By Willie Spears, Guest Columnist
Have you ever thought something was wrong with you? Do you find yourself loving your family but thinking you are not like them? Have you felt out of place at work and at times been made to feel like something is wrong with you? Is there ever a moment when you ask yourself, “Am I crazy?”
No, you’re not crazy. I used to think I was crazy. I spent 20 years in education as an administrator, teacher and coach. My way of thinking was different from those around me. I would often ask myself, “Am I crazy?” I came to realize I am not crazy. I am different. Just like you, I’m built different.
I would cower down to fit in with those around me. I would walk on eggshells, talk softly and pretend I had no confidence to fit in. I would act as if I did not know something when I knew it five weeks before. I could see five miles ahead of those around me. I could do more in one day than they could do in one week. I was five steps ahead, but I would purposely slow down to make them feel comfortable and not stand out.
Like the worker in the Bible who received five talents, I worked hard to double what God had given me. I had to learn not to feel bad for those who have been given one talent. It took me years to understand my personality was not too big; the minds around me were too small. I needed to change my circle. I was different. You are different.
We are giraffes walking around with turtles. We move at a faster pace. Turtles can walk three miles per hour. A giraffe can walk 37 miles per hour. Should we slow down so they can catch up? No way. It seems as if we are alone, and at times we feel lonely. Our posture, our stance, our way of life and our stature is literally elevated. We’re taller. We’re bigger. We’re not alone. We’re at a different altitude, so we see things differently.
Turtles can only see 50 feet away, while giraffes can see miles away. Giraffes have excellent vision. Their eyes are among the largest of terrestrial mammals’ eyes, they can see in color and over great distances frontally, and their peripheral vision is so wide-angled that they can essentially see behind themselves as well.
We’re built different. You and I are extraordinary. Doing extra is our normal way of life. Those around us are ordinary. Doing just enough is their way of life. Turtles think it is crazy to come in early and stay late.
Turtles think it is nonsense to do work we’re not being paid for. Turtles find loop holes not to work and ways to skim or cut corners. No judgment. We’re not built alike.
We’re built different. We’re giraffes.
“Now Hiring” is a weekly article written by author and public speaker Willie Spears, a Northwestern alumnus. He has written 13 books and travels around the country, adding value to the lives of others through his books and dynamic presentations. Learn more at www.williespears.com.