The Power of Relationships & Discovering Self

As a student at Indiana State University, I was fortunate to have an African American Studies professor who left an indelible mark on my perspective. In one of our conversations, he made a statement that has stayed with me ever since: "Nothing in life is of any value unless you can share it with others." These words resonated deeply with me, and they set me on a path of being a servant leader. At that time, I may not have been familiar with the concept of servant leadership, but I was committed to finding meaningful ways to serve others.

One of the fundamental principles of servant leadership is the importance of listening. Over the years, I have come to realize the power of truly listening and understanding where people are coming from on their life journeys. To get the best out of people, I invest time and effort in understanding them for who they truly are. I've found that this empathetic approach to leadership creates trust and allows individuals to flourish.

Within the realm of relationships, I have people I call my "truth-tellers." A truth-teller is someone who understands that the truth, no matter how uncomfortable, has the power to liberate and set me free. They don't tell me what I want to hear, but what I need to hear. However, the delivery of this truth is always rooted in grace, empowerment, and unconditional love. My truth-tellers help me grow and evolve, even when the journey is challenging.

The journey of discovering self is an ongoing process, marked by introspection and reflection. It revolves around the profound question, "Who am I?" This question has become my North Star, guiding my self-leadership and self-mastery journey. To embrace this journey, I've learned to trust the Divine timing of my life and focus on what I can control. It means releasing the impulse to have every aspect of my life figured out.

Life often presents me with circumstances beyond my control, but I have the power to choose how I respond. I can choose not to be reduced or defeated by the challenges I face. Instead, I can use these experiences as opportunities for growth and self-exploration. Embracing the uncertainties of life and being at peace with the discoveries I make along the way is an essential part of my personal evolution.

In conclusion, my relationships and my quest for uncovering self are intertwined aspects of my journey through life. Servant leadership, empathetic listening, and the wisdom of my truth-tellers all contribute to my personal growth and development. As I navigate the complexities of life, I can find strength in the question, "Who am I?" It serves as a constant reminder that my journey is ongoing, and each discovery brings me closer to my true self. Trusting in the Divine timing of my life and refusing to be defeated by adversity allows me to thrive and evolve into the improved versions of myself. What's yours? Let's play! Until next time, Keep steppin'...

Written by: Jayson Wells Founder & CEO of The Winning Mindset Institute