Embracing Diversity

...a not too frequent topic of personal development

You wake up early, and you find out that you get to an event later, as compared to days when you wake up later and get there promptly. Does it ring a bell?

If questioned, this would be because, on days when you know that you are a few minutes away from being late, you tend to act smarter and be more alert, to make up for the little time left. This is just a hypothesis. Imagine this is a theory proposed by an influencer you hold in high esteem. Would you prefer to always wake up late to get to your event in time? What if...

Hello there! It feels good to be writing to you again after an unexpected and unannounced break. How have you been, and how eventful has August been for you? If you would want to talk about it, I am enthusiastic to hear from you. As for me, it has been a hectic month!

The most trusted online dictionary, Merriam Webstar, defined Diversity as the condition of having or being composed of differing elements. In this context, my definition of an element is the physical and physiological characteristics of humans ranging from race to tribe, religion and culture.

While the purpose of this newsletter is for us to continually and consistently work on becoming the best version of ourselves, the importance of networking as a branch of personal development would not stop being hammered on.

Why should you embrace diversity?

1. It helps with self-awareness

Self-awareness doesn't have to be about a single self as the name implies. This is because truly, you have never seen yourself; all you see is a reflection. We don't know what we look like without the use of external assistance. Taking advantage of differentials opens you up for constructive feedbacks. As the introduction suggested, learning to filter is a soft skill you should practice, as not all theories and feedbacks are to meant be consumed.

2. Exposes you to several opportunities

When high-performance individuals talk about leaving their comfort zone to get things done, they do not only mean getting up by 4 am, managing your time effectively, setting healthy boundaries for yourself, and all that stuff. It adds up to ignoring and stepping out of the negative aura that isn't giving you enough room for growth, networking strategically, and sharing growth-oriented opinions and ideas.

Align yourself with the right people, forge the right relationships, and you'll set yourself up for the long run.

~Daymond John.

3. Supports striking a balance in life activities

Know those who have been there? Learn from them! When you learn from those who are superiors in the path you are touring, the journey appears simplified. It doesn't have to be a physical connection. Read their books, attend their programs ( virtual or physical), and listen to their podcasts. If you can, reach out to them and talk to them.

By being open to life-long learning and fulfilment, you would have to learn to pay little or no attention to age, colour, religion, and culture. Of course, there are, and would always be differences. Choose to screen and make the best that you can out of every relationship.

If you would not treat someone as your brother in faith, try to treat him as your brother in humanity.

Summary:

•Your immediate setting would not always be there for you. Not because they can't, but because that is how far they can go. The network you have built over time would determine your values later on.

•While embracing diversity, know that differences would always exist. Decide to make the best use of whatever access you have to people.

•Have a good WHY for every one of your actions. It would be the oil to lubricate your joints on the days you do not feel motivated.

Book of the week: Think like a monk by Jay Shetty.

I am full of gratitude to everyone who reached out to enquire about my absence. In Islam, we say Jazakumullahu Khayran which translates to “May Allah reward you with goodness.” Even if you didn't, it's the same wish. Thanks for hanging around all the same.

Wishing you blissful moments in September.

Cheers to growth.

With love,

Roqeebat.