My daughter is reading the classic novel A Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Being one of my favorite books, I grabbed my copy and started reading along.
The character introduced has a wild imagination to the extent that he is out of touch with reality. He overestimates his abilities, especially in the area of alchemy.
As time goes on, things get more outrageous, to the point where their family and the village move further and further from their founding principles.
Aware of my own grandiose propensity, I connect with the guy. It makes me contemplate my perspective, and I don’t have an accurate view of reality.
Talking today with a fellow traveler, we discussed the area of self-deception. He helped me realize that our delusions prevent us from helping people.
My career in sales has shown me how self-centered I can be. I can push my agenda, to the point of manipulation, to get what I want. This is objectifying people, using them for my own purposes. At this point, I no longer see them as people, with hopes and dreams and family to love.
As I move into a coaching role, encouraging people to step into what makes them come alive, I’m reminding myself that it is not all about me.
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