Wisdom
Wisdom isn’t something we talk about often. It’s sometimes hard to define. The word often implies old, archaic, and wizened. When we think of wisdom, we may have an image of hoary- haired grandparent types sitting in rocking chairs. I’d like to challenge our image and have us look at wisdom as a process that starts today.
Wisdom is an important word to me. “Why?” you ask. Whether it’s the knight from Indiana Jones and the Holy Grail saying, “You have chosen wisely,” or my readings from the book of Proverbs, I’ve learned wisdom is something born and grown within us over time. It’s not static, it doesn’t just happen, it’s chosen.
What is Wisdom?
As I think about the characteristics of wisdom, it’s knowledge and experience gained over time. It’s a sense of humility. It’s a state of being with other people. Here are a few examples.
Wisdom born of knowledge and experience begins the first time we do something foolish and see the consequences. We can choose to learn from those experiences and do things differently or we can repeat our mistakes and repeat the same or multiplying consequences.
One of my first experiences with wisdom was swimming at a public pool, leaving my wallet in my locker, and having the money stolen out of my locker while I swam. Wisdom taught me that not everyone is honest and I shouldn’t assume others will treat me as I treat them.
Wisdom is also experience gained over time. When a friend’s dad died while we were in college, I didn’t go to the funeral or send a card. I was scared and nervous about saying the right thing and about not knowing the right things to say.
After my mom died, I learned the importance of simply saying, “I’m sorry. This hurts.” When people grieve, wisdom asks us to simply be with others where they are at. It’s a hug, a smile, a tissue offered.
Wisdom is Humility
Wisdom comes from being there for others, and it also comes from knowing I don’t have all the right words to say. I don’t know all the right things to do. Wisdom of that sort is seen in steeped in humility.
Humility comes with confidence stemmed in knowing you are enough, no matter what mistakes you’ve made. You have value and worth, not because of your success but because of your humanness.
Humility is wisdom stemming from your experience that shows you have just as much chance of screwing up as anyone else. It’s wisdom that gives you the knowledge to choose a different path.
Who We Want To Be Starts Now
One of my goals is that by the time my body reaches our mental picture of wisdom, my heart and mind will also have matured in wisdom to match. I have a long road ahead and hopefully enough years to practice this life of wisdom. But wisdom tells me there’s no guarantee. I get today, so if I want to be wise, it begins fresh each morning.
My challenge this week – think about what values and characteristics you want to be remembered for. How can you live out today in a way that will create a life legacy of who you want to be?
Vistage chair, keynote speaker, trainer, and consultant, Sarah Gibson, helps organizations leverage the power of communication, teamwork, and diversity to improve engagement and transform teams.
If you are a CEO or know a CEO who would benefit from a peer advisory group, please contact Sarah at Sarah.Gibson@VistageChair.com. To inquire about her speaking programs, please visit www.sarahjgibson.com.
