De-Velop

At a recent conference, I had the good fortune to experience an a-ha! moment that has kept me musing for a couple of weeks. In a keynote presentation, the speaker shared the history of the word “develop” and, specifically, how it was originally used as an antonym to the word “envelop” (to veil, cover, or wrap). This would suggest that the word “de-velop”, at its essence, means to unveil/uncover, or to discover what is hidden. This is somewhat different from how we more often use the word “develop” today, typically understood more as improving ourselves or others by adding on (e.g. new skills, more knowledge, etc.).

The reason this etymology lesson resonated so profoundly has much to do with the often unexplored truth that we as humans are brimming with untapped potential and gifts that we have yet to open within ourselves. If we look at our own growth and development as a journey to uncovering what already lies within, we often can find that the path to success and fulfillment is not nearly as arduous as perhaps we thought. It also may be more joyful!

Because we so often measure ourselves against others, it can be easy to become discouraged by comparison and focus on building skills and abilities that aren’t very natural to us just so we can “measure up”. While self-improvement and continual learning are without a doubt worthy and beneficial pursuits, it also is important to question ourselves on what will bring us the most energy and fulfillment and whether we might be able to focus on strengthening our own natural talents to achieve similar outcomes.?

If you are seeking to develop yourself or those around you, consider how you might increase awareness of inherent gifts and then hone them further through practice. An introspective (and retrospective) approach can be very helpful in building your awareness of your own, and others’, natural strengths. Start by asking:

1. If I had no limits, who would I be and what would be I doing? Free your mind of any real or perceived obstacles to your ideal state of being. If you had no limitations whatsoever, what activities might you be involved with? How would you show up in your interactions with others? The answers to these questions may give you a hint of innate gifts and strengths that are core to your deepest self. Take note!
2. When do I lose track of time (in a good way)? What type of work or activities feel so highly energizing and engaging for you that you lose track of time while doing them? Think about this question not only in the here and now, but also in the past (in childhood, in other jobs or stages of life, etc.)
3. What have others noticed about me? Think of things others have told you you are good at or do well, especially things that were surprising because they feel so natural for you that it was a surprise that others noticed. Listen for the themes in what others share and see what resonates the most.

Once you’ve spent some time with this reflection, the next step is to consider how you can put your innate gifts into practice and use them even more to create more fulfillment within your life. Think of ways you can contribute to your work, your team, your family, and your community by being more of who YOU are. And lastly, if you find that honing your own inherent strengths is having a positive effect in your life, be sure to pay it forward. Ask the same reflective questions of others in your life to help them DE-velop and unveil more of the best they have within themselves too!

Your Element Coaching supports clients who want to enhance their life and work through greater authenticity, maximization of innate strengths, and empowered accountability. If you are interested in coaching to support your success in leadership or any key area of your life, reach out at [email protected] to schedule an exploratory call.??