knowing your place

You know how the phrase "man-up" got really popular and overused a few years ago in motivational speeches?  Well, I read somewhere (almost a year ago) that it should be one of the phrases that speakers should avoid. Aside from the fact that it can be sexist, the article also pointed out a few other reasons I can no longer remember.

Anyway, this year, I'm going to coin a phrase that I'll be living by. This year, instead of "manning-up" (if there's even such an action), I will be "bitchin'-up." No, it's not about being exaggeratedly aggressive over superficial matters and being "diva-like," but rather, it is about swallowing one's pride and being someone else's bitch once in a while. Of course, this only works well on the premise that you choose correctly who you are going to be a "b*tch" for.

I have learned after years and years of self-analysis that some people, including me, are not meant to lead. I know how to be a leader and I know what it takes to be a great one, but leading is just simply not my forte. Besides, I don't find satisfaction in doing so. I am, instead, a very good "support character." I make the important inputs that a leader banks on. I do the assists that make the score. And weirdly, I find that satisfying. I am an introvert. This means I find the limelight stressful, I don't crave for the general public's approval, and neither do I care about what people think of me.

The problem here is, in today's society, everybody is being groomed to be a leader. Everyone thinks that all it needs is a great leader and everything should fall into place. People think highly of "leading" jobs, such as being a manager or a politician. Everyone glorifies the person who calls the shots so everyone wants to be the one who does so. These are probably the highest-paying jobs (at least, here in our country) so everyone tries so hard to get into a similar trade. Unfortunately, like what I've said, not everyone is cut out to lead. And since they feel that it is the only way to be "successful," they try hard to be something they're not meant to be. (Update: Like me, trying to write an article spontaneously.) And some feel compelled to do so despite not really wanting to. Truth be told, this is very evident in politics and in the corporate world.

So, for a change, I will be "bitchin-up" this year. I hope others would do so too. The people who should not be leading should just back down, b*tch-up, and support the ones who do. Leaders, on the other hand, should value their supporters and give credit where it's due.

Now, I'm off to find a leader, or any other individual, whose cause I support. If anyone wants a loyal advancer, just let me know.