Do you remember the sage advice Genie gave in Disney’s Aladdin? Aladdin wanted Jasmine to like him and Genie (transforming into a bumble bee) said to him, “Just be-eeeeee yourself.” Aladdin was trying to be someone he saw as grander than himself, but in pretending he was a rich prince, he only alienated those he wanted to impress the most.
This is exactly what happens when you try to be something you’re not. People gravitate toward authenticity and shy away from disingenuity. So even if you’re a pauper who dreams of being a prince, or a fledging business that yearns for global domination, you will achieve your goals by leveraging what is inside you, not by being something you’re not.
Image credit: TVTropes.org
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Drew,
I have really enjoyed reading your blog. My husband and I were having a conversation last night about a similar topic. He grew up in a southern military household where rank was very important, and I grew up in an environment where everyone was on equal ground. He still has trouble feeling comfortable talking with people “above his rank” like CEOs or Presidents of companies, because he is intimidated by their rank. I have the perspective that everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time, so I am pretty comfortable and confident in talking to anyone regardless of their position. I think this goes along with the theme of being yourself that you mention in this blog. Also, I love that you spelled Princess Jasmine’s name like mine (without the “e”)!
Thanks Jasmin, I’m so glad that you enjoy my blog! You’re absolutely right, everyone comes from somewhere, and while you can admire someone’s success, that admiration and respect shouldn’t paralyze you.
By the way, I think you’re the only friend I’ve had named Jasmin, so that must be why I misspelled Princess Jasmine’s name in the post!