Sage of Truth a.k.a Straight, No Chaser!

Since we're all on the search for the Extraordinary Life, we have to remember that we can't get there alone.  A large part of what makes a life extraordinary is the certainty that we've improved many more lives than we've harmed.   So, I'm going to run a series of posts about people we meet that guide us towards the Extraordinary Life.  I like to call them Sages.  Also, I'll add a little extra treat at the end.

*Note:  I'm a nerd and I really wanted to use "sage" in this post.  You don't have call them sages... to their faces, but its recommended  Now, on to the first Sage...*

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Sage of Truth

The Who?

The Sage of Truth (SoT), as evidenced by the title, doesn't hold punches.  Their role is to "see" you; to give you the God honest Truth, straight no chaser, whether it hurts like a mutha or not.  Trust me, we all need this.  Now, just so you're prepared, there is a good chance that you won't be friends with or particularly "like" this Sage and that's perfectly acceptable.  But you must, (let me slap another "must" in bold and caps, this is important), you MUST respect them.

But Why?

If you're anything like me, you've been you so long you can't even see you doing you...  *ahem* In other words, your habits and their consequences are so entrenched that one of two things happen: 1. The consequences happen so often that you become blind to them.  You live blissfully unable to see your impact. -or-  2. You accept them as an essential part of you.  This is when you say things like, "Well, that's just me! Take it or hate it!"

Some people will read this and say things like, "You can't please everybody and some people are just impossible to please," and they are absolutely correct.  This is why it is a must MUST that you respect this Sage.  When the SoT says, "Hey, uh... you're starting to act like an ass," that's a hint that you may just need to wipe.

So How?

Whether you realize it or not, the SoT is always nearby.  That's just how the world works.  Your job is to identify him/her.  If you already have yours, keep them close!  Cultivate that relationship.  If you don't have one, here are two tips to help guide your search:

1. This person will often not be anything like you.  While you may successfully rationalize to someone with a similar worldview and temperament, the sage will see right through you.  
2. This person doesn't drop Truth and then leave.  There is fine line between someone giving you Truth and someone just being critical.  This person delivers the message and then helps you troubleshoot it.  Remember, all sages are there to promote growth.  If you get an email that says, "Your report is bad.  Do it again" yeah, that is unsagely behavior.

Last thing about this sage; you want more than one of them.  It's a good idea to have a SoT in every area of your life i.e. personal, professional, etc.  You may be a different person in different settings.  Do the work to have this sage exist in all the circles you do.  

And now, your challenge!...

Challenge!

Remember, the Extraordinary Life is nothing but a series of Ordinary Decisions that develop into habits; so let's practice Gratitude.  If you have a Sage of Truth that has helped you make your life more Extraordinary, take the time to tell them so and thank them for their influence.  Contact them anyway you want, but be specific.  Let them know you appreciate them for the Truth they give you.  

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Ok. I'm spent.  Thanks for your time and I'll see you at the next post!