Be You, Not Someone Else

Thought of the Week

Be you, not someone else.

Recently, I noticed more runners in my neighborhood and thought to myself, I should run more. So I went for a run and felt great about it…until the next day. My legs hurt, my back spasmed, and I didn’t feel like myself. It’s not because I am in terrible shape (or because I am in my 40s…); it’s because my body just isn’t built for running.

Although running isn’t for me, being healthy is. Health is one of my personal core values. I believe that I am the best version of myself when I have a good balance of physical, mental, and spiritual health. I practice physical health daily through different forms of exercise: walking, yoga, basketball, pickleball, and golf. I practice mental health through regular rest, peer accountability, and counseling. And my spiritual health is tied to my constant fellowship with Christ, connection with other believers, and community within my church family.

It’s easy to look at what others are doing and believe it’s what you should also be doing. If it works for them, it should work for you, right? Wrong. You are unique from everyone else. You don’t have to do what they do. You need to do what you were created for.

The world will be a much better place if you aspire to be you, not someone else.

Know Him

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

-Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Understand Yourself

What do you need to let go of in your life or work that is hindering you from being you?

Do His Work

Do a personal inventory this week. Instead of worrying about what you think you should do, focus on one or two things you know you were created to do, and do them!