I went away for the weekend with a few girlfriends for some much needed R&R. As one would expect, we had so many different conversation topics from kids and college to politics and religion and everything in between. But there was one topic that really kept me thinking long after our talk was over—pedestals.

Have you ever put someone on a pedestal? Think of that person now. Did you put them there because of their job title or was it their ivy league education or their degree? Or was it simply how they dress, the car they drive, or the home they live in? Regardless of why, putting people on pedestals is never a good thing. There is a fine line between inspiration and idolization.

Let’s visualize the pedestal—that person is now towering over us, eliminating the level playing field. We have created a superior/inferior relationship and they never asked to be up there. We’ve highlighted their excellence while also highlighting our imperfections and unworthiness, and here lies the problem. Nobody belongs on a pedestal; we all have challenges. Use this person as real human inspiration while realizing how innately worthy we are of our own dreams. Without the pedestal, we can make this all about self-empowerment, and that’s exactly what we are looking for. Let’s agree, no more pedestals!

With Gratitude,
Beth