could create unnecessary pressure, tension and frustration.
Or consider a young lady comparing her fiancé’s financial capacity to that of her father, who has spent over 35 years working hard, building wealth and establishing financial stability to the point where he can comfortably foot the family’s bills, including frequent overseas trips and vacations. Is that comparison fair? Should her fiancé be subjected to standards that took her father decades to attain?
The same applies to people who inherited family businesses, wealth, established connections or influential family names that effortlessly open doors for them. Adopting their principles without understanding the advantages, privileges and foundations behind their success could leave you frustrated when the same strategies fail to produce similar results.
The MusinG to take home🤔
Always personalise the advice, principles and ideas you encounter before applying them. Consider your peculiar configuration, present capacity, circumstances, training, resources, purpose and calling.
Learn from others, but don’t lose sight of your own journey trying to replicate theirs.
Someone else’s present reality may be the product of decades of sacrifice, opportunities, exposure, inheritance or experiences you haven’t had. Don’t use their current accomplishments to undermine your own progress.
Interestingly, Scripture reminds us in Romans 12:6 that “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”
Similarly, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 reminds us that there are different kinds of gifts, service and workings, but they all come from the same God.
In other words, we are not all wired, equipped or positioned to function in exactly the same way.
So, before you apply that advice, ask yourself: Does it align with my present reality, capacity, purpose and season of life?
Remember, you may actually be doing very well, making meaningful progress and fulfilling your purpose based on the resources, abilities and peculiarities available to you. Don’t frustrate yourself trying to live by someone else’s configuration!
Personalise it before applying it. You feel me?😊