I was on a hike this past weekend reflecting, and thinking about my next post. I came across a hummingbird flying around a nearby bush. Intrigued by it’s beauty and iridescent wings, I began to ponder about the creature. Then it hit me and I said, “That’s it! Be like the hummingbird!”
As leaders, we constantly look for inspiration and role models. Just simply watching the hummingbird fly with such precision and speed, I realized it was a metaphor for our journeys to become leaders.
Hummingbirds can hover, fly right, left, up, down, backwards, and even upside down. They are so light and move with such elegance. How do we navigate our daily lives? Is it smooth, precise, and light? Or are we bogged down with stress, distractions, and personal baggage?
As leaders, we must be knowledgeable and wise. A hummingbird's brain is 4.2% of its body weight, the largest proportion in the bird kingdom. They are very smart birds, and can remember every flower they have been to, and how long it will take a flower to refill. What if we could remember every business decision or person we’ve met and how they’ve impacted us?
I also read that hummingbirds can flash their bright colors, as well as hide them when needed. In my opinion, this is one of the most important and overlooked traits in people. We tend to “flash our colors” either all of time or almost never. We tend to boast about our skills or ourselves, or shrink away and attempt to be invisible. What wisdom and humility to know when or not to “flash our colors!”
Lastly, not only is a hummingbird’s brain large in proportion to its body, so is its heart. What if our hearts were that big? What if we weren’t afraid to show how big our hearts are?
Looking for guidance? A role model? A simple mantra to keep you on track and inspired?
…BE THE HUMMINGBIRD!
-Dom
Inspired by Dom's post? Read "Be the First You" and celebrate your uniqueness.