The Sleeping Giants

Our society holds dear the principle of modesty. We really strive to abide by the virtue of humility, which is a good thing. However, we often cross the line and drift to unhealthy levels of modesty. ‘Is there such a thing as unhealthy modesty?’ – perhaps. You see, suppressing strengths and abilities to a point where they become rusty, so as to fit in and avoid being seen as lacking modesty is not right at all.

Maybe someone is wondering, ‘who does that?’ As a matter of fact, most gifted individuals are guilty on this one. They often tone down their strengths/abilities so as not to appear overbearing on their peers or to avoid being labeled show-offs. With time they master their act and blend in; they settle for average performance.

Our system of education is largely to blame for this due to its failure to provide differentiated learning for gifted students. From the onset, gifted learners are made to believe that what the system has availed is what is necessary. However, this notion is untrue. For instance, some of the present interventions like acceleration for high ability students overlook the fact that giftedness is not only expressed through classroom excellence. Giftedness is multifaceted; there are people who are gifted but learning disabled - without special and differentiated learning their giftedness will most likely languish.

Failure of our education system to recognize and nurture the special abilities of gifted students leaves them no option but to try and cope with the existing system. And to fit in, they chop off their excesses and move along with the system; a process that’s emotionally damaging and draining. Sadly, they grow to believe that the existing system is the ultimate gauge of achievement and anticipating more is being overambitious. They stifle their potential and end up leading average lives – in adherence to normal standards as defined by the larger society.

There is no telling how many innovations and solutions the world has missed thanks to the doctrine of (unhealthy) modesty and blind standardization of world’s systems. Life has a purpose and it’s in the process of unlocking and harnessing potential that purpose is discovered and fulfilled. A person’s achievement is not measured by how well they fit in their circumstances but by how well they harness their potential to bring positive change to their circumstances. At this point allow me to press the button.

If you’re gifted, don’t fear to stand out. Your mission on earth is as special and unique as your ‘earth checking-in moment’. Refuse to be defined by the systems of the world. Mark you, systems are developed by men who normally rely on history to coin them. Most certainly you’re not part of history; your untapped potential has not been seen yet to find a slot on the statistics. So let the systems catch up with you not the other way round. Alright? Fire up that brain and let your potential define your path. Let it flow.

One amazing aspect of giftedness is that even the gifted individual cannot foretell how much potential they harbor inside until they start expressing it. So if you believe you’re gifted, don’t allow fear to hold you back. Feeling unsure of yourself is a normal thing; sometimes all you need to do is avail yourself. Once your brain senses your preparedness, ideas will start flowing. No matter your area of interest, just ignite your brain with a ‘yes am ready attitude’ – it all begins there. Awake the sleeping giant inside of you.

The systems may not be supportive yet, but how about you trail blaze your own path. Above all, remember to keep your brain in top shape by engaging in mentally stimulating activities. Your brain is your engine and it equally requires quality service for optimal performance. Mental stimulation is the key to unlocking your brain power. Arise o thee sleeping giants!