INSPIRED LEADESHIP LESSONS FROM VIOLA DAVIS!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” In effect, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. desired that our nation make progress as it relates to race in America. He hoped that our nation would collectively come to a place where people would be defined by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. Although there are many segments of our society and culture that need to progress in this area, it was great to see Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s desire become a reality when Viola Davis was able to be the first African-American woman to win an Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama series. In this situation, I believe it was a great picture of people making a decision based on the content of her character rather than the color of her skin.
Subsequently, Viola Davis’s incredible acceptance speech about being a women of color in America captivated me so much, that I took some time to reflect upon my experiences as a man of color in America afterwards. Unfortunately, during this time of reflection, I realized that although I have been extremely blessed by amazing people of all cultures and ethnicities throughout the years, there have been moments in my life where I have clearly faced greater challenges and missed out on professional opportunities because of the color of my skin. As crazy as it may sound in the 21st Century, I been asked the craziest questions from law enforcement because of my skin color and I have missed out on certain professional opportunities strictly because of my cultural background. Thankfully though, despite all these challenges, I have still been able to progress forward, attain my dreams, and make a positive impact in the world because there have been people from every walk of life who have helped me become the person that I am today.
In this week’s newsletter, I wanted to provide hope to those of you who may be facing unique challenges because of the color of your skin or your unique difference within our society and culture. I want to share with you five simple words of wisdom that have enabled me to overcome and thrive as a man of color and diverse human being in the 21st Century.
Word of Wisdom #1
Focus and Commit to Your Purpose
The first word of wisdom that I have learned in life as a diverse person in America is no matter how many people, challenges, or obstacles try to stop you from reaching your fullest potential because of your unique difference, when you are focused and committed to your purpose, things will always work in your favor. I have learned that indescribable and amazing things happen to people who do not allow various situations or circumstances stop them from focusing and committing to their purpose in life. No matter how great the challenge may be in your life as a diverse person, I encourage you to stay focused and committed to your purpose because this act in itself can make all the difference.
Word of Wisdom #2
Strive for Excellence Everyday
The second word of wisdom that I have learned in life as a man of color in America is striving for excellence everyday not only makes you a much better person, but enables you to overcome the challenges that many people face sometimes because of their differences. Although you may experience various challenges in life because of your unique difference, when you are focused on being a person of excellence, it will create more opportunities because most people desire to be around and work with excellent people. Therefore, despite the challenges you may be facing, aspire to be better within your area of expertise every day!
Word of Wisdom #3
Focus on the Good and Throw Out the Bad
The third word of wisdom that I have learned in life as a diverse person in America is focusing on the good and throwing out the bad is one of the best things you can do to overcome the negative experiences that transpire in our lives because of our unique differences. Instead of becoming depressed and frustrated because of a rude comment, experience, or action, use that experience as fuel to make you better, stronger, and more effective in your area of expertise. When you are able to effectively execute this concept, you will embrace these challenging experiences and find that these are the moments enable you to be the great person you were destined to become.
Word of Wisdom #4
Surround Yourself with Awesome People
The fourth word of wisdom that I have learned in life as a man of color in America is we must surround ourselves with great mentors, peer mentors, and friends who can provide us with the support we need in certain situations and circumstances. You may be a very strong and determined individual, but in order to deal with some of the challenges that we will all face in life, you need people in your life who can give you the support, encouragement, words of wisdom, inspiration, and lessons about attaining success in your area of expertise. Make it a point to take the time to surround yourself with the right mentors, peer mentors, and friends in life.
Word of Wisdom #5
Focus on the Bigger Picture
The fifth word of wisdom that I have learned in life as a diverse person in America is we must stay focused on the bigger picture. It is up to us to change the negative perceptions that some people may have towards diverse people, establish a positive legacy and example for diverse groups of people who may follow in your footsteps, and make a positive impact the lives of everyone that you have the opportunity to reach and serve as a leader in the 21st Century. Instead of allowing small minded and negative people bring you down, focus your efforts on making the bigger picture a reality for millions of other people. When you make this attitude shift, you will not only overcome the negativity that comes because of your unique difference, but end up making the world a better place.