While doing my weekend grocery shopping, I spotted a woman wearing a pair of beautifully unique earrings. Instinctively, I said, “Cool earrings!” She smiled and responded, “Thanks! I got them at an arts festival. People are so talented.”
In that moment, I found myself reflecting. Yes, the artist who created those earrings is talented, but this woman—by simply choosing to wear them and share their story—was also part of something bigger. So, I told her, “It takes talent to recognize talent.” She paused, admitting she often felt a little jealous of others’ abilities.
Isn’t that a common feeling? It’s so easy to admire someone else’s talent and think, “I wish I had that.” But when we don’t recognize our own gifts, we fall into the trap of jealousy. Here’s the truth: when you’re excited about what you have to offer, it’s hard to envy what others bring to the table.
So, why should we make it a point to connect with our talents? Here are three reasons to start:
1. Excitement Drives Out Jealousy
When you’re genuinely excited about what you bring to the world, it’s difficult to feel envious of someone else. Imagine if, instead of comparing, we focused on celebrating our own unique contributions. What would our workplaces and our world look like if everyone felt proud of what they had to offer? Jealousy thrives when we feel like we’re missing something, but when we see the value in ourselves, that need to be someone else disappears.
2. Shining a Light on Others Brightens Your Own
Our workplaces often don’t make it easy to celebrate others. Rewards and recognition can feel scarce, leading us to focus on our own achievements. But think about this: when we compliment someone else’s talent, we create space for our own gifts to shine too. It’s like the relationship between the actor on stage and the lighting technician—they need each other for the audience to have the full experience. Just like the artist who made those earrings needed someone to appreciate them, we all need someone to see and value what we bring. When we acknowledge others, we reflect that light back onto ourselves.
3. Living in Your Light Creates Space for Others
The more connected you are with your own talents, the more room you create for others to do the same. When you live confidently in your own light, you naturally make space for others to shine too. It’s not about competing—there’s room for all of us to glow.
So, here’s a challenge for you: let your light shine today, but also make space for someone else’s. Compliment someone whose talent or effort you’ve noticed but haven’t vocalized yet. Watch how their face lights up when you acknowledge them. And then, notice the joy you feel from bringing that moment of recognition into the world. Repeat the process and see what happens.
Dr. Lisa
Our theme song is “POV” by Ariana Grande