You can get to the front of the line by cutting in front of others or you can wait your turn. You can shine by turning the spotlight on yourself or shining it on others.
But doesn’t waiting and lifting others up mean I don’t get the attention I deserve? Isn’t that passive instead of active?
Well think about it. When you cut in front of others you get to the front of the line. You get in first. And when you shine a light on yourself everyone sees you.
But if you wait in line you get to know the people around you. You talk. Build relationships. You experience the passage of time together. You forms bonds. And you get to the front one right after the other. You enter the next stage together.
The key is together. When you go in first you’re alone. You have no bonds. And the people who come in after remember you elbowed them to get ahead. So even when there are more people inside you’re still by yourself.
If you shine the light on others you get a chance to see the best of them reflected back on you. You can’t help but catch their glow. And the next time they have a chance to shine a light they turn it on you. They lift you up. And collectively you shine brighter than any one person could.
It’s great to shine and get to the front of the line. Ambition isn’t a bad thing. But be careful you don’t leave a wake of bodies. Perhaps it’s better to bring others along on the journey and walk hand in hand into the light.
