Rediscovering Your Inner Greatness

During a recent Skeen Stronghold call, we had an amazing group discussion that uncovered some profound insights about greatness, change, and embracing one’s unique life journey. Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from this group conversation.

Rediscovering Greatness Within
The conversation began with a reflection on the concept of greatness. Dr. Jack shared his conviction that greatness lies within each of us, just waiting to be unleashed. He emphasized that true greatness isn’t realized until we’re willing to change and expand our horizons, even when it involves taking risks and challenging the status quo.

He recalled a moment with his grandson, where the young boy exuded confidence and self-assuredness, embodying the belief that he was significant. However, this belief clashed with societal norms when he hesitated to accept a glass of orange juice without his mother’s permission. This conflict highlighted how external pressures can stifle our innate greatness.

“People who we consider great are just ordinary people like you and me. But they didn’t stop growing. They kept taking on bigger and bigger things. And in order to do bigger and bigger things, they had to become different people.”
Dr. Jack Skeen

Embracing Imperfection and Uniqueness
The conversation then shifted to the importance of embracing our imperfections and uniqueness. Jack drew a powerful analogy with snowflakes, emphasizing that just like every snowflake is unique and beautiful, so are we as individuals. He highlighted the tendency to conform to societal expectations, which often leads to losing sight of our individuality.

By accepting ourselves as we are, we can unlock our true potential and radiate authenticity. Fernando shared his personal experience of embracing his imperfections, acknowledging that his willingness to take risks and accept failure without self-judgment has enabled him to achieve things he never thought possible.

“Anybody know anything about snowflakes? I only know two things about snowflakes.
No two are alike. That’s true. I’m not sure the science has proven that out anymore, but I was taught that no two are alike. And the other thing about snowflakes is if you look at them like under a microscope, everyone is beautiful. There’s no ugly snowflake. Think about that. No ugly snowflake.
Now imagine that’s also true of people. There are no two people who are alike. There never have been. There’s never been another Fernando. Never will be another Fernando.
And you are beautiful for being your unique self. So, think about how we try to be who we’re not. Or try to be like somebody else. And in that, we’re not trying to be the snowflake. We’re abandoning our uniqueness. We’re becoming a pile of snow. We all want to wear what everybody else is wearing. We want to do what everybody else is doing, and we don’t look unique anymore.
Now we’re just a pile of dirty snow. All our beauty is concealed because we’re not embracing the fact we are perfect just as we are.”
Dr. Jack Skeen

Embracing Change and Overcoming Adversity
The conversation then moved into the theme of change and overcoming adversity. Jack recounted a pivotal moment in his life when his dream of becoming a minister came crashing down due to internal conflict within the church. He described how the loss of his dream ultimately led him to pursue a path he never envisioned, ultimately leading to greater fulfillment and success.

Other participants echoed similar experiences of facing adversity and unexpected changes, highlighting how these moments often pave the way for personal growth and transformation. Despite the initial distress and uncertainty, each setback ultimately propelled them towards a brighter future.

“So, my dream of being a minister burned to the ground. It wasn’t sustainable. I was terrified. I thought I was going to be selling dishwashers at Sears.
And you know, the next step was to go to graduate school. And get a Ph. D. in psychology. And find a life I never knew I could have, where I was so much more powerful than I ever would have been in that little church in the middle of nowhere.
I never would have dreamed that I could do that, never would have done that in a million years, never would have taken a risk like that.”
Dr. Jack Skeen

Trusting the Journey and Divine Guidance
As the conversation progressed, the participants reflected on the role of trust in navigating life’s challenges. Jack shared the story of Joseph from the Bible, illustrating how even in the face of betrayal and adversity, Joseph’s unwavering faith and trust in divine guidance ultimately led him to greatness.
The group emphasized the importance of surrendering to the unknown and trusting that there’s a greater plan at play, even when things seem bleak. They acknowledged that while it’s natural to question and doubt, embracing faith and humility can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Journey to Greatness
In conclusion, the conversation served as a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t reserved for a select few—it resides within each of us. By embracing our imperfections, trusting in the journey, and remaining open to change, we can unlock our full potential and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Embrace your uniqueness, trust in the journey, and dare to unleash the greatness within you.
Who knows?
Your life’s greatest adventure might just be waiting to unfold.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Your Uniqueness: Accept yourself as you are, imperfections and all. Celebrate
  what makes you unique and don’t be afraid to stand out.
• Embrace Change: View adversity as an opportunity for growth. Be open to change and
  trust that even in difficult times, there’s potential for something greater.
• Trust the Journey: Surrender to the unknown and have faith that there’s a greater plan at
  play. Trust in divine guidance and remain humble in the face of life’s challenges.

Let’s talk!