Stretch Your Boundaries & Enjoy New Experiences

by Akiko Mikami

Have you ever encountered an unexpected feedback about yourself? 

We all know feedback usually contains both positive and negative comments, but I believe what develops us most is a positive one, especially something we have not been aware of ourselves. I think such feedback could help us find hidden strengths and enrich our life. 

Let me share one of my experiences. It happened very long time ago when I even did not know what self-awareness is. However, I always evoke this memory every time I am given assignments, especially which I believe I am not good at, and I feel like running far away. 

My homeroom teacher at 4th grade made me speak in front of all students and teachers on the first day of a semester. The school had about 1000 students.  

I was genuinely a quiet person. So, “I wanted to refuse her suggestion, but I did not have a courage to say no” kind of situation must have been there back then. I rarely opened my mouth to express something at school. Even at home, I was very quiet. I remember one of my teachers wrote “Akiko did not say a word whole 3 months” in a report card. Naturally, it was “no way!” for me to climb up to the stage and speak out loud in front of people! 

Putting aside my quietness, the homeroom teacher may have seen something in me. 

The day of the speech, I remember I was not frightened at all. I could see people’s face expressions clearly from the stage and calmly deliver my speech without glancing at my cheat sheet. It was an eye-opening experience for me.  This opportunity opened a completely different perspective. 

You may think you are a well self-aware person, but are you sure you can see yourself objectively? 

An important attitude is to stay open to how you are perceived by others, because sometimes others know you better. They may see our potential strengths we have not been aware of. 

Having said that, I still feel fear when I make a change, even a small change. 

I took on a new role as a Training & Development Coordinator in APAC this year. I was afraid to take it, but I managed to gather up courage to start working on the new responsibility. It is challenging, but I am enjoying working with T&D members, thanks to the well-collaborated team and assistance from my supervisors. 

Gentle push with warm encouragement could open someone’s new door to explore unknown potential area for future development. I would like to be a person who could uncover someone’s hidden strengths and provide continuous support for their future growth.