Transforming Ordinary to Extraordinary

By Michelle Manning-Kogler

As I was looking through some old files, I found this article that was originally published in Tribal Woman Magazine. I thought, “Who wrote this?” And was quite surprised that is was ME! lol I thought I’d recycle it and share it with you, because it is so relevant today.

[The] “Extraordinary Men” edition of Tribal Woman Magazine really got me thinking about what makes a person – men or women – “extraordinary.”

The dictionary defines extraordinary as: exceptional in character, amount, extent, degree, etc.; noteworthy; remarkable: extraordinary speed; an extraordinary man.

My thesaurus also says extraordinary means: strange and wonderful, amazing, fantastic, incredible, marvelous, rare, special, or unique.

But what is the essence of being extraordinary? And why would anyone want to become that? Is it something that we are born with, that we strive to achieve, or that we accidentally stumble upon? Is it something that we innately yearn to be? Is it something we learn, or simply are? Can you be extraordinary in one area of your life and not in others?

In my family, striving for perfection or excellence was a prized commodity. We were highly praised for good grades, or great performances. When we spoke or sang on stage we practiced until it was “perfect.” That kind of positive expectation and feedback helped nurture the desire I believe I innately had for creating something of great value. It gave me a sense of value and was a yardstick for measuring success.

In contemplating what it takes to create an extraordinary life, I wondered what internal or external characteristics were required in make that type of transformation. What makes a person the very best in their careers, in their communities, in their personal lives, in the world?

Many of the people featured in this edition [of Tribal Woman Magazine] and in other editions have become exceptional or extraordinary in some specific way.

They have risen to the top because of their unfailing service to others. Some have become leaders in business and industry. Some have had great determination to break through personal difficulties to create healthy, whole lives and show others how to they can achieve success, too.

Others, because of their forward thinking and innovation, make the world a better place for others. And still others are exceptional because they know how to deeply and unconditionally love.

So is there a specific set of criteria in order to become an extraordinary person?

I believe that everyone has an innate ability to become extraordinary through their full alignment with their unique gifts and talents. It doesn’t really matter what you do for a living. You may be a small farmer, a musician, health care worker, a veterinarian, a housekeeper, a bus driver, the president of a multi-national corporation, a famous speaker or or singer, a best-selling author or an live a quiet life of spiritual service to others. It doesn’t matter so much what you do, but how you do it.

Here are a list of traits that I have found exceptional people have in common:

They take personal responsibility for everything in their lives. They don’t blame others for their perceived failures or allow anything to stop them from realizing their dreams and desires.
They are determined to succeed and be the very best they can be. They have a great passion for what they do and want to share it with the world.
They are life-long learners. They know that learning keeps their passion alive and their brains sharp and strong. New and innovative ideas spring from learning new things. Extraordinary people thrive on education.
They are competent and dependable. They show up when others give up. They are willing to go that extra mile to provide outstanding service, and always get the job in and under budget whenever possible.
They have great personal and professional integrity. They always tell the truth, they are honest and impeccable in their behavior with everyone.
They are willing to admit their mistakes or failures and make things right. They don’t expect others to pick up or cover up for them.
They are open and willing to be vulnerable. When someone is open and willing to be vulnerable, you are allowed to see the real person inside, which creates a strong bond of trust.
They are trustworthy with time, money, other people’s feelings and belongs.
They have a warmth and focus when connecting with people that makes others feel special and secure.
They are generous with their time, abilities, and wealth, expecting nothing in return. Exceptional people know that the more they give, the more they receive.
They are dedicated to something greater than themselves. They are committed to contributing to the world and leaving it a better place.
They have a belief in themselves and in a Higher Being/God/Higher Power/ Source. It doesn’t matter what name you choose, it is a belief in and alignment with Something Greater than ourselves.
They are willing to explore their deepest pain and fears in order to heal their lives and become whole, healthy, and extraordinary.
They enjoy a challenge. Finding a solution is stimulating and an opportunity for innovation.
They communicate well. They clearly disseminate information and are able to break down complex subjects into easily understood concept. They are concise in their speech and writing.
They listen well. They hear not only what is being said, but what is not being said. They intuit the deeper meaning of what they are being told and ask clear, concise questions to come to a full understanding of what is being communicated.
They love deeply and unconditionally. They are willing to say I’m sorry to their loved ones as well as to acquaintances, and admit when they’ve made mistakes.
They respect other people’s time, space and belongings. They respect others for their innate humanity and value them for their individuality.
They respect and honor nature and the earth. They are dedicated to preserving our natural resources and cleaning up the environment whenever they can.
They honor and respect the beliefs and traditions of others, and are dedicated to peaceful co-existence in the world. They have open minds, hearts and souls and are willing to see others viewpoints. They are not threatened by others beliefs, as there is always room for deeper understanding and cooperation.

So I ask you:

What can you do to break through the glass ceiling of ordinary into extraordinary?
How can you challenge yourself to become exceptional at what you do – I mean even more exceptional than you really are?
How can you provide outstanding customer service, create outstanding leadership, or greater love for yourself and others?
In what ways can you inspire others to become extraordinary at what they do?
Can you allow yourself to feel vulnerable and find the inner determination put yourself out there so that you can shine your unique gifts and talents to positive impact the world?
Are you willing to align with your powerful Self, and with your Higher Power to infuse your success with love, integrity, passion, and respect for all in order to fully succeed – both in business and life?

I challenge you this month to take some time to gently and thoroughly look at your personal and professional life. Honestly assess your strengths, your gifts and talents, as well as your weaknesses. No judgment! Just take stock and determine one area of your life or business that you can work on to make it outstanding.

Whatever you are called to do, determine that you will find ways to do it exceptionally.

Never give up on your dreams. Take time to love yourself and those around you as you build your business or career, and care for your family. Take care to nurture and expand your gifts and talents. You brought them with you into this life for a reason. Aligning fully with what you love to do uplifts the whole world and gives permission for others to do the same.

As you take on your exceptional life, you inspire others and give them permission to be exceptional too. By being exceptional you help make this world an even better place to be.

Countless Blessings,

Michelle

You can get a copy of Michelle’s Connecting With Divine Core Center Meditation and free chapter of her best-selling book, Quantum Soul Clearing – Healing the Scars Life Leaves on the Soul. Go to www.quantumsoulclearing.com/free-gift