Life as an Adventure
Life is often described as a journey—a winding path filled with opportunities, challenges, and memories waiting to be made. This metaphor resonates deeply, reminding us to relish every moment and experience along the way. However, to truly enjoy this adventure, it is crucial to understand what you bring to the trip. Knowing yourself is not just beneficial; it’s essential for navigating the complexities of life. After all, as the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wisely noted, “By the grace of God, I will become myself.” This profound statement highlights the importance of self-discovery in shaping our unique identities.
Taking the time to uncover your unique design equips you for an 80-year (or so) journey through life. Each person’s existence carries its own set of attributes, skills, and talents. By embracing who you are, you can enhance your interactions with the world, maximizing not only your strengths but also acknowledging and improving your areas of growth. Recognizing that not everyone excels at everything allows you to appreciate your own gifts and contributions.
Understanding Your Unique Design
The quest for self-discovery doesn’t happen overnight. It requires exploration, reflection, and a willingness to learn about the different dimensions of intelligence. Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences presents a robust framework for understanding this concept. According to Gardner, there are eight (or even nine) distinct types of “smart”: word smart, logic-math smart, picture smart, body smart, music smart, self smart, people smart, and nature smart. Each type contributes differently to how individuals perceive and interact with the world.
Although everyone possesses all 8 kinds of smart, the degree to which these intelligences manifest differs widely among individuals. Most people have two or three intelligences that shine brighter, setting the stage for their unique contributions. Recognizing which types of intelligence resonate with you can be immensely empowering and informative, allowing you to prioritize areas where you can excel. As mentioned in the very first post to this blog, Einstein pointed out, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” The challenge lies in discovering your unique brand of smart without comparing yourself to others. If you’d like to do a quiz survey to find out what kind of smart you are go here. In reality, everyone has all 8 kinds of smart but to varying degrees. Typically a person has 2 that are considerably stronger than the others. Even if someone else has the same top 2 “smarts” as you, the relative strengths of those 2 and the blend of the other 6 make you a unique design.
Celebrating Your Individuality
While exploring the various types of smart is enlightening, the journey doesn’t end there. Even if another individual shares the same top two intelligences as you, the combination and relative strengths of all 8 types shape your individuality. As Suzy Kassem beautifully states in her book Rise Up and Salute the Sun, “Be yourself; an original is worth more than a copy.” Embracing your unique design means celebrating what makes you, YOU.
Having a clear understanding of your intelligence types gives you the confidence to approach your life’s journey authentically. The blend of your strengths influences your goals, choices, and interactions with others. By accepting and nurturing your unique abilities, you can embark on your adventure with a sense of purpose. Whether you are word smart, picture smart, or any of the other intelligence types, each attribute presents a gateway into myriad opportunities awaiting your exploration.
In conclusion, life is indeed a journey—one that deserves to be enjoyed fully, armed with the knowledge of who you are. Begin your adventure of self-discovery today and embrace the marvels of your own unique design. Ultimately, the more you understand yourself, the richer, more fulfilling your life’s narrative will be!
You Are Not A Cosmic Accident!
If you’d like to read more of Suzy Kassem, her book Rise Up and Salute the Sun is available here.
