Don’t look up to anybody. Though often disguised/excused as humility to learn & respect, looking up to people stems from a lack of self-empowerment or identity. If someone has more wisdom than you in something, look at them as a role model for knowledge, guidance, etc. but don’t put them on a pedestal. By all means humble yourself to learn from them, but get on their level while doing it.

It’s odd; the cliché/advice growing up is to “not look down on anybody” – But the looking up part is rarely addressed. Which is funny because if people’s eyes are meeting – someone has to be looking down if one person is looking up. In society today, many people view others from different heights. To feel empowered, too many people feel like they have to be above others & this race to get higher on this power pole is silly. Don’t run towards the (imaginary) staircase to get higher when there’s an elevator that everybody has the code for.

Though the above quote stands alone, Bill Russell – the greatest champion in the history of team sports (11 Rings) – exemplifies it. During the 1960’s and onward during racial/judgmental tension, Russell fought for his rights, dignity, and took a backseat to nobody. He was his own person. At the same time, Russell’s humility/heart led him to be devoid of any selfish personal ego on the basketball court or in life. I’m not writing a Russell Biography here, but research the man, look at him, and you’ll gain more perspective into (t)his mindset (3 Hour Interview!).

This isn’t just a fluffy idea that sounds good. Really think about how you view people and ultimately yourself. People look at other people (and themselves) unconsciously, so awareness is the first step.

And to preview a future post, this looking at people mentality leads to the fact that you are the greatest and weakest person on earth. You’re tied for both titles. And that awareness should influence everything about yourself – your heart, your mind, & your actions.