Our unique gifts and purposes are often not recognized within our home environments, such as family, hometown, and country.
They may be so ingrained in society and culture that they are overlooked or stand out so much that others hesitate to acknowledge them, perceiving them as strange or odd. In this post, we will explore how the things that go unrecognized in your home environment can help you become more aware of your gifts.
Additionally, this post is part of our free course on uncovering your purpose. The course is designed to help you discover your authentic gifts and express yourself fully.
What traits did you not get praised for in your family?
What is it about you that often goes unnoticed by your family, hometown, or culture? Our loved ones may not always recognize our unique gifts.
While we often seek encouragement from our families and communities, we may not always find it there. This lack of validation is especially true for those with leadership gifts who need to carve their paths. They are not followers.
Exploring different communities can be beneficial.
It’s not that they don’t support us at all; they may acknowledge our achievements with words like, ”Good job,” or, ”That song you sang was beautiful.” However, they might not fully see, understand, or nurture our true gifts. And that’s perfectly okay. You may find encouragement and a sense of being truly seen in diverse environments, perhaps even in different countries and cultures.
Don’t seek approval in the wrong places.
While traveling, I’ve met so many wonderful people who really want to feel recognized by their family and friends, but sometimes, that need can hold us back from moving forward. Many of us feel a calling to explore new places and cultures and embrace being the ”black sheep” for various reasons. If you have that special gift of carving out your own path, remember not to waste your time looking for approval from those who might not understand you—it’s like chasing your own tail!
Cultivating leadership
Growing up in a small town in Sweden, I often felt that the local culture didn’t resonate with me. Yet, when I travel to new places, I feel understood and supported in pursuing my passions, which boosts my motivation. The most important lesson from this experience is to be less reliant on others approving of me and instead listen to that inner voice and calling, creating my own path and embracing my leadership abilities. You will not be a very good leader if you can’t lead yourself first.
Don’t stop
I’ve really come to rely on myself over time, and I’ve learned not to seek validation from others. That said, it always feels nice to receive praise and support because we all appreciate a little encouragement now and then! Even if you’re great at pursuing your own path, it’s important to remember that your talents and gifts are still special, no matter how much recognition you get from others. So keep practicing what you love, and enjoy the journey!
