Inner Knowing…Why We Can’t Be Recognition Perfect All Of The Time!
by Sarah McVanel, Chief Recognition Officer, Greatness Magnified
It might surprise you to know that I sometimes struggle with recognition.
When my plane’s been delayed for the fifth time that day, I finally stumble into the house in the middle of the night to a pile of shoes and dishes, and when I have a severe case of the “hangries,” let’s say I am not in the zone to “forever” recognize others’ greatness. I am not the FROG Lady.
I do try. I FROG the flight attendants (it’s not their fault there are delays). I text kind notes to the fam when I’m away (they didn’t choose my transient profession). I smile at the person who serves me that long-awaited meal (they are filling my belly!) Despite that, I sometimes run out of acknowledgement juice. My appreciation energy stockpiles run low when I’m in emotional, cognitive and social overload.
Am I a fraud? I used to think so.
Want to know what I think now?
It’s a sign.
When I don’t recognize others (or not as much), it is my cue to get curious. I’ve learned the hard way not to force myself to recognize “more,” “better,” or “differently.” My job in these moments is to get a lay of the land. To wonder why my default settings are off. To notice how my outer behaviours aren’t aligning with who I am.
None of us can be full-on pompom waving, best self, heart emoji, beacons of light in the world all the time (including motivational speakers)! When we pull back, we don’t pull back from others; we pause to reflect on the extraordinary in our ordinary lives.
If, despite your best intentions, you also show less appreciation to others when you’re tired, overwhelmed, frustrated and compassion fatigued, don’t judge it.
When something that usually feels so natural to you (in my case, recognition) seems like hard work, that is the perfect opportunity to pull back. It is time to listen quietly for the whispers of greatness: “Something’s a little off here, sista; I just wanted to let you know.”
Our natural ability to serve the world will return. We must pause and be unconditionally curious about ourselves to tap into our inner knowing. Isn’t it ironic that when we believe our greatness is present, it will show back up for us?
I have some juicy tidbits here that will help you FROG (even when you might not feel like it.)
Leave a Reply
Sarah McVanel
Chief Recognition Officer & Founder
I’m a recognition expert, professional speaker, coach, author, recovering perfectionist, and movement maker of F.R.O.G. Forever Recognize Others’ GreatnessTM. With 25+ years of experience, I invigorate companies to see their people as exceptional so that, together, they can create a scrumptious, thriving culture where everyone belongs.
Share This Post