Me and My Twin: Story of Our Uniqueness

My Twin brother and I had exactly same background - but almost 50 year later, we are soooooo totally different!

He is a corporate guy, really happy with his work and super successful with 4 patents on his name.

I on the other hand, almost always felt like a misfit in the corporate world and always felt drawn to a different calling - not that I knew what it was.

He was a 9.2 CGPA at IIT Kanpur, and well - let me not dwell on my academics - let us say, I somehow manager through my MNNIT Allahabad journey in 1990-94.

He ended up being a quiet, reserved guy with an exceptional eye for details.

I on the other hand ended up as people person with strong strategic perspective on everything!

How did it happen?

It will probably surprise you as well to see below the marked difference on how we ended up having totally difference perspective of a significant event in our life.

And through this story, I am hoping that you would get an insight on how you too can tap into your one story that has created the uniqueness inside you.

And who knows, it can start a powerful journey!!

In 1983, there was a massive 2-3 months long blockade in JK Synthetics Kota by the blue collar workers asking for more income/better conditions.

As a 10 year old then, I remember my huge colony (housing over 2000 people) totally blocked.

Every night, there were rounds of the officers, the white collar workers, who roamed about every street to ensure trouble free time.

Also, every night, there was a huge queue for picking up essentials like bread, eggs, milk just near to the entry gate.

I remember those evenings vividly.

I spoke to my twin a few months back and asked him how he felt at that time.

Much to my surprise, he said, he distinctly remember feeling very scared and unsafe.

He remembered people talking in whispers and seriously concerning discussions. He also remembers all the inconvenience we had!

My recollection was almost totally opposite!

I recall being in awe of so many people helping us - whether the food lines or all the "uncles" walking through the night.

I feel my "Contribution" gene got a nice boost in those days. :-)

Here is an amazing insight I got.

My twin was a detailed guy - in school, in his stuff, his future education, his job - everywhere!

I was not - I was macro and ignored the specifics as it suited my fantasy at the time!

Where he saw the trouble because of what he heard, I only saw a pattern of togetherness.

Wrong or right is not the deal here - I do believe if I had focused on WHAT people were saying, I too would have been concerned!

But instead, my focus (rather shallow - but suited me none-the-less) made me see a different picture than most did!

Looking back and connecting the dots, I was always that guy who just didn't worry about the specifics or details but loved the macro picture.

Obviously this didn't always serve me well - but as I gained experience in life, this has created a very strong strategic perspective in almost every single aspect of my life.

And I have learnt to leverage others better than me for the details that I lack.

As a result, I am able to literally solve ANY issue that my coaching clients have in their life. I just have options and alternatives ready for them.

Whereas my life partner and business partner Shilpa, is able to go dig deeper for things that need that - and this creates formidable and unmatchable magic in our abilities to create results for our coaching clients.

So my core message here is:

Your uniqueness has evolved for a reason. Do NOT fight it.

Let that flow.

Let Your Strengths Be The Core of Your Drive.

Since this is my personal story, I am deeply interested in knowing about your takeaway.

But more importantly, your own thoughts about possible blockers that are not allowing you to tap into your strengths.

For that I have created this confidential google doc for you to share your thoughts on what is stopping you from tapping into your strengths.

Google Doc - What Works Against Your Strengths

Have a GREAT DAY!