Be proud of who, and of what you are. Be proud of your skills.  Not only should you be proud, you should also use those skills in service to others.

P was discussing with me the fact she was considering taking on a challenge that was offered to her. The last time she took a like challenge she was concerned, as some were upset with her that she held them accountable to their commitment. Well, all the more reason why she was asked again to take on a big challenge. All the more reason why she should say yes.

People see your talents and seek you out for them. Be proud, use your talents to accomplish what needs to be done today.

I'm like P, I hold people accountable. That has served me well in many ways. Yet, better than serving me, it has served the charity well.

One person said, "Russell Shippee is the one who is primarily responsible for pushing me to get this story in print. Russell can nag better, with love, than anyone I know!"   The benefit is the world now has a great book that many will enjoy.  

I raised funds for the Providence Ronald McDonald House years ago and at the end of the successful capital campaign I was given a book entitled Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun and inscribed 'In recognition of your own special leadership style'.  Some would be offended. Me, I was proud.  I was using my talent to serve a case I believed in.

Stand tall and be proud of your talents, of what you can do. Don't hide your talents. We all have talents, and yours are not mine, and mine are not yours.  Use the talents you have to serve others. In serving others, you will serve yourself.

Winston Churchill said, 'We make a living by what we earn. We make a life by what we give."   Give of yourself, give of your talents, using them in service to others.

I'm writing this article in November and Thanksgiving in the USA is rapidly approaching.  Our family tradition is to go around the table each year and ask each person what they have accomplished  and made them proud this year. Everyone expects the question and everyone works all year to be sure they have something worthwhile to say. This way everyone wins, the person themselves and those they help.

Why not try it at your Thanksgiving table? Ask each person, "What did you accomplish this year?" "What did you do that makes you proud?"

The first year you ask will be challenging and you might embarrass someone. But, next year they will be ready. They will have done something in preparation for your questions.

Guess what? Everyone wins. Everyone will feel good having something to be proud of.