I like to go through life as a seeker of information, not only for my own progress but to help others. I devour books and usually I am reading 4 at a time! When I do not know the answer, I will go within to find it. That’s what I do here at Manifested Harmony … I help people tap into their own wisdom. Even though I have 3 master certifications in energy therapies, that does not mean that I’m a master of the Universe (hmmmm, that would be fun!) and I certainly do not know everything. But my inner voice is very wise if I take the time to listen.
So I must confess two things that I see in the quest for self-improvement: (1) the Fast Food Questioner and (2) “The Know-It-All.”
A Fast Food Questioner is someone who craves information, wants immediate answers and results, does not have patience to let things unfold, and blindly relies far too much on information provided and interpreted by others. These people are on a fast track for self-improvement and do not have patience to recognize the good that they already have. They want self-improvement now and a quick fix. I have learned that what works for one person does not necessarily work for me. What is lacking for the Fast Food Questioner is that they do not slow down to look within to find the answers that are solely meant for their self-improvement. Maybe they are a little afraid of listening to their inner voice (helpful hint: it’s always helpful and right!) This is why I tell my students to absorb what resonates with them and to disregard what does not. Just because I share something that has worked for me or a client does not mean that it will 100% work for someone else. This is why choosing a teacher is a very personal experience; you want to resonate with their teachings and feel comfortable to question and veer onto an untraveled side path with their support.
So this gets us to the Know-It-All. This is someone who may be a recognized expert in their field, and they do not hesitate to let everyone know. Or maybe they just think they know all of the answers. Don’t get me wrong … I’m a big fan of people who study a subject and work diligently to become an expert in their field. An expert is far different than being a Know-It-All. A Know-It-All is someone who charges ahead with their information and you can either hop aboard the information train with them, or be left behind in a cloud of dust. They have one set opinion and you’re not shaking them from it. My way or the highway is the bumper sticker on their car. I have encountered many Know-It-Alls along my path (many who studied hard to learn their craft, and others who just like to espouse their strong opinions).
What I notice is that experts share their knowledge with humility, compassion and flexibility (there’s more than one way to hit a baseball), whereas Know-It-Alls have an unbending way of teaching (do it this way or else it’s wrong). For a Fast Food Questioner, they may blindly follow the Know-It-All because they want answers now and do not take the time to ask “does this teacher and the information resonate with me? Will this work for me?” This is where Fast Food Questions and Know-It-All answers collide, and the carnage is not pleasant to watch.
What if you are a Fast Food Questioner or a Know-It-All? Here’s a piece of advice from my inner voice (who was quite persistent in asking me to write this blog!!): (1) If you’re a Fast Food Questioner, keep your thirst for knowledge alive, and begin to discern information through a lens of what is best for you. Don’t take information blindly; take your time and let the answers sink in; absorb what you (and only you) need to know. And remember, improvement is a process, not an event. Don’t worry so much about “fixing” yourself and, instead, shift the focus to being grateful for each day, and being the best that you can be every day (knowing that you’re already pretty great!) (2) If you are a Know-It-All, be proud of your expertise and accomplishments (if you’ve earned them through diligent study and practice), and consider the possibility that there is more than one way to do something and varying interpretations of information. Travel back to the core reason of why you chose to become knowledgeable in a given area. It’s most likely because you want to help people, right? So with that in mind, be an approachable resource (rather than a force), don’t engage in one-upmanship with your brilliance, and be supportive of your flock.
My students and clients ask the best questions which challenges me to seek out various solutions (not just one way) while supporting them to decide what is in their best interest. That’s the fun part of being a teacher, an expert or whatever you want to label yourself.
Just remember that there is a fine line between being an expert and being a Know-It-All. Which energy would you rather put out? Bottom line … keep seeking, look within for answers that are already there, and keep an open mind. This way we can all learn from each other! After all, we’re all in the classroom called Life on Earth, so let’s all enjoy it!
Want to learn how to tap into your brilliance using the Law of Attraction? Take my online You are Your Thoughts 5-part class and receive a solid foundation to understanding how you can manifest with the Law of Attraction.
Inspiredly yours,
About Allie Phillips:
Allie is a unique combination of self-empowerment coach (Certified Law of Attraction Counselor and Life Coach), energy therapist (Usui Reiki Master-Teacher, Integrated Energy Therapy Master-Instructor, and Advanced Crystal Master), award-winning book author, attorney and nationally-recognized animal advocate. Whether it’s wanting more freedom, creativity, loving relationships, financial security, wellbeing, relaxation, or adjusting to the energy of our new world … she looks at each person and animal holistically and creates a well-being plan. She holistically combines these methods to help people gain control of their lives and to help animals live with comfort in our hectic world. It worked for her and will work for you! She particularly loves helping our animal companions because for those of us who have them grace our worlds, they are our soul mates.
Join in on the fun!
Love it!