Haven't we all wanted to be "The One Who Does Everything Well"  "The One Everyone Admires" or maybe "The One Who Does It All"???

I have. 

In my life I've met a lot of people who are "SuperPeople" – people who seem to have it all – families, children, advanced school work, full-time careers, active volunteer work…  They do SO much!   But every time I've tried to be a SuperPerson…I've fallen flat on my face.  Instead of being this amazing, organized, together, productive person, I become exhausted and grouchy and out of control.  Oh yes…and fat.

It seems that my SuperPerson marvelous-stretch-lycra-form-fitting outfit just doesn't look as good on me as it does on the Super Heroes of my childhood.  Wonder Woman was hot in her red, white, and blue spandex.  I am best off in cotton.  I juggle eggs and break 'em all.  And to top it off, my children and husband suffer every time I put on my tiara and march around like Queen of the Universe. 

So why is it that people keep trying to be a SuperPerson?  First, I think that it's because we admire these folks excessively.  From the outside looking in SuperPeople are awesome.  But heir lycra suits aren't what they are cracked up to be.  It gets very hot inside one of those suits…itchy, sweaty…ugh!

Second, I think that we're taught that this is desirable.  It's drilled into our heads that doing "it all" is the only way to be a good person.  But this isn't true at all.  Actually, specialists tend to produce more and get more done.

Surgeons know this.  How many brain surgeons also handle liver transplants?  And how many endocrinologists will also set your broken arm…you know – the one that you got when you tried to balance on all of those circus balls of life?   

How many college foreign language professors also teach kindergarten and then toss in a little bit of Algebra II just to prove they can?  How many swimming instructors leave their young students alone in the pool so that they can conduct a real estate transaction?

It is not possible to specialize in everything, nor is it possible to do everything all at once.  Know your dream.  Know your vision.  Know your strengths.

The next time you look at a SuperPerson, remember that they are probably faking it.  Inside, they are most likely exhausted, confused, and frustrated.  It's likely that they are burying their troubles with a flurry of activity.  And although they look ever so efficient and wonderful from the outside, it is likely that their closest relationships are suffering from a lack of attention.

In order to be a true SuperPerson….specialize.

The recipe for being a real SuperPerson is found in the power of the number three.  Pick your top three items and be the very best at each.  Be a specialist and let go of the rest for now. 

Start today. 

Alisa Griffis

Author:

The Power of Three:  Managing Life in a Hectic World