What About the Ancestors in Me? Their Ideals, Their Sins, Their Delusions

Have you ever caught yourself making a decision, not based on logic or strategy, but because it just feels right - as though it’s hardwired into your very being? It’s moments like these that make me pause and wonder: how much of what we do today, especially in our professional lives, is influenced by patterns passed down through generations?

In the Balkans, where history feels less like a subject and more like a family member at the dinner table, this question carries weight. Our ancestors were shaped by survival, ambition, and a touch of stubbornness. Their ideals, sins, and delusions didn’t just define them - they wove themselves into the patterns of our thinking. And whether we realize it or not, these inherited traits are quietly steering our decisions - even during meetings with partners, project planning sessions, and career-defining moments.

Growing up, many of us were surrounded by stories of perseverance and principles. Perhaps your grandmother believed in fairness above all else, or your great-uncle swore by the value of hard work and keeping your promises. Ideals like these aren’t just memories; they’re blueprints for how we navigate our professional lives.

I’ve often found myself advocating for the underdog in workplace discussions, pushing for fairness in systems that feel uneven. Where does this instinct come from? Likely from the generations who fought battles (both literal and metaphorical) for justice, equality, and survival. But ideals are tricky - they can be a guiding light, but they can also weigh us down. Sometimes, the urge to fight every battle can leave us exhausted, forgetting that not every hill is worth dying on.

Let’s face it, not all ancestral legacies are noble. Every family has its quirks - and its sins. Maybe someone was too ambitious, cutting corners or prioritizing personal gain over collective good. These shadows can manifest in unexpected ways. Recognizing these inherited patterns allows us to pause, reflect, and choose better paths.

And then there’s the fascinating territory of inherited delusions. My ancestors, like yours, undoubtedly carried their fair share of grand plans that didn’t quite pan out. But there’s a certain beauty in delusion - it’s where dreams are born. Professionally, this manifests as bold risks. I’ve walked into situations where, objectively, I wasn’t the “perfect” candidate or expert. Yet, fueled by an unshakable belief that I could figure it out, I succeeded. Is that confidence delusion? Maybe. But it’s also the echo of generations who believed that fortune favors the brave - or, at least, those who are brave enough to try.

The tricky part of all this is balance. We are not our ancestors, but their patterns are alive in us. Their ideals can push us to greatness or trap us in perfectionism. Their sins can help us spot ethical red flags - or tempt us to repeat their mistakes. Their delusions can inspire bold moves - or blind us to reality.

As professionals, one of our greatest challenges is learning to distinguish between what is truly ours and what we’ve inherited. Are we fighting for a cause because it aligns with our values, or because we feel compelled to honor someone else’s? Are we taking risks because we’re visionaries, or because we haven’t paused to think critically?

What I’ve learned is that acknowledging these patterns doesn’t mean being ruled by them. Instead, it means taking the best of what our ancestors passed down - resilience, ambition, creativity - and pairing it with modern tools like reflection, collaboration, and strategy. When I look at my professional journey, I see the fingerprints of those who came before me: in the way I lead, in the projects I choose, even in how I navigate conflict. But I also see opportunities to evolve, to break cycles that no longer serve me, and to build something new.

So, the next time you’re faced with a tough decision, pause. Ask yourself: is this truly my choice? Or is it my great-grandmother’s ideals, my grandfather’s sins, or my ancestor’s grand delusions whispering in my ear? Because in that moment of awareness lies the power to honor the past while forging your own path forward. And perhaps that’s the greatest legacy of all.