We had a fabulous business meeting yesterday. What made it so amazing was how everyone in our team showed up. They showed up with their energy and enthusiasm, They showed up with their talents and skills. They also showed up with honesty and humility when they knew that the “lift” would require skills that were not their strength.
At some point in the meeting, I remember sharing how challenging it was for me to ask for help and delegate responsibilities. For decades, I ran my my own business and did everything myself, and I mean everything. After making that comment, I got to thinking about what gets in my way. What makes sharing responsibilities and asking for help so hard?
One thing I know is that I never felt like I was better than everyone else. While I am quite capable, I am generally acutely aware of my limitations. Rather, I think the sticking point for me is that somehow I came to think I “should” be able to do everything. And, when faced with my limitations, I felt ashamed. Then, the dark side of pride would take over.
When pride is the pressured reactive result of our battle with shame and worry of what others might think, it can be a dangerous thing. Much like overconfidence and arrogance, it can lead us to choices that ignore real risks, shortcut much needed learning and preparation, and put pressure on relationships including those with our equestrian partners.
I looked up the origin of the use of “pride” as a name for a group of lions and this is what I found. The term “pride” likely comes from the sense of honor, strength, and majesty associated with these animals.The concept of pride also conveys a sense of strength and unity, as these groups work together to survive and thrive in their environment. The term captures the collaborative and cooperative nature of their social structure, as well as the regality and power that lions embody.
I couldn’t think of a better aspirational goal than to live and work in a way that embodies these values. Let’s commit to find that healthy balance where our pride feeds our confidence and motivation. Where it supports our sense of accomplishment. Where it fosters our resilience and perseverance.
I will be searching this coming week for the attitudes and practices that maximize the positive aspects of pride while guarding against the negative. What helps you strike a healthy balance? ~ Paul
PC-@oak spring equestrian, llc
We had a fabulous business meeting yesterday. What made it so amazing was how everyone in our team showed up. They showed up with their energy and enthusiasm, They showed up with their talents and skills. They also showed up with honesty and humility when they knew that the “lift” would require skills that were not their strength.
At some point in the meeting, I remember sharing how challenging it was for me to ask for help and delegate responsibilities. For decades, I ran my my own business and did everything myself, and I mean everything. After making that comment, I got to thinking about what gets in my way. What makes sharing responsibilities and asking for help so hard?
One thing I know is that I never felt like I was better than everyone else. While I am quite capable, I am generally acutely aware of my limitations. Rather, I think the sticking point for me is that somehow I came to think I “should” be able to do everything. And, when faced with my limitations, I felt ashamed. Then, the dark side of pride would take over.
When pride is the pressured reactive result of our battle with shame and worry of what others might think, it can be a dangerous thing. Much like overconfidence and arrogance, it can lead us to choices that ignore real risks, shortcut much needed learning and preparation, and put pressure on relationships including those with our equestrian partners.
I looked up the origin of the use of “pride” as a name for a group of lions and this is what I found. The term “pride” likely comes from the sense of honor, strength, and majesty associated with these animals.The concept of pride also conveys a sense of strength and unity, as these groups work together to survive and thrive in their environment. The term captures the collaborative and cooperative nature of their social structure, as well as the regality and power that lions embody.
I couldn’t think of a better aspirational goal than to live and work in a way that embodies these values. Let’s commit to find that healthy balance where our pride feeds our confidence and motivation. Where it supports our sense of accomplishment. Where it fosters our resilience and perseverance.
I will be searching this coming week for the attitudes and practices that maximize the positive aspects of pride while guarding against the negative. What helps you strike a healthy balance? ~ Paul
PC-@oak spring equestrian, llc
