Becoming Who You Are: Why Don’t Most People Reach Their Potential?

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Aug 15, 2023

4 min read

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Becoming Who You Are: Why Don’t Most People Reach Their Potential?

In our journey through life, there are two states of being: surviving and thriving. While surviving is essential for our basic needs and the continuation of our species, it is not enough to truly fulfill our potential. We have an innate desire to make something of ourselves, to thrive in the world and leave a lasting impact. As the famous quote by Abraham Maslow goes, "A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be."

However, in today's complex and rapidly evolving world, many people struggle to reach their true potential. Our lives have shifted from solely managing our physical survival to navigating the complexities of the emotional realm of consciousness. The constant influx of information from our media devices overwhelms us, making it difficult to absorb and comprehend everything. We are often bombarded with false or useless information, further complicating our journey towards self-actualization.

To understand why most people fail to reach their potential, we must delve into the concepts of differentiation and integration. Differentiation refers to the process of discovering our individual values, while integration is the narrative or meaning that drives those values into our day-to-day actions. Many individuals are integrated but not differentiated; they have not exposed themselves to the complexities surrounding them. On the other hand, some are differentiated but struggle with integration. They have explored different corners of the world and identified their unique values but struggle to bring them together coherently.

In this modern world, we have access to an abundance of information, thanks to the democratization of knowledge through the internet and libraries. This abundance is a gift, but only if we learn to harness its potential. All the answers we seek are already out there, waiting for someone to take the initiative to find them and incorporate them into their lives.

One of the key factors holding people back from reaching their potential is a lack of clarity. It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the problem we are trying to solve, the emotional effect we want to instill, and who we are serving. Starting from a cool technology or noticing a trend without a clear problem in mind leads to aimless pursuits and missed opportunities. The business model is often a stumbling block, especially for venture-backed companies. It is easy to think that funding will solve all problems, but true alignment and a solid business model are essential for long-term success.

When facing difficult tasks, it is helpful to distinguish between what is genuinely hard and what is merely unpleasant. Sometimes, discomfort can cloud our judgment and make us believe that a task is difficult when, in reality, it is just unpleasant. By questioning ourselves and gaining clarity on the true nature of a challenge, we can overcome mental barriers and push ourselves to achieve greater heights.

In today's remote working environment, clear and effective written communication is more important than ever. It serves as a window into a person's character, style, attention to detail, and way of thinking. In fact, reading something written by a person can often provide more insight than a lengthy conversation. Good leaders excel in written communication, as it allows them to convey their thoughts and ideas with precision and impact.

Lastly, it is essential to recognize the power of our own agency. We are the only ones who can consistently look out for ourselves. While external resources and support are valuable, ultimately, we are responsible for our own growth and reaching our potential. Taking initiative, seeking knowledge, and having the courage to incorporate new ideas into our lives are vital steps towards becoming who we truly are.

To summarize, reaching our potential requires differentiation, integration, clarity, effective communication, and the harnessing of abundant information. By understanding ourselves, the world around us, and the problems we seek to solve, we can navigate the complexities of life and thrive. Three actionable pieces of advice to embark on this journey are:

  • 1. Take the time to discover your individual values and expose yourself to new experiences and perspectives. This will help you differentiate yourself and gain a deeper understanding of what truly matters to you.
  • 2. Develop a clear problem statement and align your actions with a solid business model. Having clarity on the problem you are solving and who you are serving will guide your decision-making and increase your chances of success.
  • 3. Embrace written communication as a powerful tool for self-expression and effective leadership. Invest time in honing your writing skills, as it allows you to convey your thoughts with precision and make a lasting impact.

In conclusion, reaching our true potential requires self-awareness, clarity, integration, and the ability to navigate the complexities of the modern world. By embracing our unique qualities, seeking knowledge, and effectively communicating our ideas, we can become who we truly are and make a meaningful impact on the world.

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