Vanity vs. Value and Vision
For every action we take there is a cost and payoff. We benefit or not. We increase value in our lives or not. We add another powerful level to personal power or we tear ourselves down, creating more strife.
A few years ago I interviewed Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, a warrior in the trenches, providing shelter for victims of human trafficking and rape. During that exchange, she shared insight on doing the hard and necessary work needed to help others. One of the things she said, really hit home for me:
“You Americans care too much about how you look.”
A strong message from a strong woman.
Scan for Truth
That conversation inspired me to scan my life. That interview sequestered me to examine pride and principles and make-up over meditation. I’m a former T.V. news anchor, make-up was part of the gig, I developed habits regarding appearance and frankly it ate up a lot of time. Post T.V. news, I didn’t need or want to spend time gluing lashes and lining my lips. I wanted to strengthen spirituality and create a space more important things.
I changed some habits. I looked more closely at where I was spending my time. For three days, I charted the time spent on each activity. I was amazed to see how off my priorities were. A little bit here scrolling Instagram and a little bit there styling my hair easily turned into an hour. Precious time.
I made changes by tracking my daily actions with cell phone alarms. As a reminder, I made a short list on what (or who) was most important that day and I stuck to my promise to be more present.
Here’s what I’ve learned about vanity and value. Use these THREE QUESTIONS as a guide to stay in alignment with the person you are destined to become!
Explore Heart Happiness: 4 Questions
My heart's happiness needed deep exploration. I zoomed in and asked:
What or who was I investing my joyfulness in and why?
What is vision without a strategic system to back it up?
What about pride and vanity, how do my morals measure against my true actions… the things I do /say when no one is watching?
Did I flee big goals in order to stay safe and look good or appear perfect?
I like the bells and whistles of being a girl. I’m cool with the shoe addition that began with my grandmother’s open-toe, black patent leather slip-ons, but this habit can’t outnumber what really matters….can it? No, not if we want a life of substance. Everything has its place.
Align for Vision
I know you’re all about getting better, learning more and living a ridiculously amazing life and it starts within, not at the lip stick counter or on a scale.
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Raquel Eatmon is a Be Bold Accomplice, Keynote Speaker and Author of Beyond Enough How to Lead with Your Whole Self. For over a decade she has produced the Woman of Power Leadership Conference for high potentials. She is challenging audiences to live and lead bolder lives through strategic risk taking rituals. Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn